With just over six weeks until Syracuse opens its season at Liberty on August 31, the hype surrounding the program is real. At the ACC Kickoff on Wednesday there were more reporters surrounding head coach Dino Babers than the last two years combined. Alongside quarterback Tommy DeVito and defensive end Kendall Coleman, Babers spoke to the media for the first time since the team’s pre-season depth chart came out.
Safe to say, there were plenty of questions to be asked. Babers addressed the questions head on and spoke candidly on some of SU’s biggest concerns heading into the season. Let’s break down some of the biggest topics as the talking season begins:
– Offensive line concerns
We highlighted this as one of the main questions heading into the day. After talking with Babers, there are plenty of reasons to keep that as a main concern. The fourth-year head coach made it clear that there is pretty of work to do up front. As Babers as preached throughout his time at Syracuse, a strong offensive line is critical to compete in the ACC. Last season the group was a strength. This year, it’s a work in progress. Babers said he would have been smiling ear to ear when asked the question if he knew he had last year’s group back. Offensive line play is the key to Syracuse’s season.
– DeVito is ready to roll
When the redshirt-sophomore took the stage on Wednesday afternoon, he appeared cool, calm and collected. He didn’t look like a young quarterback. He looked like a veteran with confidence going into another season. At one point, DeVito even joked with a reporter when asked about his offseason activities, saying all he did was work on his tan. The guy seemed locked in and ready to get the party started. He also made it clear that he’s not going to be afraid to use his legs in key situations.
Think Tommy DeVito isn‚Äôt a dual threat QB? Think again üí®
“If it’s first down and touchdown I’m going for it!” #ACCKickoff pic.twitter.com/8tU9gLPv1D
— Orange Fizz (@OrangeFizz) July 17, 2019
– Antwan Cordy has work to do
Cordy is back for his sixth year and didn’t appear on the Orange’s pre-season depth chart in this year’s media guide. Babers explained the Cordy situation by saying he’s a talanted player that hasn’t had the best luck over the years. While he’s been out with injury, members of the Syracuse secondary have thrived in his place. Let’s be honest, that group is deep this year. Cordy has his work cut out for him if he wants consistent playing time.
– The Orange are focused on first two games
Syracuse’s week three game against Clemson will go down as one of the most-anticipated contest in Carrier Dome history. When asked about the contest, Coleman couldn’t have given a better response. He admitted he was excited about the game but added that it wouldn’t mean as much if they had a loss on their resume. We know the challenge for this team is going to be focussing on Liberty and Maryland and there is no reason to believe they aren’t.
Kendall Coleman on the ultra-hyped Clemson game.
“First thing we gotta do in order to beat that team (Clemson) is beat the first two teams before them.” pic.twitter.com/HFC8x0ZFBk
— Orange Fizz (@OrangeFizz) July 17, 2019
These are just a few of the biggest topics from today’s event. Remember, you can catch a detailed breakdown of what we learned this weekend on Fizz Radio. The show airs every Saturday from 9-10 a.m. on The Score 1260 in Syracuse.
