For some reason, the football gods really HATE our shade of orange this year. Week to week, especially lately, not only do they lose, but they do us the great horror of giving us a faint flicker of hope that deep down reminds us of better times. In the end, and even deeper down, we know that this team can't turn the hope into a W.
The good news in all of this is, for the second game in a row, the 11 players on the field actually looked like a football team. The first drive was a great example of what the offense could be. However, it also represented how frustrating watching this team is. The offense came out after the defense forced a three and out on West Virginia's first drive and methodically moved down the field after starting at their own ten. The drive was a wonderful mix of run and pass, and Cam Dantley looked as comfortable in the offense as ever. But, penalties and miscues cut short a drive and resulted in only 3 points instead of 7. Unfortunately, that was Syracuse's best drive of the day.
The Defense looked MUCH improved. It was clear West Virginia was more conservative than usual with Pat White on the sidelines, but the defense played its best game all year. The tackling was a thousand times better than in any game this season, and though Noel Devine had a day of days, the Orange only allowed 17 points. They're still not as quick as other teams, and their schemes are lacking, but it was very refreshing to see good tackling, good coverage, and strong fundamentals. They even put some pressure on the quarterback in this one. At one point in the second quarter I had to text my brother, "Who the hell are these guys and where is Syracuse."
Pat Shadle's 53 yard field goal was awesome. That thing would have been good from 65.Syracuse out-gained WVU in total yards by nearly 80, 346-268. NO ONE thought that would ever happen on the road in West Virginia, even if the Mountaineers were missing Pat White.
Noel Devine did have 188 yards on the ground. He's good. We're not. I'll actually take holding him to under 200 yards when Pat White is on the sidelines and Devine is seeing the bulk of the offensive action. It was clear from the very beginning of the game that Devine was the only threat to Syracuse's defense... which is pretty sad for West Virginia if you ask me.
Curtis Freakin' Brinkley. 28 carries. 144 yards. He's plays with enough effort for the whole team. Perhaps someone can explain to me, then, why Greg Robinson, for the second game in a row, decided to sit him down for a series and give freshman Antwon Bailey 1st and 2nd down carries during a 3 and out. Really, Greg? REALLY?
The harsh reality of this one was that Greg Robinson fell to 8-33 as Syracuse's head coach. Syracuse fans have to deal with the circus that is the Greg Robinson "situation," so there's really no reason to go into more detail other than... How is this guy still coaching? It's pretty clear at this point he'll finish out the season. We're going to have to try and ignore him like an annoying younger sibling and hope he just tires himself out and goes away.
For the first time in a long time, though, I have some optimism about whether or not this team can win some more games this year. For a little while I actually thought the Orange might pull this one out. Games like this one also give me a lot of hope for the future. I think games like this show the Orange can win and that there is some talent on the team. The motor is fine, the frame looks strong, it's just the man behind the wheel doesn't have a clue how to drive.
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