It’s clearly far from the ideal scenario if you’re Syracuse, but look at it this way: It can’t get much worse. In the wake of a three-game losing streak, and the offense getting pummeled from fans and media, the Orange will go into the Florida State game without its starting quarterback.
Syracuse will be without Terrel Hunt for 4-6 weeks with a fractured fibula, forcing an unproven signal-caller to take over the reigns of the offense. Hunt injured his leg Friday night against Louisville, and there was concern immediately following the game from George McDonald about Hunt’s future status.
Now, an offense that has been shut down by Maryland, Notre Dame, and Louisville will have to make do against the defending champs with serious inexperience at QB. Syracuse has scored just 108 points in 5 games, which averages out to almost 22 points per. But take out the 40 points outburst at CMU, and the Orange has scored a paltry 68 points in 4 games. Good for just 17 points per game. That’s a lot of stress to place on your defense.
George McDonald has come under heavy fire for his play-calling, and with the change to Tim Lester that may help things. Hunt was not helping matters. The passing attack was stripped down to pre-forward pass levels, SU often making a 7-yard pass as difficult as a Hail Mary.
No matter if it’s a redshirt freshman like Mitch Kimble or Austin Wilson, or a true frosh like A.J. Long, the Orange has picked a hell of a time to try breaking in a slew of new parts on offense.
Posted: Staff
