Orange Car Wreck

After losing 42-12 at home against a Washington Husky team led by a redshirt freshman, how could it possibly get any worse? Well, try losing 35-0 and playing some of the worst offensive football one can imagine.

Right from the beginning, whether watching on television or listening on the radio, every SU fan knew the Orange were in for a long night. Syracuse went three-and-out on six consecutive possessions to open the game. On the other hand, Iowa scored four touchdowns with their six opening possessions. Iowa quarterback Jake Christensen found TE Tony Moeaki who ran 52 yards for the score as safety A.J Brown missed a tackle and was chewed out by head coach Greg Robinson afterwards.

Quarterback Andrew Robinson threw his first interception of the year on the next SU drive, which turned into six more points when Iowa running back Albert Young went untouched for a 36 yard touchdown on a screen pass. The Hawkeyes added two more touchdowns, one on the ground and the other through the air in the second quarter. The rushing score came on a fourth down as Iowa did not have to fear the Orange offense at all. In fact they were probably laughing at the display put on by SU's offense.

Talk about offensive ineptitude, during the entire first half, the SU offense could not muster up one first down. Not one measly first down. Robinson was 2-9 passing for 15 yards and was sacked three times. His receivers didn't help either, as the Orange had four dropped passes. But it was all gravy for Iowa. QB Jake Christensen threw for 192 yards on 15-24 passing and had three touchdowns. The Orange's only opportunity for points, a Patrick Shadle field goal attempt, was blocked. Score at halftime, Iowa 28 Syracuse 0.

While Iowa only scored one touchdown in the second half, it was a near formality. This may have been the most disappointing game under the Greg Robinson era, and that is not a good sign. I think we all thought last week qualified in that category, but this one clearly topped it. A worse performance by a Syracuse football team does not come to my mind right now. This game could only be described as a disgrace to the university and central New York.

For the game, Syracuse rushed 30 times for an average of 0.8 yards per carry. Robinson finished 7-20 for 79 yards with one interception. Syracuse was out gained by 305 yards on offense, and only had a total of five 1st downs, all picked up in the second half. Iowa QB Jake Christensen had a terrific game, going 23-32 for 278 yards with 4 TDs and only 1 INT. The TE Tony Moeaki had a career game, catching eight balls for 112 yards including three touchdowns. Out of 13 offensive drives, only four lasted more than three plays and five possessions ended with the offense losing yardage.

We all thought that going 1-10 a couple years ago was the worse feeling we could experience as Syracuse football fans. But I don't think we have felt so let down so early on during the season. We had high hopes for this team, not a bowl game but at least more improvement in the offense. After tonight's game, the offense took a step back to the 2005 version. Even more disappointing is the defense, which has deteriorated over Robinson's three seasons at the helm.

As I write this, South Florida just defeated the Auburn Tigers on the road in overtime. Only a few years ago South Florida wasn't even on the map. This win is a legitimate program building win and signals to the nation that USF is for real. Talk about two programs going in opposite directions. I ask the question again, could SU play any worse? I guess we'll find out that answer on Saturday against Illinois. Of course, that is if you dare to watch.

Big East Schedule Released

Thanks to Syracuse Post-Standard Mike Waters for the information. The 2007-2008 Big East Conference basketball schedule was released today. Boeheim usually complains about the Saturday and Monday games because they are close together. This situation only occurs twice during the Big East portion of the schedule.

Of course this year the conference slate has been expanded to 18 games, including three home-road series with Georgetown, Villanova, and South Florida. The Big East is always tough and no game is ever easy, but at least SU isn't playing Connecticut or Pittsburgh twice this year. With all the scheduling at the mercy of televison executives, SU faired pretty well.


Here are five must-watch games at the Carrier Dome for this upcoming season:


Villanova - After an incredible freshman year, guard Scottie Reynolds will look to showcase his talents at the Carrier Dome. Last year, Reynolds was named Big East Rookie of the Year, only the second Wildcat to receive that honor (Tim Thomas is the other). Last year the two teams split the two games against each other, both winning their home games. Reynolds had 14 points (4-15 FG) in the loss but scored 22 points (6-19 FG) in a tight 78-75 victory.



Connecticut - Probably the most hated rival of the Orange in recent years, both teams had somewhat of a down season. The Huskies failed to make the NCAA like the Orange, but they also did not qualify for the NIT. Don't get used to that though. A young team last season meant growing pains but this year that could translate into success on the court. After finally playinga full season of basketball, point guard A.J. Price looks to lead the Huskies along with undersized but talented big man Jeff Adrien. SU and UConn split their two meetings, each winning on their home court. This could be one of the most athletic and exciting games of the season.


