RE: #beatsyracuse
Thoughts on the SU game:
- Mack's fumble, granted it was a terrible fumble inside the 5. But why did he not return at all. One would thought after a stint on the bench to contemplate the fumble, he would had another opportunity. I don't like the message that sends, that if one fumbles or makes a huge mistake, they're out of the game.
- Buckshot's play, completely overwhelmed, continual happy feet after about the 5 or 6th sack, in the first half. Rushing throws the few times he had the time to throw. The worst game I can recall him playing. From the first possession onward, he played jittery, nervous and without any poise. As a true drop back passer, with limited mobility, Buckshot exposed a weakness other teams will try to copy
- Defense, kudos to the defense for their much improved play. SU would have doubled that score (like Auburn last year) if the 2018 defense had played.
- Freeze Factor, to all those wondering if LU was going to overachieve for one-game with the motivation of Freeze location in the coaches box, that was answered immediately. He could have imparted confidence and calmness that was missing from the LU sidelines.
And to Syracuse:
- a team worthy of a 20 top rating. And SU was wise to schedule LU, even on the road, to give their new starting QB game experience. SU has a winner with their HC and the program seems poised to continue their 2018 play in 2019.
- SU defense, a special mention is deserved. Coming into the game, their defense was mentioned as their strong suit. That was a true statement. Their defense held LU in check until their QB settled down and their running game got established.
The LU takeaway:
- this game should be a barometer coaches use to remind LU players what it takes to compete at the highest level. SU had better players, and players used to the LU atmosphere much more intensified in the ACC and in bowl games.
- attendance, announced at 21K+ seems a point LU needs to keep a close eye on. Maybe the new program of requiring students to register to receive ID wrist bands kept some away. The weather, setting and time were ideal. And with all the hoopla surrounding the game, one would thought 25k+ would have been the number.
- coaching, SU repeatedly ran short screen passes, many times on 3d down plays, when LU would blitz, and LU coaches did not adjust with SU gaining many first downs.
The critique:
- Multi-million dollar facilities, eye catching amenities and the latest in player attracting offerings are a start. But emphasis with the on-field product needs the highest attention now. Games like this either build character for a team or create doubt. One can take the disappointment and refocus it to improve and become better. Let's hope as HCF improves and gets to the sideline that the play of LU improves. Defensively, a step forward. Offensively, it could not be any worse.
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