Monday, November 17, 2008

One Candidate Down

Well so much for the Edsall talk.

Randy Edsall Not Interested In Coaching At Syracuse

Looking Back....Looking Ahead


Newsflash:
If you didn't watch Saturday night you missed some fine punting from Rob Long. But thats not why we're here today. In case you reside under a large rock the inevitable finally happened yesterday. The right move was made, but should have been made damn sooner. I'll spare you the numbers because Lord knows we all know just how bad Orange footballl has gotten.
• T3I sent Greggers off in style.
• TNIAAM took the liberty of preparing Robinson's resume for him.
• The Axeman sorts through the rubble.
• Donnie Webb weighs in with his top candidates.
Aside from College Football's Ugliest Uniforms, GRob does leave the quad sporting 2-0 record against in-state juggernaut Buffalo and bragging rights for sticking it to Louisville the past two seasons.
Doc Hollywood has assured SU fans far and wide that he's ahead of the game this time.
"To say we're ahead of the game is an understatement, - I want to work at this at Godspeed, to get it done. If I could get it done yesterday, I would. But we want to get it done the right way and be really smart about it and figure out every angle on this to make sure we can win."
Pete Carroll, that's you cue to sit by the phone and answer on the third ring.
We've been hearing all summer/fall about how Gross is going to have the 'first pick in the draft', and how he's got 10 trillion dollars to spend on the next coach. Unfortunatley ClemPson, Washington, Tennessee, among others all got a head start out of the gate. Word from D Webb is that Randy Edsall is the leading cadidate and is actually interested in the job. I still think we missed that boat back in 2004 but since Edsall hasnt flat out denied interest in the SU job, who knows. Hell, if he inks to a deal with Gross at least it'll make the UConn/Syracuse football rivalry just as heated as the hoops rivalry. Wasnt Axe saying not too long ago that Syracuse doesnt have a primary rival anymore?? Hmmmm.....

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Syracuse/Rutgers Live Blog

Morning all! Just for shits and giggles I'm blogging live today during the game so check back periodically. If you dont get ESPNU, I've got your updates covered!

Hour and 15 to game time...


1st Quarter.:Its wet, 'Cuse can't tackle (surprise) and Rutgers is threatening.

Update.. threatening no more. Teel Threw a sweet pick. No Scarlet Knight around in the end zone. Easy pick. Holding penatly coming up on SU 1st down... whoooppeee....

after the hold.. Pass interference on 'Cuse. Still 1st and 22..... damn near their own goal. Pass to Owen gets them back to the original fucking line of scrimmage. 3rd and 9.

Doug Houge just broke one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gone!!!!!! TD!!!!!

Damn, I could have drove a cement truck through the hole he had to run through. Great call on 3rd and long.

7-zip 'Cuse


Rutgers responds with a 3 and out. SU blocked the punt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 14-0 on a Graham (correction) block!!!!!! Hell theyre scoring faster than I can type!!! Whens the last time we saw a SU punt block for a TD??

14-0 SU rolling..... Rum and coke #1 - GONE

Another 3 and out for Rutgers. Fair catch made by Bruce at about the 10

Scarlet Knight D makes the stop. 3 and out for 'Cuse. Rob Long booted one to the RU 31.

If I see this fucking commercial for these dufus ass die cast trucks I'm going to throw something. Wouldnt be so bad but they take like 3 fucking minutes.

Rum and Coke # 2 - GONE

SU D looks soft this quarter. Rutgers ran the same fuckin play twice in a row for 2 1st downs. Scarlet Knights in FG range

1st and goal Rutgers. Whooooooo.... made this 3rd Rum and Coke kinda stttttrong.

Dammit!!!!!!! TD Rutgers. Teel toss to Underwood. Easy catch. Fuck!!!!!!!!!!

I love when anncouncers cant get a players name right. "Matt Sutter with the runback"

More fun from the announcers. Sales dropped a pass... "couldnt complete the Sale".... Har Dee Har Har. Dantley sacked. SU punting

Rum and Coke # 3 - GONE

Scott went down hard. Looks to be OK

Teel is picking this SU secondary apart. SU D still looks soft. Theyre hitting but not covering

TD Rutgers. Teel put it on the money in the corner of the endzone.

This one announcer has no fucking personality. Remember that Simpsons episode where Bart goes to the Box Factory? The guy who gave the tour is calling this game.

Normally SU waits til the 4th quarter to give a ball game away. Guess they figurd 'why wait?'

Rutgers D holds. Boonah got robbed out of a 1st down. Looked lke he stretched it out and his knee wasnt down. SU punting (again)

Rum and Coke #4 - GONE

Hate to say it but great call by Rutgers on 3rd and long. Same draw play that Hogue scored on earlier. 1st down Rutgers. 40 seconds til halftime.

SU Pick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! chance for a FG at least. Good time to have Shadle.

Dantley ran for the 1st. SU FG att coming.

FG blocked but Time was called first.

Another attempt coming.

What the crap??? another timeout. another miss.

Tied 14 All at halftime. Time to refill on booze.

SU starts at their own 28. 1st half stats heavily favor Rutgers... except the 3 SU take-a-ways.

3 and out for' Cuse. Rutgers is bringing alot of pressure.

I'm going with my frosty cold mug and ice cold beer this half.

Still havent seen DR J throwing ice cubes in glasses yet.

Art Jones broke free and forced a sack!!! Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet.....
2nd and 20 Rutgers

My wife's only comment of the game is that Art Jones has a huge ass.

Oh Rutgers punting...

HUGE run by Boonah for the first time today!! 1st and 10 Cuse on their own 33

Dammit!!!!!!!!!! Pressure came. Dantley coughed it up. Fucking Rutgers ball already in FG range.

Beer #1 - GONE

Son a bitch!!!! Teel pass to Campbell. Rutgers on the 1. Should have been a score IMO. Probably will be in about 1 or two plays. Wait... under review. Should be a score.

Play stands. RU ball on the 1. Young is in. 21-14 Rutgers. SU needs to keep it on the gound next time out.

If that wasnt enough fun to watch heres my favorite 3 minute long Die Cast Truck commercial again.... AGAIN.

Beer #2 - GONE

Son of a bitch another sack. Turns out SU did show up after all. 3rd and forever on their own 10.

Dantley just tossed it 5 yards deep in the sideline. SU punting.

Rutgers at midfield

Youve got to be fucking kidding me. 45 yard run by Rutgers. Direct snap to the Martineck. he hit the corner and was GONE.

So is Beer # 3

SU keeps it on the ground like they should. Gee.... funny its halfway through the 3rd quarter and theyre down by two scores to figure that shit out. 1st down Syracuse.

Rutgers facemask just gave SU another 1st down. I aint complainin

Play action doesnt work again. Dantleys pass way off the mark... again.

While I'm happy that Boonah's getting postitve yards this half he doesn NOT need to be jumping over defenders when he doesnt have to. Remeber those past injuries??

Another sack. Dantley went down akward and is down. NOT GOOD!!!!! Right knee twisted. Hate to see that. For any player. Hope he's OK

Shadle is good. 28-17 Rutgers. Looks like we may see ARob for the first time since NW.

Great return by Rutgers. Scarlet Knights with great field position.... again

End of the third. Rutgers threatening. Lots of work for SU to do to get back in this one.

4th down coming up for Rutgers. Looks like theyre going for it. I'd just kick the FG and be happy with the lead. Its not like SU has posed much of an offensive threat.

Rutgers just paid for going for it on 4th. BIG stop by SU D. 'Cuse takes over on downs. Loss of 3 on first down. ARob in at QB

3 and out again.... Time ticking away.

Beer #4 GONE

If youre wondering ARob threw one pass which was way off and then ran but wound up short of the 1st. RU at their own 35.

Crap. Teel just tossed a 40 yard beauty to Tim Brown (not that one). Rutgers 1st and 10 at the 15

Fuck, before I could even finish typing another Underwood TD grab. We all know SU is NOT a 4th quarter team. This ones fucking over.

