After SU’s 37-27 loss to top rated Clemson Saturday, Syracuse fans are divided.
Scott Shafer supporters will say SU battled all afternoon with a third-string quarterback against the number one team in the nation. The Shafer opposition crowd will say the Orange has lost seven in a row and won just three of the last fifteen games Shafer has coached; it’s time for a change.
Whatever crowd you’re in, there’s no denying that Syracuse impressed Saturday in the loss to Clemson.
The Orange finished with 242 rushing yards against a top five rated Tiger defense. Saturday’s rushing tally was the second most yards the team has amassed on the ground this season. SU put up 312 against Rhode Island to start the year.
Third string quarterback Zack Mahoney only completed eight passes in the game, but still kept SU in it. The former walk-on rushed for 86 yards and two scores in the game. He brought SU to within one touchdown of Clemson late in the third quarter on a 12-yard TD run.
Defensively, the Orange won the turnover battle three to one, but allowed far too many yards. Clemson finished this game with 570 total yards of offense. Tiger quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 34 of 47 passes for 360 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 101 yards and a score. The Heisman hopeful definitely got the better of the Orange Saturday
After the game Shafer talked about Syracuse’s process and how he firmly believes in the progress his team is showing. He added that he hoped other people are seeing it too.
Following the Clemson game it’s the same discussion for fans. Syracuse loses again, but the team showed legitimate potential. Is that potential enough for Shafer to keep his job? The ball is in Mark Coyle’s court.
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Posted: Connor Morrissette
3 responses to “Syracuse Fights and Claws In A Losing Effort To Clemson, Will It Be Enough For Shafer?”
the biggest question coming out of this games is where the hell was this effort in earlier games. In short this effort would have produced at least 2 more wins. We have lost some winnable games. WE GOT SUPER UP BECAUSE OF WHO THEY WERE PLAYING? Something is wrong in this attitude. Is it the coaching staff? Then WHAT???I’ll say that Zack’s running ability was excellent. his passing not that good. I blame that on the OL and receivers. Again,getting separation from the defending secondary a problem that needs to greatly improve next year. Ishmael is obviously our best big play WR and Ben Lewis a terrific possession receiver Add Moe Neal to the equation and we will have a dynamic offense in 2016. In addition Sadiq Palmer will help. Paris is not a receiving tight end.Little talent in cating the ball when he is running. In addition if he catches the ball you can forget YAC.
Whether the loss to Clemson is enough or not to keep Shafer’s job can’t be answered.
With wins at NC ST and BC..it probably will be. But a couple of stench-filled efforts like Lville and UVa
and Shafer’s home is on the market.
Personally I think he should get one more year but if there is no dramatic improvement he should be fired An off season of knowing this would be his final countdown should inspire the staff to show their best. It may also help to keep the verbal commits that are on board now. Fire him now and it will be bad news for bringing in these kids. We saw what happened when Marrone announced his move and those recruits weren’t in the same class of talent as some of the current list.