At the start of the year, the Syracuse offense looked like Oronde Gadsden and everyone else. And, for good reason. Gadsden is one of the best skill position players in the country. Outside of him, you had LeQuint Allen, who’s started just one game. And a ton of receivers who have high hopes but have never proved they can step up in a big game.
Early in yesterday’s 48-7 victory over Western Michigan, Oronde Gadsden appeared to pull up and be injured. He entered the medical tent then went to the locker room. A few minutes later, the star returned on crutches and with a boot on his right foot.
Gadsden’s status is still largely unknown. Dino Babers didn’t comment on the injury during the post game press conference and said he wouldn’t until Monday. Even then he may keep the injury under wraps. If Gadsden’s injury is severe enough to miss time, it is time to look at the SU offense without its star.
Through the first two games, Umari Hatcher has stepped up as the teams leading receiver. The sophomore has nine catches for close to 200 yards and a touchdown. Seven different Orange players have a receiving touchdown so far, with only Isaiah Jones having multiple.
Donovan Brown, the redshirt freshman who was surprisingly named a starter in the week one depth chart has impressed as well. Brown has eight receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown. The score for the Marylander was an 86 yard house call where Brown was just too fast for everyone else.
In the running game, both LeQuint Allen and the true freshman Ike Daniels averaged over five yards per carry. Allen leads the team with four touchdowns already. He has been much quieter than expected in the passing game however with just two receptions and 10 yards.
The first true test for SU is this weekend against a Big10 defense, Purdue. Until then though, all eyes will be on the status of Oronde Gadsden.