ARob pass was batted down by a LB. 2nd and 10 'Cuse on their own 30

Heres the same quote I give my wife every week. I just shake my head and assure her.... "It didn't used to be this way"

Thank God for the 98 Rutgers game clips earlier! How cool was it to see Kevin Johnson, McNabb and Konrad?? Sweeet.....

Worst play Ive seen in a while from ARob. Pocket collapsed. He could have run. Decided to dump it off to Brinkley but threw it ... about 10 feet short on the ground.

ARob complete to Hogue for a few. Still short of the first down. But hey, at least the ball found its target.

Dont hold your breath for an SU comeback. On 4th down ARob sailed a pass way over the intended receiver's head. Ddidnt catch who it was. I was busy throwing a pillow against the front door. Remember... throw it at the front door. It absorbs impact better than other doors in the house.

Oh.. and Rutgers driving. Ball game pretty much over.

Wait.. too little too late but Mike Holmes just recovered a Young fumble. 1st and 10 Syracuse.

And just like that Boonah caught on in the flat, got a few yard then got the hell knocked out of him. Coughed it up too, so Rutgers has it right back. Shit!

Refs reversed the fumble call. SU ball

ARob goes down for another sack. I believe thats 5 on the day for Rutgers. Geeeeeeeeeez..

BEER ME!!

Only thing that could make this worse is another fucking die cast truck commercial.

Greg Schiano looks like Charlie Brown with a gap in his teeth

1st down Rutgers.

Young with another carry. Another fucking Rugers 1st down. I think I just saw the grim reaper standing behind Greg Robinson.

Another Young carry. Another first down

Its over. Minute left... just take a fucking knee

Knee taken. Its over.

BEER ME!!!!!!!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Holy Crap!!!!!!!!!!!!


Yeah... I know I'm a day late for this. But I had a ton of work yesterday and didn't get around to it. Piss off.

When's the last time we Orange faithfull got to send a big 'Har Dee Har Har' out two years in a row?? Been a while. In fact, last time Syracuse beat someone in back-to-back seasons was Boston College in 2004. Yeah, I know... that one's tough to beat.

Its a damn shame Boonah won't be around next season because he's really starting to come into his own. He's opening a few eyes on the national level as well. Look to the right under "Ground-churning runners". Number 3 on that list look familiar?? Hell I can't remember the last time we had someone other than Rob Long getting some consistant kudos. But there he is. Damn well eanred too. He's looked fucking S-O-L-I-D lately!

As I looked around at various posts and blogs and forums I couldnt help but notice those Orange faithful who just don't know how to enjoy a good win.

"Robinson still has to go"

No shit, nim-wad. Enjoy the fucking win.

"I didn't even watch yesterday because I don't care about SU football anymore"

And you missed a hell of a win. Try not to hang yourself.

"While they don't win or lose games, they have to go back to the orange pants. That's the tradition & they look better."

An in-the-books conference win and you're bitching about the pants?

I could go on and on but those dip-shits will always be around to piss out the fire. So fuck 'em.

As The Axeman recaps happily the ball finally bounced our way a few times. The Bruce fumble turned out to be no big deal. There's still a mountain to climb as far as pursuit and tackling goes. But, hell with it, a wins a win. My only gripe was that the game was on ESPN U, which really fucks with your head as you're watching the scores on the bottom of the screen. Men's Polo? Table Tennis? Badminton? Once I saw all the Ivy League schools I knew something was up.

T3I have no problem admitting they were dead wrong in the outcome of the Louisville game. Hell, so was everyone in the stands - all 10,000 of them. And, like me, they're pretty damn happy to be wrong in this case.

The Sport Hump found a few things that SU football is better than. Nice homework on Dick Dawson BTW. Gentlemen, I raise my glass.



I'll add something to your list. This stupid ass album that found its way onto shelves today. Its just fucking awful. Please, music critics, feel free to quote me on that. You'd get more enjoyment out of your 10 bucks if you bought a 10 dollar vase and purposely dropped it on your own foot. Unk can't rap worth a damn. But at least the beats were pretty sweet on the last album. Even though 'Walk It Out' got real old real fast. This time around the beats were pretty sorry and the material was about as unoriginal as it gets
.

So I'll add something to the Sport Hump List and get my Tuesday trash (On The Block @ 3 PM) out of the way while I'm at it. Trash it!!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Chitlen Legs??

Bill Cosby is Pumped Up About Temple Football!!!

Thats the worst thing I've ever seen in my life.

Poor Bastards gotta be losing it. I still Love 'Himself' I don't care what you say.

"I dont know!!"

Ha!!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

You Blind Baby You Blind From The Fact!!


Steve Spurrier is defending the ref who knocked South Carolina QB Steven Garcia on his ass Saturday night. Said Spurrier, "He was trying to get out of the way,"

Yeah... I saw the fucking play from 4 different angles. Refs backpedal or sidestep to get out of the way. This ref took two steps TOWARDS Garcia, stuck his elbow out Cholo style and leveled him. I'm surprised he wasn't tossed in the penalty box for a cross-check (do they still do that in hockey?). And of course the SEC is defending THEIR ref.
ESPN reports
A spokesman (from the SEC) said the umpire raised his arm to defend himself after a change of direction by the runner

Look at the film. I mean seriously.... look at the film. The fucker leaned in to make the hit. LEANED IN.....
Safeties, Linebackers, Corners, Will, Sam... THEY lean in to make a hit. REFS get out of the damn way!!! As far as I'm concerned, this one got away with Hanibal Lector-esque murder. I'm a little un-edjumacated on how the NCAA disciplines referees, but can they do something about this? Despite the support from the SEC - annomyous spokesman?

In other Bull Shit, Marcus Vick plead guilty today to both charges of DUI and eluding police.

Vick will have to pay $530 (No, I didn't leave out a zero) in fines and loses his license for a year. Oh and his 12 month jail time was suspended. Gee, wish I could run from the cops in the wrong fucking lane and get off with a less-than-a-laptop-costs fine and suspended license.

Ref Layith The Smack Down

Look at this idiot

Upon seeing this, local ClemPson fans were immediately inquiring if the ref has any NCAA eligibility left.

Jesus. Forget the ref. I just saw this writeup on yahoo.

Yahoo/Rivals Story

Matt Hinton, the ilinformed author writes of the University of South Carolina:
'whose mascot is inspired by an illegal bloodsport'

Matt -
The University's mascot is named after Revolutionary War Hero Thomas Sumter, aka 'The Gamecock"... ... ... you asshole.

I'm no USC fan (East or West), but get your damn facts straight.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Too sorry for a post title

Too sad for words. I've been reading everyone's blogs and recaps of South Florida's rout of the Orange. It looks like everyone feels about the same way. T3I just doesn't give a shit anymore. Axeman's buddies left him hanging too. Poor bastard had no one to vent to the whole game because his buddies were apple picking with their girlfriends. Tell you what Axe. I'll shoot you my cell # and you'll have someone to vent to during the next embarrasment. This should tell you just how bad things have gotten.... yeah, as if you weren't aware already.

This is the typical email that the Axeman is receiving now.

I am currently uninterested in any other aspect of Syracuse Football. Please inform me when Greg Robinson is fired and I will return to watching this team play. If you need immediate assistance, please contact Dr.Daryl Gross and ask him what the holy heck he is waiting for.

Holy crap!! These people won't even check the news out for themselves? They're relying on Axeman to email them the good news of Robinson being canned? Fuck me! Talk about apathy!

I agree with most of the people who's recaps Ive read. After the first quarter I really didn't expect Syracuse to even keep it close and I was pretty emotionless the rest of the game. Yippee... Syracusee is punting again. Hooray... Max Suter just got knocked on his ass. Whoo hoo... another dropped pass. Whoop-de-doo ....no one covered a Bull WR who walked in the end zone for a score.

Yup that was me. We SU fans have turned into Robots just awaiting Robinson's ousting. I did show emotion one time during the game. The first Bulls score of the second half. You know.. the one where NO ONE covered AJ Love and he scored the easiest TD I've ever seen. I did have to chuck a pillow on that one (remember guys.... chuck it at the front door for best results).

