Five Takeaways: North Carolina 40 Syracuse 7
Syracuse football lost at North Carolina 40-7 on Saturday. Here are five takeaways from the game.
1. Line Play
The most glaring issue for Syracuse was the play of both lines. The defensive line failed to get any pressure on UNC quarterback Drake Maye and the Tar Heels got whatever they wanted on the ground rushing for over 200 yards. The offensive line could not protect Garrett Shrader, who was under constant pressure all game. He was only sacked once, but was running for his life quite a bit. They also failed to consistently open up holes on the ground. It was a rough all around performance for both lines. They need to be better the rest of the way for Syracuse to get back into the win column.
2. Receivers
Umari Hatcher was the lone bright spot amongst the receivers. He ran good routes, made some nice catches and appeared to be the only one able to get open on a somewhat consistent basis. The rest of the group could not get separation and had a couple of drops. Without Oronde Gadsden, this group lacks an explosive threat that causes the defense to respect the Syracuse passing attack. Currently teams do not and that shows in how they defend the Orange. Teams are focusing on the ground attack and taking away Shrader's legs. Syracuse is struggling to move the ball as a result. Someone has to step up.
3. Secondary
There are now major questions in the secondary after Syracuse was burned through the air for the second straight week. Drake Maye threw for over 440 yards with three touchdowns after Cade Klubnik threw for over 260 yards and two scores. Specifically teams are having success throwing over the top and on quick, short throws. Third and long coverage is an issue, and the corners seem to be playing off coverage far too often. That allows teams to run slants or even five to six yard routes where they simply stop and turn around without any hindrance. Far too easy. Yes the line is having issues getting to the quarterback, but the secondary has struggled the last two weeks as well.
4. The Call
Listen, North Carolina dominated this game. They likely win regardless. But there is no question the officials blew a major call early that could have given Syracuse some momentum and energy. Instead, it had the opposite effect. Syracuse was trailing 3-0 in the first quarter, got a stop and forced a punt. The punt was blocked and picked up by Tar Heels punter Ben Kiernan. He ran towards the first down marker and was hit and knocked out of bounds. Live, it looked to be clearly short. On replay, it definitely was. The officials told Dino Babers they reviewed it and Kiernan made the line to gain. He challenged it and the officials told Dino they did not have a camera angle to allow them to overturn it. The replay shown on television clearly showed Kiernan was short. The ball was in his left hand, he was hit and the left hand with the ball was more than half a yard short of the line to gain. Instead of being down 3-0 with the ball in UNC territory and momentum after such a play, North Carolina had the ball with rejuvenated energy. Syracuse appeared dejected after that. Now, Syracuse needs to respond better. They had the opportunity to make more plays from that point on and did not. But the officials cannot make that call nor still get it that wrong on review. The way it was described by Dino makes it appear as if they did not want to admit they were wrong and therefore refused to make the correct call. Inexcusable.
5. What Now?
The last two games have been ugly. Syracuse has made a lot of mistakes, been careless with the football, and given up a lot of yards and points. It has also been two of the best three teams on Syracuse's schedule with the third coming up. Regardless of what happens next week, Syracuse still has a lot in front of it. An eight win season is still possible with games against Virginia Tech, Boston College, Pitt, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest remaining after Florida State. All winnable games with Georgia Tech being the most difficult. Even though it has been ugly, and may be uglier in week seven, there is still every opportunity for Syracuse to have a good season. There is no question they need to be better in several areas to do so, however.
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