Syracuse Orangemen

Head Coach

Greg Robinson	4th year
07-08	2-10
Big East	1-6
FCR	111

Previous Season Wins

Big East Previews by Michael Matts

Head Coach - It was supposed to be better than this. Syracuse fans, who were disgruntled with Coach P (Paul Pasqualoni), were happy to get Greg Robinson, the defensive coordinator from the Super Bowl Champions Denver Broncos. The move has been a nightmare. Not only did he try to run a new offense with the old freeze option players, the defense, which is his strength, has been a sieve. It is do-or-die time for the coach. His best hope is that an offense can find a running game and the defense can find a way to prevent too many big plays.

Quarterback - Andrew Robinson has actually been good at quarterback. With virtually no running game behind him, the junior had a 2-1 TD/INT ratio. He is a big kid (6-3, 222) and has improved his mechanics over the first two seasons.

Running Backs - It is bad enough that Syracuse has suffered from productivity in the running game…now we can add injuries to the mix. Curtis Brinkley was having a good year (371 yds, 2TDs) before breaking his leg. The senior missed the spring drills, and will try to get in the mix in the fall. Sophomore Delone Carter, the heir apparent, dislocated his hip and missed all of 2007. A top HS recruit, Carter can upgrade the RB position if he is healthy.

Receivers - With stud WR Mike Williams dismissed from the team, the wide reciever jobs are wide open. Jr. Laval Lobell, a former HS All-American, is the best hope. He will have to step up his production, catching only 13 passes in his first two years while suffering from the drops. Injuries hampered Donte Davis in 2007. If the sophomore is healthy, he can add a real speed threat to the mix. Once a TE factory (John Mackey, Chris Gedney, Roland Williams), Syracuse has been relegated to moving two converted LB’s, Mike Owen and Ben Maljovec to that position.

Offensive Line - The OL allowed the most sacks in America last year…so there is obviously room for improvement. The right side of the line returns with T Corey Chavers and G Ryan Durant. The have slimmed down in order to get faster off the snap, so expect better play. C Jim McKenzie is expected to be the leader as a sophomore. Tucker Baumback is one of many in competition for that important left side of the line.

Defense - The defense was at rock bottom in 2007, allowing 35 points and 468 yards per game. Expect an infusion of young payers in an attempt to bolster these numbers.

Defensive Line- The lone bright spot was NT Arthur Jones, was an All-BE 2nd teamer in 2007. He had whopping 17.5 tackles for loss, and in spite of constant double teams, was quite productive.

Linebackers - Vincent Giruzzi has been moved from LB to end, and the hope is he will generate more pressure on the passer. Jr. Brandon Gilbeaux will look to improve on his 49 tackles and 2 sacks from ’07. A number of underclassmen are in the mix to upgrade the LB position. The middle sees the return of Jake Flaherty, a senior who had 95 tackles last season and will be asked to provide leadership to a young OLD corp. Sophomores Parker Cantey and Derrell Smith will each see time on the strong side, while soph. Mike Mele is the leader on the weak side. How well the edge LB’s play will determine the fate of the Syracuse defense.

Defensive Backs - In the secondary, only All-BE rookie performer Mike Holmes returns. He started eight games in ’07, had had a number of pass breakups to go with 64 tackles. Nico Scott, a sophomore who started the final two games last season, is the opposite corner. A. J. Brown and Bruce Williams will replace 3-year starters at the safeties.

Special Teams - One area where Syracuse has had great success is in the kicking game, and this year is no exception. Groza candidate Patrick Shadle hit 26-33 FG’s last year, and punter Rob Long was a 2nd-team All-BE selection.

Schedule - It is a staple of Syracuse football to plays a good schedule, and this year is no exception. The opener is at high-scoring Northwestern. Add a visit from Penn State and a late-season road trip to Notre Dame, and you have a challenging slate. Home games with Akron and Northeastern give the best hopes for a win. In league, road games are with WVU, South Florida, Rutgers and Cincy, all bowl teams a year ago.

Outlook - For Greg Robinson to get to 6 wins, plenty has to go right. A number of newcomers have to perform immediately. A few road wins are needed, and the OL simply has to play much, much better. Unfortunately, we see another struggle.