Robinson on the blown coverage:
"Our safety didn't look out there. Earlier on, he had played that guy. That time he didn't see him deploy."

I could be wrong. And if I am so be it. But if memory serves me correct 'that guy' was the only receiver split wide to the right in a tight formation. Don't corners usually cover receivers?


So it seems we're all on the same page. Just filling out our pool for when the announcement is made that 'Robinson won't be coaching Syracuse football in 2009'

Put me down for November 3rd.

If you're a fan of Nune's Gregisms, he's got some doozies for you this week. Trust me, you'll be laughing your ass off all morning!! Hell, my sides were already hurting by the time I got to:

"I think this is one of those types of games that we have to put behind us."

TNIAAM, You rock! I had a really shit-ass weekend and I needed a good laugh this morning! Great stuff!!!



Thursday, October 16, 2008

Simmering Down

Coaches Hot Seat Ranking

If memory serves me correct Gregger was #3 on this list just a few weeks ago. The guys who run this ranking need a heads up. First off, the man at the helm for our beloved Orange should be ranked no less than numero uno. The only one who'd have any sort of chance at that coveted Char Grill of a seat would be Ty Willingham. And just how the hell did G-Rob slip down to number 5 anyway? Don't get me wrong, the other 3 ahead of him (minus Wllingham) arent exactly sitting on penguin shit either. None-the-less neither Tuberville, Sherman nor Fulmer deserve to be ranked higher than ol' Gregger. The product on the field reeks so lets at least see Syracuse #1 at something. Coach Robinson's been a dead man walking since Akron. Probably before that. So Coacheshotseat.com, I'll put up with it no longer. Move our man up to the top!!!

We're #1!!!

Thursday Ramblings

-Coach Robinson on Cam Dantley

"I think he's doing well," said SU head coach Greg Robinson of Dantley. "Can he get better? I know he's going to get better."

You read it. First time I've seen Gregger use "I know" without 'don't' in between. I'm sure he probably added "I'm really excited" it just wasn't included in the transcript.


-As happy ClemPson (P is of course intentional) fans down here are tossing up names for Tommy Bowden's successor I'd thought I'd toss this out there.


Yeah yeah.. I know. Where the hell does a Syracuse/Big East Fan get off making fun??

Its a joke dammit! LAUGH!!!!!!!

-In the spirit of Election season, The Axeman has a poll on his blog for you Orange faithful. I particularly like:

7.Most Surreal Carrier Dome Crowd Experience

*Penn State fans take over the Carrier Dome
*The crowd laughing as an "official" attendance of 34,694 was announced at the Northeastern game when there were only 14,000-15,000 butts in seats
*Hollywood star Dennis Quaid as an honorary captain

*Watching Pittsburgh take over in the 4th quarter


Hell, from my living room I thought 10,000 was being pretty damn fucking generous.

-On Bowden's firing at ClemPson & Gregger's future with the Orange, Bud Poliquin reports

That is, when will he (Gross)-- with the blessings of Chancellor Nancy Cantor and SU's Board of Trustees -- place Robinson out on the curb? With that quasi-precedent having been established down there at Clemson, when will Greg sigh his last with the Orange?

I'm afraid it won't be until after the season has played out. Doc Hollywood, who's busy writing 'Syracuse' on a bagful of ping pong balls with a sharpie, should take notes from the Tigers' administration. They saw where the program was headed, heard the gripes from the fans and took a new direction. And got a hell of a head start on it at that. Granted I thought they were braying jackasses for signing Bowden to an extension after last season. But they made the move none-the-less, and fans down here are excited about their program again.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Feeling Down??

This should cheer you up. At least you're not this guy.

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeez........

Boston Landmark Sign Catches Fire

ESPN is reporting that the Citgo sign, which has stood outside Fenway Park since 1940, caught fire this afternoon causing $5,000 in damage.

Much to the dismay of Boston fans, no Red Sox Players were standing near the sign. Down 3-1, they're the ones who need to catch fire.

And in other news; OJ did it, Grass grew a record 1/4" today, Water is Wet, and the workday is long.

Quick Apology

I changed everything around so if you came by in the past half an hour or so and wondered "What the fuck is going on?!?!?" you just caught me in the middle of things here. All is well except the football program.

Pac Man Award

You know its just sad to see players with all the talent in the world throw away a promising future (a dozen times in this case) because they're too fucking stupid to grow up. Insert Pac Man Jones. I'll save you the recap because if you don't know about the stunts he's pulled since being drafted, then you shouldn't be reading this blog. His recent act of idiocy involved him, booze and a bodyguard assigned to him by the team. He wasn't arrested (first time for everything it seems) but the league has suspended him indefinately - minimum 4 games. My guess is he's probably done with football... well with the NFL that is.

Jones was involved in an alcohol-related incident with a bodyguard assigned to him by the Cowboys, and hotel employees called police. No arrests were made, nor were there charges filed. But the NFL suspended Jones for at least four games because the incident was a violation of the league's personal conduct policy.
-- ESPN.com news services


ESPN goes into detail about the bull shit he's put the league through since leaving West Virginia in case you've lost count. Geez.... an alcohol related incident with your own bodyguard? That takes a special brand of asshole.

This blogger has decided to start an award up, named after its first recipient, for those players who just drop your jaw at how damn stupid they are. I will say this. He made it 6 games into the season longer than I thought he would. I figured he'd have been done sometime in Training Camp for beating up a stripper, hijacking a beer truck or something equally fucked up.

So this week the O'Zone's Pac Man Award goes to.....

who else?

Monday, October 13, 2008

Can't Complain


So far I havent read anyone else's blog or even looked at the final stats of the WVU game. I will say this, even though the Orange came up short I don't have any complaints. Well, one... but I'll get to that. Now I'm sure that most will point out that had Pat White suited up it would have likey been the blowout we all predicted at the beginning of the season. But he didn't. So there.
First off Brinkley had the best damn game I've seen him perform in yet. Cam Dantley looked pretty good too. Well, up until the end where Mountaineers were coming at him left and right. He made a few ill-advised throws (the INT for one) but he still looked solid. And for once, I didn't see any bad coaching for me to gripse about. The only call I didn't agree with was the last possesion. I believe SU was on the 5 yard line, I'd have given the ball back to Brinkley. He'd been producing all game and on goaline or bust, he's the horse I would have ran.
Thats my only gripe. Now if I'm a WVU fan I'd have lost my voice booing when they wouldn't go away from that screen pass, which kept producing nothing. SU defended it perfectly and, other than the Devine 92 yard scamper to seal SU's fate, performed above par on the day. Normally I'd say that moral victories are for fucking losers but in this day and age of Orange football, its as close as us fans can come to a 'W'. So I'll take it.
After the game I did 100 mph from the driveway to the first traffic light to go see 'The Express". Great movie. The boy and myself both sported our SU gear of course. Knowing full well how the story would end didn't take away from the movie one bit. I loved every scene from start to finish. Rob Brown did a fantastic job as Davis, just fantastic. There wasn't a soul in the theatre who, by the end of the movie, didn't want to hop in a Dolorian and shake Ernie's hand. From what I'd heard about Ernie Davis ever since I was a kid he was humble, honest, hard working, selfless, and just a damn fine young man. Rob Brown pulled that off like a champ. I loved the character.
Something else I really enoyed in the movie was the football action, some of the best I've ever seen on the big screen. The hits were about as reall as they got. hell, I felt them in my freakin toes! There were so many times during the movie that a gave a softer version of Tiger's fist pump. I just loved it. Chronologicly, including Flloyd Little was a nice nice touch. I didn't expect it, but I'm glad that he made an appearance.
How the hell Dennis Quiad hasn't coached before is beyond me. After watching that the guy could easily pass for a college coach. I love how the unbalanced line, which was a vital part of that team, was detailed. He got two thumbs up from me and if I had more hands... probably more.
I'd recommend the movie to not only football fans, but to anyone. For me it was a long wait. I'd been hearing stories about Ernie Davis since I was a kid from my grandfather, my uncles, you name it. To finally see his story play out on the big screen was a once in a lifetime treat. It was a long wait but well worth it.

