It’s the battle for the basement in the ACC, as Syracuse and Wake Forest were picked to finish last and second to last in the ACC in some order by most publications before the season. And for the Orange, it’s a big game early in the season. So let’s get to the keys to getting the Orange a win.
- Eric Dungey
This was obvious right? He steps in for Hunt and the Orange offense doesn’t even skip a beat, and probably got on track, against Rhode Island. The true frosh was all right in game one, impressive due to him being a true freshman and the situation, but on a regular basis, what he did against Rhode Island will not be enough. Dungey did basically what was asked of him, however this week he may need to throw the ball more. Dungey threw just 17 passes against URI and that got the job done because the Orange was ahead for much of the game and wanted to keep the clock moving. It will be interesting to see how he—and Tim Lester—reacts if the Orange gets behind and he needs to throw the ball more.
- The Running Game
Who takes hold of the running back position? Devante McFarlane is set to come back this week after sitting out the season opener. Jordan Fredericks was incredibly impressive in the opener, even winning ECAC Rookie of the Week—for whatever that’s worth. Jacob Hill put together some nice runs in garbage time, Dontae Strickland had a rushing touchdown, and let’s not forget that George Morris II started the game and performed well picking up more than 70 yards. So the Orange have a good problem with so many options, it will be interesting to see how Lester and Coach Scott Shafer decide to use all the options in the ACC opener.
- Turnover Battle
Win the turnover battle again. 4 turnovers? Probably not going to happen again this week, but get a couple and limit your own. At the end of the day, the team that wins the turnover battle usually wins the game. The SU defense still has plenty to prove as a young unit, and helping the Orange to an ACC win would help.
- How does the Defense Follow up Last Week?
The defense was incredible last week, albeit against Rhode Island. Zaire Franklin started laughing in the post game press conference when asked about the success because a reporter told Franklin the Orange held the Rams to 0 rushing yards through 3 quarters. Overall, Rhode Island tallied just 64 yards in the game. Yes, it’s Rhode Island, but if the Orange can keep the Wake Forest offense under wraps, then it may really provide a glimpse at what the unit can be.
- Don’t Forget the Orange Jerseys
Finally. Orange jerseys for the Orange. It only makes sense that Syracuse would wear Orange and this is the first chance we get to see SU decked out in the color. Orange helmets, Orange jerseys, Orange pants. Head to toe. It will be a sight not seen in the Dome in a while.
2 responses to “Fizz 5: Keys to the Game Against Wake Forest”
Good morning Seth;
This is how I see the game unfolding and Eric Dungey leading the team to win #2. We didn’t see the use of the tight ends or use the triple option plays at all against Rhode Island.
Can you imagine running the triple option with Devante McFarlane and George Morris II coming out of the backfield. What about Jordan Fredericks and Dontae Strickland teaming up to run some of those triple option plays. I believe our receivers are going to be ok and help move the team north and south instead of east and west. We have Ervin Phillips, Steve Ishmael that will have big games this week. We have tight ends Trey Dunkelberger, Jacob Green, PJ Batten, Kendall Moore, Josh Parris, Cameron MacPherson that should get some playing time.
And most of all we currently have the #1 defensive unit in the land ready to prove that last week wasn’t a fluke.
What I’m trying to say Seth is that Syracuse has a lot of different options at it disposal which should make for a very exciting game come Saturday afternoon in dome.
Hey Ron,
Good to hear from you again. I think you make some good points. A lot of weapons that we haven’t seen yet through the passing game. I think that Ishmael will become a much bigger weapon as the season goes on, as I mentioned, there wasn’t much reason to pass too much during the Rhode Island game other than to see what Dungey could do. I like the idea of the option, but don’t know how much a part of the offense it will be now that Dungey is running the SU offense and now Hunt. The option was going to be a huge part of the Tim Lester offense with Hunt steering the ship, not sure if it will be as big now with Dungey, and that’s just based on what Shafer said after the game Friday. This game should be interesting, a game you want to win if you are SU because you want to prove that you are better than WF and therefore not the worst team in the ACC, so I’m interested to see how they respond. As far as the defense, I think the unit has a lot of upside, but I want to see them do it again, and perform well against an ACC team and Central Michigan next weekend before I say that it is a GREAT unit and before I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, but they have the chance to be very good.
Keep reading and commenting,
Seth