As LSU prepared to visit the Carrier Dome, most Syracuse fans feared the worst. The Tigers were huge favorites on the road against an Orange squad that was down to a walk-on quarterback. But something interesting happened. That huge blowout most expected never materialized. Yes, LSU walked away with a win. But SU walked away with something as well. Respect.
As ESPN.com noted,¬†most of the nation was shocked as the Orange pulled to within a touchdown in the second half of a team that has national title aspirations. The key, as always for the Tigers, was Leornard Fournette. The Orange simply had no answers for him – and not many schools do. It’s why he’s a lead candidate for the Heisman Trophy, and already being compared to one of the greats of all-time.
This was the 5th straight game for the running back where he went over the century mark, and it was the second straight week he hit 200-yards. With every game, and every effort, Fournette is breaking school records.¬†As My Top Sportsbooks alluded to -¬†here¬†you can read the full analysis -¬†this matchup looked on paper like it would be an easy LSU win. And maybe the early start hurt them, the long travel couldn’t have helped either. But the Orange played plucky football, it just¬†didn’t have an answer for the LSU bayou bengal who could end up being a top pick in the NFL Draft.¬†
 
The SEC will be a minefield for the Tigers. In the West, Ole Miss looks to be the class right now after beating Alabama two weeks ago. Of course, the Rebels will have to deal with LSU on its own in a few weeks. Texas A&M has also looked terrific this season, so the division is stacked with elite teams. 
 
The East will get a great measuring stick of where Georgia is at on Saturday. The Bulldogs host the Tide, and if Mark Richt’s can pull off the win, it will send a loud¬†statement nationally. This is¬†the first time in more than 70 games¬†Alabama is an underdog. Tide players have already admitted this week that’s extra motivation for them.¬†
 
Syracuse couldn’t keep up with Fournette and the Tigers, but that’s okay. Not many programs can. So the Orange will now set it sights on the ACC schedule, and an attempt to return to a bowl game. While LSU steamrolls ahead to a possible playoff appearance.¬†
2 responses to “Looking Back: Syracuse Lost the Game, But Earned Respect”
what makes Leornard Fournette so valuable is that he understands the game and what it takes to win. Without him on the team LSU would have lost that game on Saturday to Syracuse.
Ron Thompson was about to sack their QB for a loss, Leornard Fournette realized that he was in trouble ran to his aide received a lateral and ran for 70-80 yards to pay dirt. On another play LSU returned a punt for a touchdown. Don’t get me wrong here LSU is a very good team,but I think they’re a little overrated. The missed field goal at the end of the 2nd quarter didn’t do Syracuse good either.
Syracuse not only got some respect from this game but I feel their confidence believing in their abilities and what they feel this team can accomplish jumped 1000%. I predicted an 8-4 record for them this year, I’ve looked at and compared stats to the other 8 teams that they will face this year and I honestly believe that they have a chance of going 9-3 or 10-2 and a bowl game
The players led by a walk-on QB) are pumped and all feel that they should have won the game. Believing that and have confidence in their ability to compete with anyone in the country IS PRICELESS and I expect good things to happen this year, starting with the UCF game.
GO CUSE; .
Having a great game against LSU and now facIng USF,there is the possibility of complacency on the pat of a few players that the coaches must guard against. After this game displayed the team’s record MUST BE 4-1. If its not the chance for a bowl game will be far more difficult.