Bowden out at ClemPson

ClemPson just canned him. The WRs coach is taking the reigns. Now we have another school to compete with, and the Tigers have a jump start. If Gross had made ther move 3 weeks ago like everyone and their brother said to do, Syracuse could have already have had a head start on bringing in their "first pick of the draft". Next up will be Fulmer at Tennessee.

Gross needs to make the move now. Whether or not he realizes it Syracuse isn't going to have the 'first pick' like he said. Can Robinson and get the ball rolling. Syracuse should have been on the clock after the Akron game. Hell, at the latest after the Penn State embarrasment.

One thing I do not want to see is fans talking about bringing Bowden to Syracuse. The guy couldnt sniff a BCS Bowl (or the ACC title game for that matter) with the best talent in his conference. He's an underacheiver and we've already been down that road before.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

The Stars, The Moon, The Sun

Looks like the planets might be lined up just perfectly to this Orange fan.

As I'm sure you heard from multiple sources Lane Kiffin is out as Raiders head coach.

The speculation had already started and it was brewing faster than cabbage stew yesterday.

"On The Block" yesterday, the Axeman made several points pro & con on bringing Kiffin to Syracuse.

I'm for the pro. I heard a ton of fans yesterday (and this morning for that matter) griping "oh we don't need another west coast, nfl, USC guy..... blah blah blah". Ok so Robinson has made us gun shy. So what??

People who are trying to make this guy out as an NFL loser have got it all wrong. ANYONE who coaches under Al Davis is going to be run out of town. Period. Davis' track record shows it. The man is damn near senile anyway. So don't let yesterday's press conference where he bashed Kiffin fool you. And don't let the Raiders record fool you either. They showed improvement last year and while they may have lost this year, at least they were competitive. Isn't that what we want here at SU? Improvement? Competitive?The players in Oakland liked him. The fans wanted him to stay. So this guy isnt quite the NFL loser people make him out to be.

I'd also like to point out that if you don't bring Lane Kiffin in now, who exactly are you holding out for? The guys unemployed. Syracuse needs a young coach who's been successful at the collegiate level. The timing couldnt be better.

I say make the change now. If you wait until the end of the season, you may lose out to another school (UT). If Gross is worried about his approval rating for bringing in another West Coast/USC/NFL guy, I say worry not. Lets say you can GRob now and make the move to bring in Kiffin. I mean do whatever it takes. Once Syracuse starts showing up on the short lists of 4 star and maybe 5 star recruits, fans will forget all about West Coast/USC/NFL guy stuff.

I don't agree with Gross' statement that SU will have the first pick in the draft as far as coaches go. Thats simply not the case. Right now we'd have a decent shot at Kiffin. At the end of the season, not so much. Who's to say a sexier coaching postition won't open up? Down south maybe??

Make the move now. This season is already garbage so focus on whats really important - attendence and recruiting. Hiring Kiffin now will boost both. I know I'm preaching for a quick fix but let's face it, Syracuse needs one. If this move would have been made last year I would have said hold off, get some guys in to interview and pick the right guy for the future of SU football.

I would have said that last year.

This year I say strike while the iron is hot now. I know its not the most popular solution amongst SU fans. but lets face it. The program can't get much worse. What do you really have to lose? A stellar recruiting class?? See one of my earlier posts where I pointed out how Syracuse has gotten their asses kicked on the recruiting trail. Last I checked we've got a whopping four verbals.

Theres noting to lose and everything to gain. Dr Gross, make the move. Annouce that Robinson is no longer coaching SU and you'll get more asses in seats come Novemeber. Bring in lane Kiffin and you'll not only get more asses in seats but you'll be recruiting better.

See the poll ot the left?? That's what your fans want.

Monday, September 29, 2008

GRob pulled a P

Watching SU gift wrap a win for Pitt on Saturday was enough to make any Syracuse fan cry. But the post-game reading and analysis is what really gets to me. GRob had more "I Don't Knows" in his Sunday Press Conference than Bill Cosby's "Himself"


Press Conference Details Here

On not being good enough to finish the game:
“I’ll look at it and check it out on both sides of the ball. I don’t really know what the answer is, other than they made some plays we didn’t make and we have to assess why. I don’t get replays and all those other things. I don’t know where breakdowns are or what side of the ball they’re on or if it’s in the kicking game. That’s what we have to assess.”

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeez............

D-Webbs Blog

"I can say this, on the defensive side of the ball, I felt a comfort zone out there with our players, for the first time all season," Robinson said. "It's the first time all year that I have felt that they were out there functioning together. I don't know when I say reassess or changes, they're still young players that I think are improved. On the offensive side of the ball, that offensive line, again, of the first seven players that play, five of those are young. But they've improved a good amount and I think they can develop some more. I think the wide receiver position is only going to get better. I really do. I see it looking cleaner and cleaner. I think they're competing with each other which is a good thing. That's kind of where I see it. I don't know about any wholesale changes as much as ... also, it's trying to utilize our people to the best of ... I think it's more an understanding of what we have better. Now, it's a matter of trying to put guys in the right spots."

Hell, the only thing he left out was "I'm really excited". I will say this, as an SU fan you learn not to get your hopes up. But dammit, in the first quarter I was about as excited as I've been since the Gross/Robinson merger. The offense, for once, looked solid. And I mean solid. Cam looked decent under center but most importantly, Pitt had to punt a few times! Once the momentum really started to shift in the second half I felt it coming - that collapse of biblical proportions. And there it was.... Now the run game had been solid, mind you. Brinkley was having what looked like a breakout game. Pitt had just scored to nod things up at 24. Took their sweet ass time doing it too. Syracuse needed to respond and I remember looking at the TV trying to distinguish just who in the fuck just ran for a yard or two. Then it hit me.... Boonahs not in the game. So I figured maybe he was fighting off an injury and I figured he'd be back out... nope. Not that series. Antwon Bailey got the call. Antwon 'backup to Hogue' Bailey. What the fuck?? I say again that Brinkley had looked SOLID up to that point, over 100 yards on the day solid. This had me scratching my head the hardest since the prevent defense against Cincy.

The Axeman

"Doug had hurt himself, tweaked his ankle," Robinson said. "I felt we really didn't have him at full speed. Antwon is a guy that has been very impressive to us. The idea was, we're playing to try to win the football game, and when Curtis needed a blow, we needed to put him in. We were going to use Doug just because he's such a fine blocker for third down situations."

Huh?? none of that made sense. Youre playing to win and your work horse who hasnt let you down all game is on the sideline?? Curtis needed a blow?? I'm taking it that means he needed a breather?? How in the fuck does he need a breather when the Pitt scoring drive took almost 5 minutes?? Antwon's been really impressive to you?? Great. And just lemme guess, you're really excited.

Brinkley on not playing that series:

"That was very frustrating. I wanted to be in the game, but at the end of the day it's a coach's decision and the coach decided to put somebody else in. I wasn't hurt or nothing. I wasn't tired. I mean, my momentum carried me throughout the whole game. My adrenaline was rushing from the first play. I ain't get tired throughout any minute of the game.

My guess is nothing short of death would have kept him off the field if he'd had his way. Just another great move by a coach who's days are pretty much fucking numbered. I got flashbacks with this one. I really did. The 2000 VPI game where SU blocked a Hokie punt and then sat on the ball. The 1999 Rutgers game. The prevent defense against Cincy in 2000. Yeah.... the decision to leave Brinkley on the sideline for arguably the most important series of the season had P written all over it.

The worst part is, SU really had a chance in this one. Yet in the 4th quarter they couldnt tackle Otto if they tried. Every Pitt score sank me lower and lower into my chair. Has the hoops schedule come out yet??

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

You'd Better Watch Out!!!!



I've got to hand it ol' Gregger. Even in the face of ultimate DOOM he's always got something optimistic to say.

