David Bergman/SI

By Dave Cooperman

Wasn’t it only a few months ago that the new dynamic duo set to overtake the Carrier Dome this fall was Charley Loeb to Marcus Sales?  What the heck happened?  Sure, I may be guilty of going a little overboard in my praise of both players following the scrimmage, but their play certainly seemed to justify the response.  Loeb outshined Nassib down the stretch and we seemed destined for a quarterback controversy in camp.  Sales caught everything thrown his way, he was bound to climb the depth chart.

As of this morning, only 11 days out from Akron, Sales has taken a nose dive, and even more surprisingly, Charley Loeb appears to be losing his grip on the backup QB spot to freshman John Kinder.   I certainly don’t know enough yet to make any definitive statements on what we might have here in Kinder, but given Loeb’s experience with Marrone’s offense and his spring performance, I am definitely baffled at this sudden slip.  Wouldn’t most Syracuse fans agree that should we be in need of a second quarterback, Loeb would be more comforting than Kinder? 

How much stock can you put into spring practice and the spring game when the two biggest stars that day are both staring at diminished - if not non-existent roles – with the offense this season?  The news that Kinder looks like a potential starter down the road is most certainly welcomed news, but I will be sure to remember that if he has a great spring game next season, not to anoint him as McNabb’s heir apparent and to keep a close eye on any incoming freshman.