It’s a David v. Goliath matchup. Syracuse football, losers of six straight and starting a former walk on at quarterback taking on the nation’s top rated team, the Clemson Tigers.
Clemson opened the week as a 26.5-point favorite in this one even though the game is in the Carrier Dome. No one is giving the Orange a shot.
It’s no secret that Syracuse football coach Scott Shafer’s seat is hot. Just this week Floyd Little told the Post Standard that Shafer, “will be evaluated after the season”. The paper also published a story stating that, “Scott Shafer Might Be Talking His Way Out Of A Job.”
Through nine games Shafer has definitely made some head scratching decisions this season.
SU’s head man called a timeout against Central Michigan when the Orange had the Chippewas on the ropes. Immediately following the timeout, CMU scored on one of the final plays of regulation to send the game to overtime.
Last week against Louisville, Shafer thought SU could mount a 31-point comeback with four minutes to play so he left quarterback Eric Dungey in the game. Dungey ended up taking a vicious hit and leaving injured. He’s most likely now done for the rest of the season.
Earlier this week Shafer revealed he only has one year left on his contract, which guarantees a decision on his future from SU Athletics after this season. He won’t be able to recruit if he only has one year left. Who would sign up to play for a coach in turmoil?
The man’s clearly made some major mistakes.
A win on Saturday erases everything though. If Shafer somehow rallies the troops to lead the Orange to an improbable win over number one Clemson he’ll surely be back next season. You can’t fire guy who beats the best team in the land.
It’s now or never for Shafer. If SU loses, how can you realistically defend him?
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Posted: Connor Morrissette