On his belief that Syracuse will win soon:

"When it happens, it doesn't gradually happen," Robinson said of success. "It explodes. We're all battling our ass off. I'm really excited about it."

So there you have it folks. 4 years of waiting is about to pay off!! Syracuse is gonna storm out of the gate and roll over the conference in route to a BCS berth!! Hot damn!! I'm pumped!!



What's this? According to my license I wasn't born yesterday. Hell, a few years ago I may have bought into statements like those. TNIAAM calls em 'Gregisms'. And you just have to love how most of them end with "I'm really excited". Now I just laugh my ass off when I read one because I keep picturing Homer Simpson saying something mean to Ned Flanders, only for Ned to smile and say "O-kalie Doke-alie!"



I have to hand it to the Coach. Aparently he's sure that he'll be coaching the rest of the season and he's pumped up to the point where the sides of his mouth are gonna touch his eyes from smiling so much.



I love this one:

"You know what? It [Syracuse football] ain't as bad as people think."



Lemme guess its worse? You can't be serious. Every article I read paints those God Awful numbers for all to see; 8-31, near the bottom in both offense and defense. I get a laugh sometimes when I'm watching the game because I just keep imagining G-Rob standing on the sidelines grinning to himself "heh heh heh... nobody knows it yet but we're gonna put up enough points to shoot the roof right off this place.... my master plan is almost complete...... heh heh heh"

Only 8 more games to go. To tell you the truth, I'm really excited. Really I am.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Done With 'The Herd'






I'm officially done with "The Herd" and that tasteless, smart ass, know-it-all shitwad who's name it bears. I didn't get to catch it today, and I'm glad because I enjoyed my sausage biscuit this morning and I otherwise wouldn't have been able to keep it down. Thank You Sports Hump for bringing this to my attention.

While doing a segment on coaches that need to go, he responded to a Syracuse caller (calling for GRob's removal of course) with:

I agree, he needs to get out of that Dumpster that's on Fire. That campus looks like it should be in the middle of Baghdad. You know, Syracuse is one of the most ugliest campuses I have ever been on. It's a school with NO FOOTBALL TRADITION in a cold climate where nobody wants to go. The buildings are god awful ugly, it's a gloomy place. Just an ugly situation in a ugly town.

And your face is the ugliest I've seen in my life. You look like a fucking extra from Futurama. For someone who acts like the biggest know-it-all this side of my boss' house, you sure need an education on Syracuse's football tradition. Lemme tell you something, you scrawny ass little puke. You will see me ice skating in hell the day I tune in to listen to your putrid ass show again. ESPN radio is part of my everyday morning here at work. I enjoy the topics and keeping up with everything thats going on in the world of sports. Sometimes I might just send an email or two in during the show. Long story short it helps my morning go by fast. And I must say that your show has ALWAYS been my least favorite. So thank you for giving me a reason not to listen to your arrogant mule shit any longer. Last year after you did the Washington game up there you came on your show the next morning and made the same smart ass comment about the campus belonging in Baghdad. How about some new material? You know mother fuckin what?? I let that shit slide last year. But the 'No Football Tradition' shit I won't let slide. And just how in the fuck would you know what Baghdad looks like anyways?? Lemme guess, you know as much about Iraq as you do about Syracuse football? I've had it with your crap. Your show is by far the weakest ESPN has to offer. And that's putting it mildly so let me conclude by saying that you have fucking recieved your last email from this SU fan you asshole.

Monday, September 15, 2008

If my calculator reads right....

Donnie Webb is reporting that disguntled Raiders coach Lane Kiffin may or may not be on AD Darryl Gross' radar.

The timing may be perfect because according to this, plus what Ive read on Raider message boards today, Kiffin may be on his way out of Oakland sooner rather than later.

College fans will probably know him best for running that high octane USC Trojans offense as well as bringing in a truckload of talent to do it with. Going by Dr Gross' requirements he fits the bill in more ways than one. On top of having ties to USC, he's got NFL experience. He's a proven coordinator. And most of all, he's got that Pete Carrol stamp of approval. Kiffin's father, Monte Kiffin is Tampa Bay's Defensive Coordinator and one of the most repsected in the NFL. The only downfall with Monte Kiffin is that he's also G-Rob's former mentor and we've seen the fruit of G-Rob's coaching. Do the math and an announcment that G-Rob is gone just maaaaaaay be in the very near future. Rumors are even floating around that Dr Gross is planning on meeting with Kiffin.

This is all speculation of course, but it may be what's in store for the program. I'm not against it by any means. Ive read alot of fans today opposed to this because Kiffins another West Coast guy with no college head coaching experience. I think he could bring a truckload of talent in just on what he did at USC alone. From what I've read Raider's owner Al Davis won't let him run the team his way (gee what are th odds huh?) and wants him out. I wanted Dr Gross to get the ball rolling on the transition in coaching. Well its all speculation at this point but......who knows

Who Needs a Stress Ball??

With so much stress mounting during SU games and so many things in the living room worth hurling, we here at the O'Zone want you to be safe this season.

Remember this past Saturday when SU had all the momentum in the world after recovering a Penn St fumble only to give it right back??

Let's use that as an example. Now the first thing that usually happens is "SON of a BITCH!!!!" or "FFFFFUCK!!!" comes screaming out of your mouth. Then comes the decision, 'what to throw'??

Selection:

When we're pissed off at something SU does or doesnt do during the game, you dont have alot of time to think. Here's where we can help. When chosing an item to be thrown in anger, you have a number of options. Anything that's breakable, or has some serious weight to it is out... unless youre hardcore, and in that case we give you some mad props! You certainly don't want to throw anything of value to your wife or signifigant other. For that matter, you don't want to throw something AT anything of value to your wife or signifigant other. You don't want to chuck the remote for obvious reasons, even though its probably the closest option. The best thing to keep within arms reach is a nice soft, heavy pillow. You know, the kind you can punch and it still leaves the inpression of your fist in it. One of those can be your best friend the next time SU defenders are no where to be found once a pass is caught. Stay away from firm pillows because they have way too much bounce to them. You're likely to break something on the bounce after it hits the target.

Where to throw:

Just like a QB, you'll need to be aware of your surroundings when its time to chuck that pillow across the room. Walls are a 'No no' because of all the decorations and pictures they have on them. The front door is the way to go because theres nothing in front of it and its usually the strongest door in the house. A strong, sturdy front door absorbs the impact of the pillow and won't let it bounce too far. I've found that our front door can take a whole games worth of pillows. Those soft, heavy pillows I mentioned earlier are perfect and will make a nice big THUD against the door that you can be proud of.

The right pillow can be found at most garage sales or flea markets fairly cheaply. I'd suggest stocking 2 or 3 for those occasions where throwing one just won't cut it. With the way our football team has performed you may want to get 4 or 5. We think you'll find this advice helpful this season once you're pissed the hell off. Good luck Orange fans and happy chucking!

Stats All Folks!


For those SU fans calling for G-Rob's head, I'm officially on board. I've sat idle on this issue long enough. This was a bad hire in the first place. Every Orange fan knows it. Dr Gross knows it. The product being put on the field is proof enough. For the 2 SU fans who aren't aware, G-Rob is 7-31 3 games into his 4th season and facing a must win (yes, you read that right) this weekend against AA Northeastern. Its obvious that barring a miracle, and I mean a big one, he's gone after this season. As Dave Rahme explains,

"Since Greg Robinson assumed the reins in 2005 the Orange is 5-16 at home. It has won one game there to a BCS school, a 20-14 decision over Connecticut in 2006. Its average margin of defeat in those 16 Dome losses is roughly 35-15. Seven of the last eight teams to visit the Dome have scored at least 40 points, the exception being Rutgers (38) last season. Three have scored at least 50."

