So that was a lot closer than we though, huh?
Just when it looked like Syracuse might stun the college football world, a potentially game-winning drive fizzled inside the West Virginia 10. With a shot to get the ball back to its offense with time for another crack at the endzone, the Orange defense made the biggest of what was only a few mistakes Saturday and allowed Noel Devine to stick the dagger in our upset hopes.
A loss like this is devastating to players, having stayed close and for the most part shoving around West Virginia on both sides of the ball. It’s definitely an upsetting way to have your chances for a win go out the window also as a fan, but I don’t think I’m alone when I say that if this team had played the way they have the last two weeks (save the 4th quarter against Pitt) that GRob’s job security would still be up for debate. Without a miracle run through the balance of conference play, he surely will be leaving his perch on the hill. But you absolutely can’t hang this one on the coach. His team was ready to play and they executed about as well as we could have hoped for. Would it have been different if Pat White played? Almost definitely – Mountaineers fans must really get an appreciation for what he is able to do when he’s not playing. The Orange defensive game plan seemed to work so I doubt it would have been a blowout.
I’m just happy that they’re back to playing competitive enough football that we can get to the 4th quarter of games against good teams and still be able to sniff a win. It’s not a feeling I ever anticipated borrowing from my Cleveland Browns fanhood, but all those years of training I got as a pro fan are helping out now. Clearly, they still have quite a way to go. But when you’re at the bottom, there’s not really another option. I am becoming cautiously optimistic about our chances to not get run out of the building this weekend at Raymond James Stadium (or the “Ray-Jay” as I like to call it) in Tampa where I will be in attendance.
Some more thoughts on the game:
- Derrell Smith stood out to me all game, looking almost unblockable at times. I was surprised to hear he had beaten out Parker Canty for the starting job this offseason, but he’s clearly proving why so far.
- Speaking of players who impressed, Lavar Lobdell had another solid day. He’s taking advantage of chances the past couple of weeks, catching passes we’ve grown accustomed to watching him drop – including a highlight-reel-worthy catch on the opening drive. Clearly though, Donte Davis continues to be the leader in the receiving core for the Orange, adding seven catches Saturday to bring his team-leading total to 21 for the season.
- I didn’t disagree with Cam Dantley’s read on the interception. Almost every angle seemed to show that Fiametta was in space between the zones. The major problem was the fact that Cam horribly underthrew the route and West Virginia LB Nate Sowers made an outstanding play. Without either of those 2 factors, it was a Syracuse first down and we likely come away with a 9-7 lead or better.
- Mercifully, it appears the coaches are finally attempting to do something about Ryan Howard’s struggles in the punt return game. He has shown the ability to return kicks; his ability to field kicks and judge them while in air remains inadequate at best. Bruce Williams may not be as dynamic as a returner, but we are hardly in a position to sacrifice field position and the occasional turnover to try and hit home runs. A steady, reliable 8 yards a return that you can set your watch to is much better for this team right now.
- I am begging the coaching staff to stay with this style of defense for at least the game against the Bulls this weekend. We can line up in our base and try to bash heads with Connecticut and Rutgers if they want, but with a spread offense utilizing the read option this personnel package worked. Kevyn Scott solidified the corner spot against the run and Max Suter added some needed speed as well. Let’s see if we can give USF some hell on Saturday.
The picks this week were decent but my record in the Road Dog Upset remains Syracusian, now standing at 1-6 on the year. I picked 4 out of 6 winners correctly but I am glad I was wrong about the UT/OU game. Interesting note from this weekend’s action: Desmond Howard said on College Football Live that he’s not a believer in Penn State yet. I am unaware which Big Ten race he is watching, but it sounds like it’s the one for 11th involving his alma mater.
I’ll be back later in the week with a little preview for the USF game and we’ll talk about a player who will undoubtedly leave the Orange recruting staff with an excrutiating case of the blueballs.
