FINAL: Pitt 30, Syracuse 13
Saturday night was another demoralizing defeat for SU. After starting the season 3-1, Syracuse has dropped three straight games.
SU’s struggles were headlined once again by Quarterback Rickie Collins. The Sophomore threw 3 interceptions and completed less than half his passes resulting in heavy boos from Cuse faithful inside the JMA Dome. After SU mustered 7 points in the first half, Collins was benched for Freshman Luke Carney.
But with Carney at the helm, SU’s offensive woes continued. In 2 drives with Collins sidelined, the Orange gained just 1 first down. In his two possessions, Carney completed 2 short passes for 10 yards before Collins returned. The decision to go back to Rickie Collins after benching him, especially when the offense looked no worse with Carney, was perhaps a sign for a possible change under center. Something that Orange nation has contemplated for weeks.
Two things are true: Collins has been bad but has been unfairly blamed as the scapegoat for all of SU’s issues. Yes, he’s thrown 7 INT’s in the past 3 games. But Syracuse’s problems run deeper than the quarterback possession.
The Ex-LSU transfer, who appeared in only 3 games in 2 seasons with the Tigers, transferred to Syracuse with almost no in-game experience. After being pushed into the starting role with the injury of Steve Angeli, SU quickly collapsed and lost all momentum built from their 3-1 start. The once impressive run game turned into a non factor and the defense continued to be a glaring issue.
But most importantly, the Orange have lost Fran Brown’s D.A.R.T (Determined, Accountable, Relentless, and Tough) philosophy. The four letter acronym – which propelled SU to last season’s 10-4 campaign, and helped Brown quickly change the culture at Syracuse – is nowhere to be seen with the current Orange.
Saturday’s loss was perhaps another example. Despite coming off a timely bye week, SU started from behind and allowed Pitt to pull away easily. After SU tied the game 7-7 late in the first quarter, the Panthers scored 16 unanswered points and finished the evening on a 23-6 run. The Orange came out flat and the final score reflected just that.
The lack of effort from SU is not necessarily Rickie Collins’ fault. But it’s become apparent, with every loss, that Syracuse needs a spark. Perhaps Luke Carney can create that spark to revive Syracuse.