There it is. Syracuse has beaten 1 BCS school at home under Robinson. He's got to go. So the debate now is, do you let him finish the season? Or do you can him now? I say can him now. Its not as if Syracuse would be sending a bad message to potential coaches like most would argue. I really dont see how that would send a bad message. Any coach who goes 7-28 in his first three seasons, then goes 0-fer in his first 3 games of the 4th would expect to be history by now. I mean seriously, who would honestly say "Man, they did Robinson wrong up there at Syracuse" if Gross were to can him this minute? Anyone who does I would simply point out that Robinson was retained after posting the only 2 - 10 loss seasons in school history. Despite not being competitive for the bulk of his tenure, he was retained for a 4th season anyway. I'm telling you, if Gross were to go ahead and can him, no one is going to be shocked. No one is going to say "This is an outrage! I'm apalled!"
Just trust me on this one.

Why delay the inevitable?? Lets be fair and say that 98% of the SU faithful is tired of watching of the product thats being put on the field week after week. Its no secret that the attendance is dropping from one home game to the next and will continue to plummet. Its no secret that we've come to expect to be manhandled by even the likes of MAC bottom dwellers. There's been no progress up to this point. Theres been no change, so make one. Right at the top. This was Gross' hire in the first place. So here's his chance to make up for it. He needs to say 'Enough is enough, its time to go'. The fans who attend games are expecting to go 1-11 this season anyway. So why not at least make the change they all want? I mean seriously, the miracle of running the table in the conference ain't gonna happen. G-Rob is done. So make it public, promote an assistant, and stop delaying the inevitable. Because there literally is no way to go but up. SU is not going to look any worse under a promoted assistant than it will under Robinson. Give the fans what they want and get the transition process started. Enough is enough.

Sums It All Up

I know I said last week that we'd hit the low point but I was wrong. I saw it on Saturday. Here it is, summed up at the end of the game in one stat:

Players of the Game:
Syracuse: Patrick Shadle 2 FG (44,44)

Friday, September 12, 2008

I'm Calling Upset!


Yes! You read that right. I'm calling for an upset this weekend when Penn State comes to the Dome for the first time in 2 decades. Let me take you back to last season for a minute. Its OK. You can put the vomit bag down for a minute. Remember when SU, following 3 straight waxings to start the season, went to a 30+ favored Louisville and pulled what was then the biggest upset ever going by the point spread? The week prior to the game every single SU fan was calling for GRobs head while reaching for their hoops schedule. Sounds a little like this week huh? This weekend Penn State is favored by nearly four touchdowns.


I'm a firm believer in the fact that history repeats itself. And while the easy thing for me to do is to point out just how bad the program has fallen, I thought I'd shed a little optimism. With the football team getting a glimmer of hope from watching the much anticpated film, "The Express" this week, I don't think the stage could be set any better. I don't think an SU upset could be more riper than this weekend. While we tend to focus on the negative, think back to the Louisville game. Remember how good it felt to be all over the College Football news? To see everyone talking about our team?? Sure things couldnt be any worse for SU fans right now. But I'm feeling optimistic about tomorrow. I'm hoping the Dome is electric and SU pulls yet another royal upset for the whole country to talk about.

ESPN's Brian Bennett blogged this week:


"Unfortunately, history is about all that Orange football fans can hold onto these days, because the present is a complete cataclysm."


History has a strange way of repeating itself. Here's to hoping SU is ready for a curtain call.
I'm calling it now.

SU 34 - PSU 31

Monday, September 8, 2008

The Low Point

I didn't bother posting about last week's loss to the fucking Wildcats. So many other had pointed out just how fucking unprepared Syracuse was, especially for the hurry up-no huddle offense. But this week's fucking debacle deserves a post, and a few F-Bombs. So excuse the fucking F-Bombs but theyve been a long time coming. I think one F-Bomb for each fucking point that Akron hung on our beloved Orange should just about cover it. Before I start I do want to point out that the running game has at least shown improvement. As a matter of fact, if you want to take one fucking positive, that would be it.

You've got to be fucking kidding me. I though last years fucking embarrassment at Miami of fucking Ohio was the low point of the G-Rob era. This is it. Right fucking here. Right fucking now. No cute little fucking tagline for this post. No fucking picture of Akron celebrating or Syracuse with their heads down. Just the truth thats become very difficult to fucking swallow. This is the fucking low point. If you want to sum the game up in one fucking stat, here it is:

3rd down conversions:
Syracuse 3 for 9
Akron 10 for 14 and alot of that on 3rd and fucking long

Dave Rhame points out that the most embarrassing 3rd down fucking conversion for Akron came on 3rd and 23 when Dennis Kennedy took and inside draw 35 yards to the fucking house putting the Zips up 14-nil. I'd have to agree.

This is the fucking low point. Its the second year in a fucking row that G-Rob and Co. have been manhandled by a lower tier MAC team. And as much as this team is struggling now, the one thing it DID NOT need is a fucking quarterback controversy. The decision to fucking bench Robinson came as a shock to me. I mean the one fucking positive that everyone fucking pointed to before the season started was the fact that the QB position was in fucking stone. Now we'll know whether good ol A-Rob (I never got any other suggestions for a nickname, you lazy bastards!) would have performed better than Dantley. Because to be fucking honest, Cam put up some pretty good numbers. Especially for a first fucking start. But this was Greg Robinson's fucking QB that he brought in to run his fucking system. So he overthrows a few fucking recievers and you bench him after the first game? Granted, I was pissed at his performance against fucking NW. But geeez, cut the kid some fucking slack! Now if this had been going on for 3 or 4 fucking games and a change needed to be made then I would understand. But for crying out fucking loud it was the first game and it was on the fucking road! Oh and here's another suggestion; if you're going to make a change that fucking drastic, how about announce it earlier in the fucking week so that Dantley has a chance to fucking get ready and your team can make fucking adjustments? I say again THIS TEAM DOES NOT NEED A FUCKING QB CONTROVERSY RIGHT NOW!!!

The Defense, which was supposed to be Robinson's fucking strong point, has looked like absolute fucking shit. Then again, there were a few of us who fucking warned other SU fans to ask any fucking Kansas City Chiefs fan about G-Robs fucking defenses. And I'll hand it to G-Rob. He took the fucking blame for the poor defensive fucking showing on Sat. Said Robinson, "It comes right down to coaching. It comes right down to me". He knows he's fucking gone. He fucking has to. Barring a miracle, and I mean a miracle, he's fucking canned at the end of the season. The tiny minute fucking improvement in offensive fucking production so far is greatly overshadowed by the W-L fucking record.
We've all heard the same ol fucking jokes about the end zone that can't be fucking found, or 'you can't spell 'Suck' without 'SU", but this shit aint fucking funny no more.

This is the low point Orange fans.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Which Way Did He Go, George? Which Way Did He Go??


Remember all that confidence we got from Coach Robinson all summer, and back at BE Media Day less than a month ago. Reading the Axeman's Blog you'd swear it was all a dream. I read the transcript from Danny Parkins' interview with the Head Coach and I must say I'm dumbfounded. It was almost like watching Clinton sidestep the meaning of the word 'sex' all over again. For those of you too lazy to click the link, here is some of it:

Danny Parkins: What would you consider improvement for this year?

Greg Robinson:Well, I'm going to let you people decide all that. I don't think that...I don't know. I don't know what the wins and losses is, but I think you are going to see an improved football team. I think it will be clear the people if it looks improved. I have my own expectations. At the same time, others have their own. I'm not going to try and make predictions and do all that. I'm confident that this football team is going to make their presence felt. I think our community is going to be proud of our football team."

What the fuck?? So we're to decide what improvement is? So since its being left to our imagination and the guy has no clue what the Ws & Ls are, I guess 3 wins is improvement? Sounds more like a load of shit. What the Sam Hell happened to "winning a bowl game"?

Danny Parkins:I have heard you say though that it is a realistic goal to get to a bowl game and win it."
Greg Robinson: "Well, that is our goal. Exactly right. I don't have any problem with that. I made that statement a long time ago. I thought you wanted me to make a new statement."


Oh. My bad. I jumped the gun.

Danny Parkins:"No, that's fine. I was asking about this season, or a player. That is fine, if you think still a goal for this team is to win a bowl game, I think fans are happy to hear that to be honest with you."

