Syracuse had many positives in week one, but a glaring negative was the run defense. The Orange allowed 255 yards on the ground–30 more yards than Florida State through its two losses.
One of those came against SU’s next opponent: 23rd-ranked Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets ran for 190 yards against the Seminoles in their season opener two weeks ago.
A big reason for Georgia Tech’s success is because of running back Jamal Haynes. The junior ran for 75 yards on 11 carries with two touchdowns in the Yellow Jackets upset against Florida State. He added another 84 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown in last week’s victory over Georgia State.
The Orange currently rank at the bottom of the ACC in rushing yards allowed per game, despite having played only one game. The odds don’t favor Syraucse improving that stat in week two.
Additionally, SU lost its top linebacker, Marlowe Wax, last Saturday. The senior suffered a lower body injury in the third quarter of Syracuse’s season opener. Adjusting and improving the defense just became more challenging.
Head coach Fran Brown said that Wax will be out for “about six weeks.” He also mentioned the “next man-up mentality” that started as soon as Wax went down. Coach Brown noted that James Heard Jr. and Anwar Sparrow are two linebackers that need to make a more substantial impact on the Syracuse defense moving forward.
Heard’s freshman status didn’t prevent him from recording his first collegiate interception and tackle last weekend. Sparrow also had one tackle.
Aside from the poor run defense against Ohio, the red zone defense was solid, especially early in the game. The Orange forced the Bobcats into two field goals, and held them to a one-score lead before SU’s offense finally settled.
Week two presents an early-season challenge for Syracuse as it welcomes 23rd-ranked Georgia Tech to the Dome. How will they fare? The run defense will provide the answer on Saturday, with kickoff at noon.
