Are we dreaming? Pinch yourselves. Syracuse has won two consecutive ACC games. No this isn’t a dream, this is reality and its a darn good one. The “best case scenario” season we laid out in the preseason appears to be unfolding. On this week’s episode of stock up/stock down we recap SU’s 21-6 win over Boston College and take a trip to the stock market. Let’s do it!
Stock Up
Dino Babers
It should be all but a forgone conclusion at this point, Babers will be back in 2022 and perhaps further than that. The full details have yet to be decided but the sixth year head coach has shown some signs of life this season. The Orange have the best running back in the nation, their quarterback of the future, and a defense that at times is absolutely dominant. Critics have been clamoring for some evidence to back up the faith and belief Babers always preaches and this season might be exhibit A.
Sean Tucker
We can’t take this man for granted. He is a little over 100 yards away from smashing Joe Morris’ single-season rushing record. Folks, Tucker is the best running back in the nation right now and would be a sure fire first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft if he was eligible. The Maryland native is the mitochondria of the cell that is Syracuse football. Without the sophomore, this team wins no more than three games. His stock is as high as can possibly be and now is his time for the payoff which is rewriting history. Are you not pleased?
Kingsley Jonathan
Yeah so as the kids say these days, Jonathan kinda “went off” on Saturday. The super-senior racked up a career high three sacks. That’s as many as the Baltimore native had ALL OF LAST SEASON. This is the dominance that ‘Cuse fans expected from St. Frances Academy product from the get-go. Perhaps the BC contest was the beginning of a hot streak that SU certainly needs here down the stretch.
Kalan Ellis
The true freshman’s stock continues its upward ascension this week. Chris Bleich was back in the lineup after missing the last two outings with injury. Well Ellis still found himself starting at left guard. Why? Well right tackle Carlos Vettorello was out with injury so Dakota Davis kicked out to the vacant tackle spot. Bleich slid over to the right guard spot and Ellis stayed put at left guard. The Hawaiian is too good to keep off the field and he’s learning fast.
Garrett Williams
The 2020 freshman All-American has been quiet this season. Perhaps that’s a good thing when playing cornerback. However, if you watched the game on Saturday Williams popped off the screen. The North Carolina native did an elite job wrapping up in space and racked up two tackles for loss. The former All-ACC performer also had an acrobatic pass deflection that dropped some jaws in the Dome. Williams’ performance against BC was a portrait of the high level of play he is capable of every week.
Eric Coley
The veteran strong safety is still healthy! That’s the first thing that needs to be addressed. The CNY native missed a big portion of the 2020 season due to injury. The Fayetteville-Manlius product did well in coverage and tallied seven tackles. His steady presence in the secondary has paid dividends for an otherwise young unit. Let’s see if Coley can end the season strong.
James Williams
The punter went through a tough stretch in October. However, he was solid against Boston College and that can’t go unappreciated. The Georgia native sent five punts for 215 yards for an average of 43 per attempt. This is much better than the 33 he was averaging a few weeks ago.
Courtney Jackson
No, he’s not on this list because of a big receiving day. However, the Pennsylvania native salvaged an otherwise slow outing with a punt return touchdown to pad SU’s lead in the third quarter. The third-year wideout stepped in for Trebor Pena in a big way and flashed the big play potential that he has.
Stock Down
The Passing Game
It just did not exist on Saturday. At times Garrett Shrader looked comfortable and in rhythm but it’s just too inconsistent. And you know what? That’s completely fine. Last week Syracuse needed 236 yards and some big plays from Shrader and company to beat Virginia Tech. On Saturday it wasn’t working, so the Orange made the smart decision and went back to what works, the run game. Whatever needs to be done to win the game, let it be done. We must throw out the caveat though that BC has the best passing defense in the ACC.
The Syracuse Offense on 3rd Down
It’s just pitiful. It’s the complete opposite of the dominance that the SU defense displays on third down. Maybe Sterlin Gilbert should inquire Tony White for some tips? Syracuse was just 4 of 13, or the amount of completions Shrader had out of as many attempts in the first half. Yeah, 4/13 or 31% is not going to cut it against Louisville, NC State, or Pittsburgh. How can this improve? Stay out of 3rd and 6+ yard situations because as we said, there is no consistent threat of a passing game.
Everyone that Doubted Syracuse Making a Bowl Game
You know who you are. It’s happening folks, Armed Forces Bowl here we come.
Vegas
Yeah so the oddsmakers had Syracuse winning three games overall and barely even one in the ACC. Well SU has five wins with two in conference and those numbers could still improve. Take that Vegas! Oh and the Orange are also 8-1 against the spread (could be 8-1 overall tbh). Some of you have made a small fortune off ‘Cuse this season, congratulations.