Greg Robinson: "Well, that is out there. But tell me the question you asked, Dan."

Danny Parkins:"Well, I guess the first one was..."Fans are going to most impressed with by...what?"


Greg Robinson "Yeah, see. That's...see...I don't know what that is getting to. I don't know. I kind of told you what I think this team is. They are an improved football team. They like each other, they play hard. They do all those things. So, what is most impressive. I don't know what is most impressive. I really don't. And I'm not going to come out and make some kind of statement. I have told you what the goal is for our football team, and you like that, so if that is what you want, put that in there."

"Well, Yeah, So, I don't know" all over the place. Sounds like a more clueless version of Lumberg from "Office Space"

Um..... yyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeah..... so the team looks.... well the team is.... um.... yyyyeah..... doing good. So if they could ..... you know....... win ...... a game....... or two........ this year...... that.........that would ..... that would be great.

Any slight glimmer of optimism I had for the opener just vanished.

Waiting....


(Photo from syracuse.com)
It's been a rough week at work so I'm just getting my dose of Orange for this week. I came across a story which was featured in the Marcus Sales story by Donnie Webb. Webb reports that both the Kansas Jayhawks and Virginia Tech Hokies football teams have gotten the first looks at the highly anticipated film "The Express" on Tues and Wed.

Webb explains further:
Syracuse University athletic department officials were caught off guard when news broke about the Jayhawks and Hokies getting first looks at the movie. One said that Universal Studios "would not agree to screen for our team until the week of the premiere," which is scheduled for the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse on Sept. 12. The plan is to show the film to the Syracuse football team possibly at Carousel Center on the same day but prior to the Landmark event.

So the Football team bearing the name and colors of Ernie Davis' alma mater has to wait until the week of the premiere before getting their first look at the film that SU fans alike have waited a lifetime for? Sounds to me like the AD officials didn't put up much of a damn fight for their boys in Orange. I normally keep it PG on this blog but seriously, what kind of sorry ass shit is that?

Webb quotes Dr Gross:
Daryl Gross said the movie studio is following a marketing strategy by showing it to select teams or markets in order to create word of mouth buzz. He said that Syracuse was still selected for the film's world premiere.

Let me translate. Dr Gross said that Universal Studios laced up a pair of steel toes boots and kicked the football team square in the cajones. Showing the film to 'select teams', one being Syracuse's former arch rival, will get people talking about the film since the trailers we've seen this summer are apparently just a figment of our imaginations. But not to worry, The World Premiere (if you can still even call it that) is still going to be held in Syracuse after everyone including Sasquatch himself has already seen it. Check that. Since ol' Sasquatch has been sighted in upstate NY he'll have to wait quietly with the rest of the football team.

Forgive me for the comparision but do you think it would have sat well with Notre Dame officials if everyone including USC got a first look at "Rudy" before the Irish football team? The answer? An emphatic "Fuck No"

The story continues:
"We want as many people as possible to see the film and see Ernie's inspirational story," said university spokesman Kevin Quinn. "Our team will be seeing the film very soon at a time that fits into their schedule. The fact is Syracuse, New York, is hosting the national Hollywood-level premiere, which will bring a massive concentration of national attention and excitement and spotlight (to) our current football team, former SU sports greats, the University and the entire community."

Sounds like Universal Studios wants as many people as possible to see the film and see Ernie's inspirational story before anyone who plays home games in the Carrier Dome. And what are SU's Athletic Deptartment officials doing about it?

Sugar Coat (v): To cause to seem more appealing or pleasant: a sentimental treatment that sugercoats a harsh reality.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

ARob



In an interview with the Axeman, Syracuse starting quarterback Andrew Robinson, 'ARob' as he's known to most Orange fans, discusses everything from the upcoming Northwestern game to the team progress made this summer. Its a good interview. Orange fans need to check it out if they haven't already.

I will say this. He looks bigger than he did a year ago. He looks more confident - a team leader. I'm hoping for big things out of him this season. He was brought in to lead a new and improved passing game for the Orange and I think (if the stars are lined up right) he may open a few eyes on the national level. Perhaps last year's Louisville game was a preview of things to come.
In the interview the Axeman asks him how he likes the name "ARob". He said he's fine with it because he's been called that since high school. I, however, am not. Orange fans we need to figure out a different nickname to call him other than "ARob". Let it be known far and wide that a nickname made up of the first initial follwed by the first three or four letters of the last name is....... LAAAAAAAAAAME. I for one think we should call him 'Red'. Hell, every time I see him his face is beet red. Now I realize "Red" Robinson doesnt have any kind of ring to it. But dammit its a start! C'Mon Orange faithful lets give our QB a new nickname. I'll take suggestions in the comments posted and we'll have a poll in a future post.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Recruiting Update.

What a difference a week makes. Oh, that is if your Rutgers. SU still sits on 2 verbals while the Rutgers total has upped to 20 commits, thats two more than last week when I reminded SU fans of head coach Greg Robinson's imfamous quote "you wait and see".

The truth is that SU is flat out getting its ass kicked by schools who I claim we recruit against now, and always have. That "wall around the state of NY" that GRob claimed was in construction in 2005 has been pole vaulted with Boston College, Rutgers, Penn State and Pitt being the 4 main culprits.

The reason I'm concentrating so heavily on Rutgers is because the players claimed in 1999, after an embarrassing upset, that - and I wish I could remember their exact words- we're their main rival. And it seems like just about everyone is in agreement that SU has pretty much traded places with Rutgers.

There are 2 points to this update.

1. Not only has Rutgers come a long way since having "W E L C O M E" running down their front side, but theyre beating SU regularly on the field and on the recruiting trail as well.

2. GRob may have 'lame duck' tagged on him already. A sucessful season is more important than ever. If things start out bleak and the ship continues to sink, potential talent who may be considering SU will likely head elsewhere.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

2007 Trend Breakdown Pt 1

Going by my poll to the left its fair to say that all 4 answers disgust SU fans near and far just about equally. I couldnt help but notice that the Interlocked Arms Team Entrance (even though it counts for 'all of the above') hasnt received a vote yet. Try as I did to find a pic of it on the web I'm almost glad I didn't because this is one 2007 trend that is just embarassing to watch as a fan.

That's all I am. A fan. I have no idea what goes on in the locker room. But I'm willing to bet that Coach Robinson doesn't just post the starting lineup on a random locker and tell the guys to hit the field. My guess is that he tries to get our Orange fired up and ready to play like champs. So here's my biggest problem with the way our boys take the field. Imagine getting all fired up in the locker room. To the point where youre ready to knock someone over full speed on the way to punching a hole in the wall. Then its "Let's all hold hands and march onto the field together". There goes all that adrenaline - right out your ass along with this morning's omlette. To even the most mentally tough players that has to be pretty deflating.

From a fan's point of view its just as deflating. I'm almost 19 hours away so the living room is my little dome. But I can only imagine being in the Dome, jumping up and down getting pumped up and watching... the players.......
slowly.....
sloooooooowly...... almost there........... take the field.
They look like first graders heading out to recess. It almost appears as if they're being forced to play today's game. Don't forget to eat your brocolli!

OK, I get the whole team unity thing. I really do. But from an opposing team's point of view it's just laughable. Were I a player on the other side of the field I'd be slapping my buddy on the shoulder pads and pointing:

"Get a load of those clowns!"

So coach, if you're reading this please for God's sake let the kids have some fun. let em come out and jump around, but heads, slap leaping high fives that the 80's Bears would be proud of. Let em really get into it. Nobody's gonna pull a Grammatica or a Frerotte and wind up on IR as a result of the opening celebration. Let the players get the crowd as well as themselves into it. Its only fair to let them loose before kickoff. Its called the loud house for a reason.


GO ORANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Great Expectations





I think just about every SU fan who was listening to the Axe Man this afternoon (also on DWebb's blog) had the same reaction. Head coach Greg Robinson said today at BEMD that a reasonble expectation for this year's team is to win a bowl game.


Caught your breath yet?

