Syracuse Orange
2012 Overall Rank # 58
#5 Big East Conference 
Syracuse Team Page
The Orangemen had a roller coaster of a season, winning five of their first seven games then they took a plunge, dropping five straight contests. They should wind up with a similar record again this season, but will probably be more consistent in their play.
2011 Record: (5-7, 1-6)
2011 Bowl: None
Coach: Doug Marrone (17-20 at Syracuse, 17-20 Overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Nathaniel Hackett
Defensive Coordinator: Scott Shafer
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Jerome Smith, RB, 139 yards
Passing: Alec Lemon, WR, 28 yards
Receiving: Alec Lemon, WR, 834 yards
Tackles: Dan Vaughan, LB, 72
Sacks: Syshawn Davis, LB, 4
Interceptions: Jeremi Wikes, FS, 1
Other Key Returnees: WR Jeremiah Kobena, K Ross Krautman
Key Losses: QB Ryan Nassib, RB Antwon Bailey, LB Chandler Jones, LB Phillip Thomas
Strengths:
Syracuse relied on their defense to keep them in games a season ago. They had one of the better run defenses in the nation as well as one of the most athletic and disruptive. Although they were like a brick wall up front against the run, their linebackers and defensive linemen were able to generate a lot of pressure as well, racking up 2.33 sacks per game, good for 28th in the nation. Despite the fact that they are losing several key players from their front seven, they will replenish easily and still have so much depth from a year ago that this will again be the focal point of the defense. Despite the loss of starting quarterback Ryan Nassib, Syracuse is expected to continue their trend of having an efficient passing attack. Even if they do not compile a large quantity of stats, they will still complete a majority of their passes, keeping the defense on their heels.
Weaknesses:
The Orangemen struggled on the ground a season ago, mustering up a minuscule 120.42 yards per game. This needs to be improved in order for their offense to truly take flight, as teams were able to sit back and key in on the passing game. The key for Syracuse is to be balanced, so they will need a better effort from their offensive linemen this season. Losing running back Antwon Bailey will not make the situation any easier for them heading into 2012. However they need to find a spark to ignite their running game if they wish to have any success on the offensive side of the ball. If their running game is as stagnant as it was a year ago, they will struggle to win games in the Big East again this season.
The Bottom Line:
Syracuse took a step back last year but should rebound this year. They are a talented team that has lots of good athletes, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They showed that they can hang around with any team in the Big East last year but came up short more often than not. This year they should make an improvement and find themselves in the middle of the Big East.
Projected Bowl: BBVA Compass Bowl
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 120.42 (95th in the nation, 6th in conference)
Passing Offense: 227.75 (65, 4)
Total Offense: 348.17 (90, 5)
Scoring Offense: 24.17 (84, 7)
Rushing Defense: 128.17 (32, 6)
Pass Defense: 258.25 (98, 6)
Total Defense: 386.42 (64, 8)
Scoring Defense: 28.50 (73, 8)
Turnover Margin: .17 (T-42, 4)
Sacks: 2.33 (28, 7)
Sacks Allowed: 2.42 (90, 5)
Madness 2013 NFL Draft Rankings:
#44 Justin Pugh
