SU offensive coordinator Tim Lester has had the entire summer to teach his style of offense to the Syracuse team. Last season when Lester was promoted to offensive coordinator midway through the year he had to implement his scheme on the fly.
The 2015 Syracuse offense has impressed in its first two games with true freshman quarterback Eric Dungey leading the way. The Oregon product has thrown for 335 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions so far this season. Extensive work in the offseason has surely played a part in the early season success.
SU’s 30-17 victory over Wake Forest Saturday provided a baseline for what to expect from Lester and the Orange offense going forward. Dungey will be very mobile in the pocket and even take off down field from time to time. The h-back will be utilized to catch short passes and receive the ball behind the line of scrimmage. Receivers Steve Ishmael and Brisley Estime will make the majority of plays down the field.
So far Lester’s play calling and overall offensive implementation has been up to par. There are still some areas that need improvement however.
It’s great that the Orange offense has big play threats in Ishmael and Estime. Scoring on big plays, like Syracuse did against Wake Forest, will not be sustainable for the team this season though. As Syracuse faces stiffer competition the offense will need to produce longer, more extensive drives.
The Orange was 1/9 on third downs against Wake. That won’t be good enough against the likes of LSU, Florida State and Clemson. SU most likely won’t be bailed out by 50 plus yard touchdown passes against those teams.
Lester’s next objective is to figure out how Dungey can get Syracuse consistently into the red zone. Up to now though it’s been so far so good for the Orange’s offensive guru. How would you grade Syracuse’s offense so far this season?
Follow us @OrangeFizz to stay up-to-date on SU football news.
Posted: Connor Morrissette