I've been a tough critic of his since his arrival but I have to give the guy some credit. He could have said that they'll take it week by week. Their goal is to beat NW. Things are looking up. Blah Blah Blah. Nope. He went for the throat with the reasonble expectation of winning a bowl. Not getting to one - winning one. He may be on his way out at season's end, and he knows a 3 or 4 win season will have a Century 21 sign out in his front yard. But that was pretty ballsy on his part. I like that kind of thinking.


The only downfall? Last time he made a statement that bold was... well, see the post below this one.

What Goes Around....

Remember this?

"Paul (Pasqualoni) was here 14 years ... We got five in one year, that'd be 70 if we were here that long .... We'll recruit their tails off. They're (Rutgers) a one-year wonder. Do I like them? No. This recruiting thing? You wait and see ..."


For those who've forgotten, that was GRob's smack talk aimed directly at Rutgers last October. Well, I waited. Here's what I see.

Rivals Top 10 NY State Recruits 2009

See anyone commiting to Syracuse? Not a soul. Now granted we've seen GRob pull a rabbit out of his hat before. Granted the surprise commitment of Lobdell hasn't beared any fruit so far. But with Darrick Scott de-committing that brings the grand total of 2009 SU verbals to 1. Plus a soft verbal from NJ reciever Leavander Jones. So thats 2 to Rutgers' 18 - yes you read that right - 18 commits for 2009. So much for "recruiting their tails off".

Remember, Orange Faithful, what goes around..... comes around.

Title Town?

I've avoided commenting on this farse all summer long. But the winner has been announced (or leaked depending on your point of view) and its time to chime in. Before we get to the 'winner' (as voted on by the fans of course), let me begin by saying that this is one of the lamer, insignifigant marketing gimmics ESPN has run in a long long time.

Story Here

"Titletown" is Green Bay. Always has been. But ESPN had the brilliant idea of showcasing a bunch of cities and towns nationwide on SportsCenter and making a case for each so the fans can vote on the winner. ESPN apparently isn't above a popularity contest if it means new, and judging by the winner, younger viewers. The High School dominated areas showed that they were really grasping at straws. I've been opposed to giving a city/town/middlesex/whatever a nickname that's already got a home from the get-go. But I figured New York (Yankees, Rangers & Giants have all hoisted their respective trophy in the past 15 years), Boston (Pats and Sox have been on top recently), maybe LA or Chicago would be the front runners. OK maaaaaaaaaaaybe a college town. But that's where the line should have been drawn. So the winner (skip the drum roll) is....

Valdosta, Ga? Give me a friggin break. Sorry Green Bay, but you've been stripped of your nickname and the people have spoken. Your nicknme will be handed to a city that doesn't host an NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB or a D-1A program of any kind. Now I understand that the high school and D-II teams are top tier in that area, and they've got the hardware to prove it. But seriously. The typical American sports fan doesn't watch them religiously. Apye735 says:

To the people saying "high school sports don't matter" ... where do you think the athletes that the big cites pay to win titles come from? I would think that most professional athletes played high school sports.

No one's downplaying the importance of high school sports, but if your case is to be made then lets pencil in Mouth Of Wilson, Va in the top 5 shall we? Any hoops fan knows that Oak Hill not only sports the top talent every year, but also knows the players who've come out of that program.

If you want to read more comments on various blogs or message boards, simply google "Valdosta WTF" and you're sure to have an hours worth of reading ahead of you.

joker0348: We even had Ms. Valdosta be named Ms. Georgia.

Damn that must have been the clincher. I'll bet she be made it far in the Miss America pageant too.

Other than showcasing nationwide sports accomplishments, this was a complete waste of time. Maybe next summer they can vote on who should be "MJ" - Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, or ... oh what the hell Montel Jordan. And why not toss in Mike Jones while we're at it. Who????

Mike Jones!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Team Poster

Now is the time of year when I call up and get my SU Football Poster shipped down here to SC - one for the office, one for the kids. Last year's "Sudden Impact" wasn't all that bad. It wasnt the greatest thing I'd ever seen, but not bad. I've seen no word on any blogs as to what this year's looks like. I'm just hoping it doesn't look like the top of the Athletic site. "Get On The Express"?? I love that theyre paying tribute to the much anticipated movie but it sounds a little Willie Wonka-ish.



Down here in ClemPson (the P is intentional) country theyve got their new posters out and Ive never seen such a mess.



Dear God did they forget anyone? An usher or equipment manager maybe?? You just gotta love a poster that features both the place kicker and punter. Fearsome! How about next year just have the team picture with a schedule underneath.

New Look for 2008??



I've been complaining about the jerseys every since they swithced everything around in 2005. I really let off some steam last year with that just downright ugly all orange getup. What made the orange jerseys so putrid looking were the blue numbers and trim. I said time and time again that orange jerseys would work with white numbers and stripes and it looks like someone finally listened. In the past two weeks I've noticed these new jerseys showing up on ebay - produced by Nike of course. I'll be getting mine soon!


A new look for the football program?? Lets hope so. I think these jerseys with white pants would look damn sharp and I hope thats what they'll go with once Akron pulls into town. If NCAA 2009 is any indication, the blue home jerseys will have matching white numbers as well; though I'm not one bit fond of the Orange Helmet/Blue Jersey/White Pants look for our team. I say either go Orange Jerseys/White pants or Blue Jerseys/Orange pants for the home games. Either one would look a hell of alot better than this abomination.

Pre-Season Thoughts - Offense

It seems like everyone else is blogging away about SU football so I figured what the hell. I'm new at this, so this blog will only get better as the season goes on. Hopefully SU football won't be far behind.

As preseason camp gets closer it seems like the two biggest topics regarding the Orange are the WR corps and how well the running game will fare. Offensive Line was the biggest problem last year. The unit, which gave up 54 sacks and rarely opened holes for Boonah or Doug Hogue, is the key to both concerns mentioned above. Mitch Browning was brought in after a year off following his gig at Minnesota to get the running game (and offense as a whole) back on the right track. With last year's offensive production being last in the Big East and damn near the bottom nationally, the only way to go is up. Factor in that both leading recievers are gone (thanks to an early departure and an issue in the classroom) and he's really got his work cut out for him.

The good news is Boonah appears to be near 100% and heres hoping that he can have that 1000 yard season we all know he's got in him. He, along with Delone Carter (back from a hip injury that cost him all last year) have to be in top form for this to be a successful 2008 season. Behind those two are sophmore Doug Hogue and could-be-frosh Averin Collier. Hogue filled in decently last season in Brinkleys absense but doesnt look to be getting a great deal of playing time this season. Maybe a switch to LB or Safety is in his future? Collier has a big upside but from what I've read and the film I've seen of him he'll pound out some yardage but isn't much of a home run threat.

The bad news is that ... check that ... the really bad news is that not one returning WR this fall caught more than 17 balls last season. Its put up or shut up for former prize recruit Lavar Lobdell. Since his arrival at SU he's snagged 13 catches and hasn't seen the endzone yet. Newcomers Trey Fairchild & Marcus Sales may wind in the mix sooner rather than later. I really like what I saw of Fairchild on film. He's got good hands, good vision, and can take a pop or two. Half the film I saw was of him bouncing off would-be-tacklers in stride. He's got good speed, but speed is deceptive on game film. The ball is in the air, its just a matter of time until we see who grabs it.

Andrew Robinson, when he wasn't on his ass, looked solid for a first year starter. He took a ton of lumps but he hung in there. Between sacks he even magaged to complete half of his throws and put up a 2-1 TD to INT ratio. He doesn't have a cannon for an arm but the kids got guts! Hopefully, with a brutal year under his belt, he can become the leader that he was brought in to be.

I think its fair to say that no one is expecting miracles from Browning. Hell, just not ever seeing that ridiculous "pistol" formation again will earn him some points with me. Its been mentioned in every preseason preview and every blog Ive seen so I won't go into detail on just how bad last year's numbers were. But there are are a few positives to look forward to this season. If the running game has some holes tho run through I think the passing game will take care of itself.

More to come.


Go Orange!!!