By Dave Cooperman
We have certainly seen enough of Akron on both the field and recruiting trail in recent years, yet I have never stopped and asked myself, “What the hell is a Zip?”
If you told me that Akron was once upon a time named the Akron Indians, or Akron Chiefs or something politically incorrect and they were forced to change their name, I likely would have believed it. Surely the Zips must have been a compromise or a lost bet. Much like St. Johns went from Redmen to Red Storm, Akron had to have suffered the same fate. Full Story
Frank Ordonez / The Post-Standard
By Dave Cooperman
The offseason for the Syracuse football program was a series of bumps in the road that have hopefully leveled into a nice smooth driving surface as the opener against Akron approaches on Saturday. There have been questions at running back, questions about the offensive coordinator, questions about discipline, legal questions, Marcus Sales questions – yet somehow there have been no questions at quarterback where, oh by the way, Ryan Nassib prepares for his first career start.
Nassib isn’t an unfamiliar entity having played spot duty last season while subbing in for Greg Paulus. At times he looked good – other times he didn’t – and a fair grade for his season would have to be incomplete. Nobody knows what happens next with Nassib. He will be managing a full game, overcoming mistakes, leading his team from behind and just dealing with the pressures of playing quarterback. Full Story
By Brandon Matthews
42-28.
Hearts sank, desperation spread rampant, and Greg Robinson began mass producing fresh resumes. Syracuse had done the unthinkable – lost to Akron.
After shutting down Akron 28-14 in the Carrier Dome last season, Syracuse takes on the Zips in somewhat of a tiebreaker Saturday. This is not the same Akron team. Here’s what to look out for at InfoCision Stadium. Full Story
Michelle Gabel/Post-Standard
By Euclid 419er
- For those foodies out there, don’t forget, the Syracuse Man v. Food episode airs tonight.
- Some pretty optimistic predictions for SU football from the staff at the Post-Standard.
- The D.O. chronicles Marquis Spruill’s rise to starter status.
- Post-Standard’s Nolan Weidner looks at SU’s improving defense.
- Pass Mikhail Marinovich a Dos Equis. Pat Forde thinks he’s one of the most interesting men in the college football world.
- Russianator over at Three Idiots takes a closer look at our comrade, Mikhail, as well as Chandler Jones as keys to the SU D.
- I missed this the other day: ESPN’s Brian Bennett’s best/worst case scenario for ‘Cuse.
- Stewart Mandel does not have Syracuse in his bowl projections.
- The science of Dwight Freeney kicking your quarterback’s butt (h/t SyrSportsFeed)
- Stay classy Joe Mazzulla.
Frank Ordoñez/The Post-Standard
By Tom Sullivan
At the start of SU’s fall camp in early August, we took a look at the 10 most pressing storylines worth keeping an eye on as camp progressed. Well, three weeks later, most of those questions have been answered in some form or another. The depth chart has been released for the Akron game Saturday – with it, we take a look back at how those questions have been answered:
10. Will the eyeball test translate to results on the field for Deon Goggins?
Goggins had a relatively quiet camp and still finds himself third on the depth chart at defensive tackle. According to the the coaching staff, Goggins struggled to keep up early in the camp, but was making strides as camp wore on. He’ll still have a chance as the fall wears on but it seems like being lost cost him an early chance at impressing.
9. Will either of the Hofstra transfers prove enough to get on the field in what is their senior years?
Not only will both Aaron Weaver and Jose Cruz see the field this spring, it’s likely each will play a serious role in the 2010 version of the Syracuse offense. Cruz remarkably beat out Nick Provo, the only returnee with experience, for the starting tight end spot and Weaver is listed as Alex Lemon’s back-up at the X receiver spot. Considering the lack of experience at the receiving position, Weaver will have plenty of opportunities to make plays. There will be a distinct feeling of Pride on the offensive side of the ball for the Orange this year. Full Story
By Steve Schaefer
This site has only been in existence for a few short months, but in that time we’ve been overwhelmed by the welcome from the online Cuse community and Orange fans from points all over the country. With classes starting up in Syracuse and the first football game just a few days away, what better time to offer up a recap of what we’ve been covering from the end of spring semester through the dog days of summer..
Whether you’re a freshman just now embracing all that is ‘Cuse athletics, or you spent the summer backpacking through Tanzania with no access to the Internet, this refresher course should have you all up to speed by kickoff in Akron Saturday. Full Story
Frank Ordoñez / The Post-Standard
By Dave Cooperman
How far has Marcus Sales fallen that his exclusion from the depth chart was met with nothing more than a yawn? I repeat, Marcus Sales is not even listed. He is apparently on the team though you would be best served waiting for that other shoe to drop at some point. Sales somehow managed to fall behind Steve Rene and Dorian Graham. I refuse to believe that talent alone dictated this and have to speculate that something else is going on – either personal or an attitude – but whatever the case this would be a surprising conclusion had the writing not been on the wall for the past week.
John Berry / The Post-Standard
By Tim Schlittner
At long last, the opening week of college football is here. Thursday night action is just three short days away and a full weekend of games is set to follow. It doesn’t get much more exciting than this in sports. For most college football programs, opening week is a time of great optimism. Teams that had recent success look to build on their momentum. Those who have struggled are afforded the peace of mind that comes with a clean slate. And Notre Dame is overrated for another year.
Season after season, teams from BCS conferences use this week to ensure they get off on the right foot. This means scheduling a vastly inferior opponent. 2010 is no different. No. 9 Iowa is opening up against Eastern Illinois. Jimbo Fisher will coach his first game for No. 20 Florida State against Samford. And No. 8 Nebraska will test its mettle against the Big Red of Western Kentucky.
Syracuse, both to its credit and demise, has largely avoided this route. Throughout the last decade, they have continually played tough competition to open the season. The results have been disastrous. The Orange has not won an opening game since 2003.
Saturday’s trip to Akron provides them a legitimate chance to end this dry spell. To provide some perspective, let’s take a look at some recent openers. Full Story
By Dave Cooperman
If there is something more exciting than the start of a brand new football season, then I am yet to find it. Sure, expectations for Syracuse are modest at best with even the most optimistic prognosticators suggesting a bowl game is still out of reach. But the opening weekend is more than just about Syracuse.
Between this Thursday night when the college football season gets started through the following Sunday when the NFL kicks off it will be all football all the time and that is just the way I like it. For those who haven’t quite processed the fact that we are on the cusp of a new season, let’s offer up a Week 1 Primer so you can get your schedule in order. Full Story
By Euclid 419er
Continuing with the Football Friday series, this week will feature season predictions by each of our writers, running Monday through Saturday.
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In putting together my picks, I found that my predictions were not all that different than the rest of the crew, so I decided I could at least say them differently. I give you my picks for the 2010 season…in Haiku. Full Story