2011 Syracuse Orange Football Preview

It took only two seasons at the helm for Syracuse coach Doug Marrone to return the program to respectability. After hitting rock bottom in the Greg Robinson years, Marrone took over a program in desperate need of life and has delivered. Although the schedule was somewhat softened by the fact that the Orange played two FCS teams, the Orange still won seven regular season games and a thrilling Pinstripe Bowl over Kansas State. By establishing a physical, run-oriented offense and a sound, dependable defense, the Orange took significant steps forward in 2010. They’ll attempt to replace a large senior class and take yet another step forward in 2011.

Marrone came to Syracuse with a reputation as a pass-happy offensive mind stemming from his time as coordinator in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints. As is often the case with good coaches, Marrone quickly realized he simply didn’t have the talent to do that, and adapted as a result. The 2010 Orange embraced their offensive line filled with upperclassmen and talented tailbacks and built their offense around them. The result was a ball-control offense and a reliance on mistake-free play from junior quarterback Ryan Nassib.

This year, Nassib and six other starters on offense return. Instead of relying on the now-departed Delone Carter, the Orange will count on senior Antwon Bailey, Prince-Tyson Gulley, and ballyhooed freshman tailback Adonis Ameen-Moore to run the ball. With senior receivers Van Chew and Marcus Sales also back, the pieces are in place for Marrone to open up the offense to some degree.

The ability to do that, however, depends solely on Nassib’s ability to take that final step from being a dependable game manager to an actual asset in the passing game. Nassib had respectable numbers last season (2,334 yards, 19 touchdowns) but was often shut down by aggressive defenses (see the Louisville and West Virginia games). Until Nassib can punish teams that load up the box to stop the Orange rushing game, the Syracuse offense will not develop. The encouraging sign for Nassib and Syracuse fans is that he seemed to finally get comfortable in the win over Kansas State in the bowl game. If that Ryan Nassib shows up in 2011, it should be another good year for Marrone and company.

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The biggest challenge in 2011 will be in rebuilding and retooling what was a very stout defense. The top two tacklers from last season are gone and only five starters from last year return. The defensive line must replace a pair of dominant defensive tackles, but at least has potential all-conference candidate Chandler Jones at defensive end to build around. The only returning linebacker is sophomore Marquis Spruill, who was the highest rated prospect of Marrone’s initial recruiting class and played immediately last season as a freshman. He’ll move from the outside to middle linebacker this season. While the defensive line retools, the Orange can rely on a quality pair of safeties in Phillip and Shamarko Thomas. Shamarko Thomas has played almost every game of his first two seasons in Syracuse at strong safety and is a ruthless hitter. Phillip Thomas is an equally adept open field tackler and centerfielder who allows the Orange to be as aggressive as they need to be up front. The struggle to break in new players on defense may force the offense’s hand at opening it up – the Orange could find themselves in more shootouts than they faced in 2010.

The Orange schedule is more difficult than their 2010 slate. They open with Wake Forest and travel across the country to face USC in week three. The Orange get Big East favorites West Virginia and South Florida at home, but must play Louisville and UConn on the road in consecutive weeks. The Orange close the season on the road at Pittsburgh.