Georgetown - Hoya Paranoia is in full effect after Georgetown won the Big East Tournament and advanced all the way to the Final Four. Only one half of the big man duo returns, seven-footer Roy Hibbert. His teammate Jeff Green opted to stay in the NBA Drafy and was selected 5th overall by the Boston Celtics, then traded to Seattle. Green was the Big East Player of the Year and averaged 14.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.2 asssists. The rivalry between the Orange and Hoyas had been resparked by Georgetown's recent success. In the last 20 games Georgetown played leading up to the Final Four, they only lost once. That was to the Orange in a game where SU dominated the Hoyas, leading by as many as 20 points in a 72-58 triumph. Of course everyone thought that win put SU in the tournament. A lot will be riding on this meeting.



Pittsburgh - The Panthers have been a thorn in the side of the Orange over the last few years. Jaime Dixon and his predecessor Ben Howland turned this team into one of the elite programs not only in the Big East, but of the nation. The aggressive and intense defensive style of Pittsburgh always makes this a great game to watch. Well, maybe not to watch scoring wise. Remember that game when the final score was 42-39 in an overtime win for the Orange. Make that a fun defensive battle, which is a good test to see how the young Orange players react as the season closes out with the postseason (NCAA Tournament) hopefully on the horizon.


Marquettee - Senior day at the Dome, although there is only one senior on the team (Josh Wright). And there is a big question mark next to Wright's name entering the season. As a starter last year, Wright only showed flashes of brilliance with his quickness. But that quickness is what holds him back from becoming the player he could be. Wright plays to fast for his own good. He tries to make the flashy pass, causing him to lose control and turn the ball over. Freshman Jonny Flynn could be the starter, but hopefully Wright will contribute throughout the season. It should be a good matchup of the guards, as the Golden Eagles boast Jerel McNeil and star Dominique James.




Here is the complete schedule for the 2007-2008 season:

Sun., Nov. 4, College of St. Rose, 2 p.m. (exhibition)

Wed., Nov. 7, LeMoyne, 7 p.m. (exhibition)

Mon., Nov. 12, NIT vs. Siena, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)

Tue., Nov. 13 vs. St. Joseph's/Fairleigh Dickinson, TBA

Fri., Nov. 16, Fordham, 7 p.m.

Wed., Nov. 28, Massachusetts, 7 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 1, Tulane, 7 p.m.

Wed., Dec. 5, at Virginia, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2)

Sat., Dec. 8, Rhode Island, 7 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 15, East Tennessee State, 7 p.m.

Tue., Dec. 18, Colgate, 7 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 22, Cornell, 7 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 30, Northeastern, 1 p.m.

Wed., Jan. 2, St. John's, TBA

Sat., Jan. 5, South Florida, TBA

Wed., Jan. 9, at Cincinnati, TBA

Sun., Jan. 13, at West Virginia, TBA

Wed., Jan. 16, Rutgers, TBA

Sat., Jan. 19, Villanova, Noon (ESPN)

Mon., Jan. 21, at Georgetown, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Sun., Jan. 27, Providence, TBA

Wed., Jan. 30, at DePaul, TBA

Sat., Feb. 2, at Villanova, Noon (ESPN)

Wed., Feb. 6, Connecticut, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Wed., Feb. 13, at South Florida, TBA

Sat., Feb. 16, Georgetown, Noon (ESPN)

Mon., Feb. 18, at Louisville, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Sun., Feb. 24, at Notre Dame, 2 p.m. (CBS)

Sat., March 1, Pittsburgh, Noon (ESPN)

Wed., March 5, at Seton Hall, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)

Sat., March 8, Marquette, 2 p.m. (ESPN)

News About SU Opponents

This Saturday the Syracuse Orange visit the pink locker room of the Iowa Hawkeyes. But there has been some interesting news about Iowa, and it's not related to the football field.

About 20 players on the Hawkeye football team have pictures showing them either drinking or posing with open containers of alcohol. Other pictures reveal players holding bottles and flashing large amounts of cash. All these pictures were posted on the player's Facebook profiles and viewable to the Iowa University community.

Not only were the pictures disturbing, so were the messages that the players posted. One player wrote, "She can't say no if her mouth is taped shut." Another said, "If you send me back to jail, I'll rape your family." One of the more despicable pictures have two players standing in front of a person vomiting.

