You had to see it coming right? In the most Syracuse way possible, the Orange have free fallen since their blazing hot start to the season. It’s insane how big a swing this is, probably one of the most expansive in the history of college football. SU goes from 6-0 to 6-5 in the span of two months.
Despite the massive disappointment that the end of October and all of November have offered, Syracuse Football won big this year. SU hasn’t had the chance to do a couple things in the past couple season but does this time around.
First, Syracuse gets the extra practices awarded to teams that qualify for a bowl game. SU has a lot of young talent on its team. Guys like Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, Oronde Gadsden, and LeQuint Allen figure to benefit greatly with more chances for development. This stretch of a month gives the Orange an opportunity to see what they have for next year.
Second, Dino Babers and Company can stay relevant in the national spotlight. Playing in a bowl game at all is crucial for SU. Now the coaching staff can pitch to recruits with tangible hard evidence of actual successful on-field results.
Finally, one of the biggest catalysts to the second half slide has been injuries. Let’s not forget the stellar job this staff has accomplished in its player development. Garrett Shrader revolutionized his game from last to this year, Sean Tucker was a relatively unknown recruit from Maryland who is about to garner back-to-back 1,000 yard campaigns, and Mikel Jones transformed from backup to star in the ACC.
Win or lose on Saturday against BC, the bowl berth is huge for Syracuse Football this season. So take a step back and reflect on the first six weeks of the year and be happy to even be talking about a Pinstripe Bowl rather than cleaning one out to eat cereal and watch other teams in December and January.
