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Updated: August 18, 5:40 PM ET Orangemen hope to rebound from last season By Jorge Milian Special to ESPN.com |
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Syracuse Orangemen
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2002 overall record: 4-8 Conference record: 2-5 Returning starters Offense: 6, Defense: 6, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Walter Reyes* (1,135 yds) Passing: Troy Nunes (1,337 yds) Receiving: Jamel Riddle (626 yds) Tackles: Clifton Smith (136) Sacks: Louis Gachelin* (8.5) Interceptions: Steven Gregory* (2) Outlook: There were few teams in the nation last season more disappointing than Syracuse which went from a 10-win season in 2002 to a 4-8 record last season while ending up seventh -- the school's worst finish ever -- in the conference standings. After 15 consecutive winning seasons, one wonders if the Orangemen are starting a trend in the other direction. Much of the fault in last season's collapse was placed on the defense, and rightly so. Syracuse allowed a Big East-high 406 points and held only three teams -- conference doormats Rutgers and Temple and Division I-AA Rhode Island -- below 30 points. Will the defense improve this season? Hard to say. The good news is that six starters return, including the entire defensive line. The bad news is that six starters return. The state of affairs is better on offense although the quarterback situation is a major question mark. R.J. Anderson followed a strong sophomore campaign in 2002 by regressing dramatically last season. The junior threw twice as many interceptions as touchdown passes and completed only 43 percent of his passes. Despite that, Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni may not have a better option at quarterback than Anderson. Perry Patterson, who was expected to compete for the job with Anderson, blew out a knee during spring practice and is likely out for the season. There's little left behind those two. The rest of the offense looks good with the return of 1,000-yard rusher Walter Reyes, who will run behind an offensive line that has four incumbent starters. There's plenty of uncertainty at receiver where Jamel Riddle, a second-team All-Big East selection, was academically ineligible in the spring. Key game: Each of Syracuse's first four games are winnable leading up to the Oct. 11 meeting against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The Orangemen have beaten the Hokies in the last two games, including a victory in Blacksburg two years ago. Starting with Virginia Tech, Syracuse plays a five-game stretch in which they will travel to play the Hokies, Pittsburgh and Miami. Keep an eye on: The patience of Syracuse's fans. Even in the best of times, Paul Pasqualoni has had more than his share of detractors. Pasqualoni has the public backing of athletic director Jake Crouthamel and the school's administration, but if the Orangemen repeat last season's performance, the 54-year-old coach may find the Carrier Dome a rather unfriendly venue. It's a good year if. . .: Syracuse earns a bowl berth. In order to reach the postseason, the Orangemen will have to get off to a fast start. The schedule begins with games against North Carolina, Louisville, Central Florida and Toledo -- no sure things, but all winnable. After that, Syracuse embarks on a six-week stretch that includes games at Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh and Miami. With Notre Dame and West Virginia on the schedule, the margin between a bowl berth and staying home for the second consecutive season is a thin one. Jorge Milian covers the Big East for the Palm Beach Post.
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