Syr/BYU

Syracuse +2

Syracuse comes to town with an almost total new offense from that of 2001. QB R.J. Anderson and center Nick Romeo are the only starters returning, causing much concern for an offense that ranked a mediocre 69th last year in scoring at 25.7 ppg. The biggest hole to fill is at tailback, where 3 players look to share the time. Coach Pasqualoni stated that this team still plans to run the ball. “We’re going to be a Syracuse football team and run the football. We’re going to do what we have to do to win the game.” Anderson showed that he can be a team leader and worked hard on his passing game over the summer. He has new receivers to throw to but who have the capability to make big plays. The BYU defense returns six starters but it already has lost its best pass rusher and a lingering knee injury continues to plague All-Mountain West Conference cornerback Jernaro Gilford. BYU was 104th last year in rush defense, giving up 211 ypg and if the new offensive linemen for the Orangemen can make holes, the running game should be successful.

Gone is Brandon Doman for BYU and they will be with a new QB in Bret Engemann, who hasn’t played in 23 months. They also lost All-American Luke Staley, who will be replaced by Marcus Whalen, who sat out last year for personal reasons. Only 5 starters were returning from last year and that number has gone down to 4 with the loss of RT Ben Archibald. Coach Crowton is a genius on the offensive side of the ball and should find success with this squad later down the road but it will take time for this unit to gel. Engemann is not as mobile as Doman was but they are still planning on running some option, although they intend to throw the ball more. On the other side, the SU defense lost all-world DE Dwight Freeney but is still solid defensively. Leading them is LB Clifton Smith, a 2-time All Big East player. There no big holes as the line, backers and backfield all bring back experience and plenty of potential.

This game essentially comes down to the defenses. Both offenses are retooling and although BYU has the better coaching in that regard, R.J. Anderson has the slight QB edge as he can make the plays either running or throwing. The BYU defense was putrid last year and there needs to be great improvement from this unit but with their best corner still hurting and many other question marks, it doesn’t look likely right away. Look for Syracuse to grind it out like usual and keep the BYU offense off the field as much as possible.

GLTA!