After SU’s 37-27 loss to top rated Clemson Saturday, Syracuse fans are divided.
Scott Shafer supporters will say SU battled all afternoon with a third-string quarterback against the number one team in the nation. The Shafer opposition crowd will say the Orange has lost seven in a row and won just three of the last fifteen games Shafer has coached; it’s time for a change.
Whatever crowd you’re in, there’s no denying that Syracuse impressed Saturday in the loss to Clemson.
The Orange finished with 242 rushing yards against a top five rated Tiger defense. Saturday’s rushing tally was the second most yards the team has amassed on the ground this season. SU put up 312 against Rhode Island to start the year.
Third string quarterback Zack Mahoney only completed eight passes in the game, but still kept SU in it. The former walk-on rushed for 86 yards and two scores in the game. He brought SU to within one touchdown of Clemson late in the third quarter on a 12-yard TD run.
Defensively, the Orange won the turnover battle three to one, but allowed far too many yards. Clemson finished this game with 570 total yards of offense. Tiger quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 34 of 47 passes for 360 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 101 yards and a score. The Heisman hopeful definitely got the better of the Orange Saturday
After the game Shafer talked about Syracuse’s process and how he firmly believes in the progress his team is showing. He added that he hoped other people are seeing it too.
Following the Clemson game it’s the same discussion for fans. Syracuse loses again, but the team showed legitimate potential. Is that potential enough for Shafer to keep his job? The ball is in Mark Coyle’s court.
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Posted: Connor Morrissette
