NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
Syracuse football is back! Saturday kicks off a new season for the Syracuse Orange, and expectations have to be high. They were the talk of the town after a much-needed winning season. However, Syracuse can’t rest on their laurels. Now that they’ve got fans’ attention, Fran Brown and company will need to keep it. Plenty have had a great first season in the past; now it’s what they’ll do in year 2 that will determine their success. What do they need to do to impress against the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday?
Defense Wins Championships
The season won’t ultimately come down to how well Syracuse plays defense, but early on, the turnover in playmakers will need time for the offense to develop. Both Syracuse and Tennessee will be working with new quarterbacks under center, so on the defense side of the football, whoever brings their “A game” will likely have the upper hand.
Syracuse will face a traditional pocket passer in Joey Aguilar. Last year, dual-threat QBs and the run game gave the ‘Cuse fits, but they’ll be able to stay home more. With pressure on Aguilar, he tends to turn the ball over with 24 interceptions and 34 sacks in two years at Appalachian State. DBs who can stick with their man and pressure up front are key to success.
Big Stage Moment
While the pressure will be on the Orange in the field of play, the spotlight will be on Fran Brown on the sidelines. Brown came in saying all the right things, getting fans to buy in, and had the team showing up on game day. One of the biggest struggles of the Orange football program was a lack of development. Brown proved he can recruit players to fill out the program. Now he’ll need to show he’s got the ability to get guys to the next level as far as returning players are concerned. Syracuse faced a lot of turnover this offseason. Will the next man up enter the spotlight against the Vols? How does Brown develop leaders once the previous ones move on?
Mental Fortitude Is Key
The Orange are in for a fight. Tennessee was one of the top defenses in the country last year and has earned its preseason ranking at #24. They’ll take it to Syracuse early and often if they can, and more than likely set the tone. Syracuse will have to shake off any rust as well as any frustrations early on. Attacking the defense is the only way to go, but it has to be smart and controlled. They won’t get away with as much against Tennessee, and if the Orange offense gives them an inch, they’ll take a mile. Yet, Syracuse has proven it can battle under Fran Brown, proving it in their last game of the regular season against the Miami Hurricanes. Syracuse does not win this game if it lets their emotions get out of hand in the first game of the season against a tough Tennessee Volunteers team.
Syracuse needs this game to prove they’re not a one-and-done under Fran Brown and to put them in the conversation in college football. Making a statement early on will be key. It’s not a “must-win” for the Orange so early on, but it’s definitely a reality check if they think they can run with the big dogs. If they keep it close and can make plays, people will continue to talk about the Syracuse Orange, no matter the outcome of the game.
Kick off is scheduled for 12 pm. EST Saturday, August 30th.
