The Syracuse Orange took another step back in 2007 in Greg Robinson’s third year as head coach. Syracuse entered last season having won just five games combined over the previous two years, and ‘07 was just as bad. The team won only two games, but one of those victories was a shocking upset over Louisville when SU was a 37-point underdog. Still, this was a club that was outgained by a league-high 187 yards per game in conference play.
Coach: Greg Robinson (4th year at Syracuse, 7-28)
2007 record: 2-10, (1-6 Big East)
Starters returning: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense)
Top returnees: QB Andrew Robinson, RB Curtis Brinkley, WR Mike Williams, RG Ryan Durand, C Jim McKenzie, DE Brandon Gilbeaux, NT Arthur Jones, MLB Jake Flaherty, CB Nick Chestnut (TBD), CB Mike Holmes
Key losses: WR Taj Smith, WR Mike Williams, TE Jawad Nesheiwat, LG Carroll Madison, RT Larry Norton, DE Jameel McClain, FS Joe Fields, SS Dowayne Davis
2008 schedule
Aug. 30 @ Northwestern
Sept. 6 Akron
Sept. 13 Penn State
Sept. 20 Northeastern
Sept. 27 Pittsburgh
Oct. 11 @ West Virginia
Oct. 18 @ USF
Nov. 1 Louisville
Nov. 8 @ Rutgers
Nov. 15 Connecticut
Nov. 22 @ Notre Dame
Nov. 29 @ Cincinnati
Key game: Nov.1 vs. Louisville - The Orange pulled off the biggest upset in Big East history when they defeated the Cardinals last season. This year’s matchup won’t see the Orange as 37-point underdogs, but a victory here would still be considered an upset. Actually, with Louisville looking at a down year, this might be one of the few games Syracuse can win.
2008 overview
Robinson will come into 2008 on the hot seat, with another losing campaign expected to cost him his job. Often there is a 3-4 year learning period when a team switches systems. This is Year 4 under Robinson, but the Orange have a new offensive coordinator (Mitch Browning) this year as well, so that’s yet another different system that will be put in place. At least Robinson has 14 returning starters and the most talent since he took over for Paul Pasqualoni.
QB Andrew Robinson is back at the helm after a decent 2007 season, where he was one of the lone bright spots on the team. Robinson threw for 2,192 yards with 13 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. However, Robinson did struggle at times, leading to Cameron Dantley (558 yards passing, 5 touchdowns) seeing some playing time.
The running game was largely ineffective last year, due in part to injuries to RBs Delone Carter and Curtis Brinkley. Brinkley was lost after eight starts, but still managed to lead the team with 371 yards rushing and only 2 touchdowns. Carter showed his power and explosiveness in his freshman season with 713 rushing yards, but because of a major injury he was a non-factor in 2007. Both players will have to battle for playing time with touted recruit Averin Collier. The new offense emphasizes the running game, so look for better numbers out of the backfield.
The wide receiving corps was decimated, losing three of its top players from last year. Star Mike Williams was due to come back, but he was suspended from the team for academic reasons and won’t play this fall. The best of the leftovers are Lavar Lobdell, recruit Marcus Sales and TE Mike Owen.
The offensive line was brutal in 2007, allowing 54 sacks and leading the way for a running attack that averaged just 63 yards per game. This unit is younger this year and will depend on two seniors, RT Corey Chavers and RG Ryan Durand.
The defensive line, meanwhile, gave up SU’s worst rushing totals per game since 1986 and recorded an NCAA-worst 9 sacks. The D-Line also suffers some key losses this year, including DE Jameel McClain and DT Tony Jenkins. Luckily, NT Arthur Jones (51 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss) and DE Brandon Gilbeaux (49 tackles) return.
Undersized MLB Jake Flaherty returns to the linebacking unit. He is the team’s leading returning tackler and was second on the club last year with 95. He will likely have to be the team’s leader and a major contributor this year. With two of last year’s starters, Vincenzo Giruzzi and Ben Malijovec, moving to different positions, sophomores, Parker Cantey and Mike Mele will get a chance to be regular starters.
The secondary was also bad last season but does get back seven players with starting experience. However, this unit did lose second-team Big East FS Joe Fields, who led the team in tackles and interceptions, and might have to do without starting CB Nick Chestnut, who was ruled academically ineligible in January. Without Fields and possibly Chestnut, the unit will have to turn to CB Mike Holmes, SS AJ Brown and FS Bruce Williams to lead the charge.
Syracuse will continue to struggle in the Big East, which could feature six bowl-caliber teams. Of course, the Orange play the toughest schedule in the Big East - yes, every team plays each other in the league, but Syracuse doesn’t get to play itself! This will be Syracuse’s fourth straight losing season and the end of Robinson’s tenure.