Two Iowa receivers, Dominique Douglas and Anthony Bowman were arrested on charges of unauthorized use of credit cards where they charged more than $2,000 worth of merchandise. Both have been suspended indefinitely by head coach Kirk Ferentz.

Syracuse plays against the Hawkeyes this Saturday 8:00 p.m. The game will be televised on the new Big Ten Network. Good luck trying to find it, as I believe it is only provided by DirecTV.

Other Orange football news includes a report that Syracuse is in the midst of serious talks with Hawaii. The topic of conversation is about a possible match up on the gridiron in 2008. Hawaii has had trouble scheduling a team to come play them in Hawaii. SU had an opportunity this year but passed as there is a conflict of interest.

Hawaii's quarterback, all-America and Heisman Trophy candidate Colt Brennan, was very close to becoming a member of the Orange football squad. But when his records were checked, a past sexual assault case prevented his enrollment at the university. Playing against him would be quite awkward and he would be looking for revenge as he tries to break the record for most touchdown passes.

I'm sure the Orange are glad to avoid that situation with Brennan. The game that is being negotiated is scheduled for December 6, 2008. What a great opportunity for fans in central New York to escape the cold of winter and enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian sunshine. But as Coach Jim Boeheim says, "Hawaii is just like Syracuse in the summer."

SU Run Over by Stampeding Huskies

Not much to say about that game other than, "Did that really happen?" Unfortunately it was an all too familiar sight for Orange football fans.

Excitement was at a high point for that Friday night game inside the Carrier Dome where about 40,000 people were hoping to see a much improved Syracuse football squad. Talk in camp was that this 2007 edition was quicker and stronger than any under the tenure of head coach Greg Robinson. Instead, it may have been one of the worst performances in the last three years.

The first quarter sparked interest in the eyes of many SU fans. The offense lined up in a shotgun formation on the first play of the game with four wide receivers. Quick passes lead to solid gains and some first downs. Eventually kicker Patrick Shadle knocked in a field goal to give the Orange a score on their first offensive possession.

Then the defense showed signs of ability as they did not let Washington have any prolonged drives and forced the Huskies to punt without making a first down. But then something happened in the second quarter, and SU would not recover for the rest of the game.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Jake Locker soon became more comfortable as the game went on. He scrambled out of the pocket and picked up a couple first downs. When he wasn't running,

running back Louis Rankin took the ball and dazzled the Orange defenders. Quick hits to the outside made Syracuse defenders look slow, as if they were running on sand. Rankin had a number of runs where he simply bounced to the outside and used his speed to turn the corner and outrun his defenders.

Rankin gashed the Orange defense for 147 yards and three touchdowns while Locker scrambled for 87 yards including two runs for touchdowns. In all, the SU defense gave up a total of 302 yards on the ground. To say that is ugly would not tell half of the story. This anemic run stopping was present last year as SU gave up an average of 185 yards per game, which was 10th worst in the nation.

The offense didn't do any better concerning the running game. Starting tailback Curtis Brinkley only carried the ball six times for four yards. The Orange only gained eight net rushing yards for the game. The offensive line could not open holes for the backs and they did not protect QB Andrew Robinson. The Husky defense had all of 14 sacks for last year, but recorded half that total against the Orange.

Again, the offensive line continues to have problems and displayed little improvement in that loss. Perhaps it's time to give some of the young redshirt freshman recruits an opportunity to get into the rotation. The line right now is made up of veterans from last year, all juniors and seniors. Yet they looked nothing like that on the football field. I believe some of the young guys will get a shot at cracking the lineup in the near future.

Despite the non-existent running game, the passing game looked functional. Short, quick passes to Taj Smith and some nice throws down the middle to Rice Moss and the tight ends were effective. That is what the west coast offense is all about. Ball control through the air, swing passes to tailbacks in the flat and quick hitch routes to wideouts who then turn it into a first down. But without any running game, Robinson did not have ample time to find those weapons in the receiving core.

All the more devastating was that the game was on ESPN for a national television audience to watch. I don't have an official record, but I believe the Orange are 0-8 in their last 8 appearances on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN 2. That is not good when recruits watch a game like this. They see an empty Carrier Dome and 42-12 on the scoreboard with no hope in sight.

The Orange now travel to Iowa, an opponent the Orange lost to in double overtime last year. They are on the road, the first time Andrew Robinson will start in front of an opposing crowd. The game has been sold out for over a month and is on at 8:00 p.m. As a Syracuse fan, I can only hope that Iowa really is heaven, because the Orange are in need of a miracle.