NFL
By; Rick O’Donnell
The Syracuse Orange took on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Sunday at the JMA Wireless Dome. Fans once again tried to make sure the visiting team understood why it’s called the Loud House. On a day when the Orange honored NFL Hall of Famer Dwight Freeney by retiring his number, Syracuse would go on to win a close but dominant one 31-28 against the 23-ranked Yellow Jackets.
On offense, Syracuse once again tried to prove they can set the tone and play at a fast pace. Their first drive ended in a touchdown to Trebor Pena. Despite that, the next drive the Orange would fail to get a push-up front and move the football, which would lead into a blocked FG attempt. The 43-yarder wasn’t guaranteed but Syracuse has to find a way to push defenders that extra half a yard to clear lanes.
So far, the bright spot of the Syracuse Orange offense is the connection between QB Kyle McCord and Pena as the duo connected for almost 100 yards before halftime and two Tds as the junior tries to make up for lost time. Not to be outdone, TE Orande Gadsden continued to be another top option for McCord with 4 catches, 63 yards, and a TD. Kyle McCord knows how to spread the ball around, but after a blocked punt to end the half, Syracuse could’ve let Georgia Tech right back into the game.
** In the second half, Syracuse would have the football for a large part of the third quarter, but would settle for a FG to go up 24-14. They’d end the third quarter with a punt, downed at the 10 and the offense has appeared to cool off a bit.
Luckily, that cooled off period wouldn’t last as the ‘Cuse would show back up in the 4th with a big 17-yard touchdown to Gadsden II. No matter the mistakes they make, Syracuse keeps finding ways to fire back.
On defense, the Orange continued the balanced approach, but not in a good way. The balance was between great plays and sloppy defensive ones. Multiple times early in the game, Syracuse would have Georgia Tech stuck on 3rd down only to allow the Yellow Jackets to convert. Take a look at Georgia Tech’s first score as an example, a clear chance to have a sack in the backfield that quickly turned into a 20+ yard touchdown run.
Big plays are going to happen, it’s the adjustments made that determines your success going forward. After going up two touchdowns, the Orange would respond on defense by allowing a big 45 yard pass, stuff a runner in the backfield, and allow another 20+ yard touchdown run by Haynes King. Consistency is key, Syracuse’s defense is consistently inconsistent. Syracuse ends the half allowing a 4th down conversion but a long field goal would keep them up 7 at the half.
Tackling needs to be the focus for Syracuse going forward. The continue to be in position to make plays but can’t finish and allow big gains in the open field. Despite the sloppy play, Syracuse wouldn’t allow Georgia Tech in the redzone until late in the 4th quarter. The plays and playmakers are there especially in Fadil Diggs. Yet whether it’s a breakdown in communication or missed assignments, it keeps Syracuse from truly dominating at an elite level.
An onside kick recovered by Georgia Tech proves another mental mistake on special teams gave the Yellow Jackets back possession late and kept them in the game and Syracuse would allow them to march right down the field for the touchdown. Zero pressure, big gains, easy score.
Game. pic.twitter.com/LEKf8tsXWe
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) September 7, 2024
Through two games, the Syracuse Orange haven’t figured out how to minimize mistakes. So long as they can continue to be resilient, it won’t matter. That aspect of the game falls squarely on the shoulders of Fran Brown and how he coaches them through the mistakes. Early in the season they’ve been able to answer, however, can they keep this type of composer when opponents can capitalize on their mistakes? So far opponents haven’t and the toughness of these team hasn’t been tested to it’s full extent. However, there’s a big difference in this year’s team that separates them from past teams. They always answer as soon as they possibly can. Resiliency is in full effect.
Every aspect of the Orange’s game has played out to their advantage so far. Mistakes are bound to happen under a new head coach with as much turnover as Syracuse has had. But the Orange aren’t living inside their heads. The sloppy play is there but it hasn’t cost them in big spots. Watch out if Syracuse can figure out how to really dial in. The talent and explosiveness is there, once they figure out the mental mistakes, they could be a force in the ACC.
Syracuse will be on a BYE week and return to the JMA Wireless Dome on Firday 9/20 at 7:30 PM EST against Stanford.
