Three Biggest Questions Facing Syracuse Football
Here are the three biggest questions facing Syracuse football as the 2023 season is set to begin on Saturday.
1. How Will New Coordinators Fare?
Syracuse replaced both coordinators this offseason as Robert Anae left for NC State while Tony White departed for Nebraska. In their place, Syracuse promoted Jason Beck to offensive coordinator from quarterbacks coach while the Orange hired Rocky Long as leader of the defense. Long has extensive experience leading defenses as one of the Godfathers of the scheme. This will be Beck's first time calling plays at the power five level. How each does in their first season as play callers at Syracuse will have a huge impact on success this year.
2. Can Syracuse Stay Healthy?
Injuries have been an issue for years, but have specifically derailed the last two seasons when quarterback Garrett Shrader got hurt midseason. He has missed time in each of the last two years, and played through injuries down the stretch as well that significantly hindered his effectiveness. That, along with losing other key starters on both sides of the ball, are why the Orange seems to fade after Halloween. A healthy 2023, much like Syracuse was in 2018, could mean a strong season is on the horizon.
3. Will the Offensive Line Hold Up?
If you look at a common theme the last few times Syracuse has made a bowl game, it has been a solid or better offensive line. When the offensive line has had major issues, so does the team as a whole. The Orange lost three starters from last year's squad, including left tackle Matthew Bergeron, who was selected in the second round by the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL Draft. If Syracuse is to get where it wants this season, those replacing the departed starters much step up.
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