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!!!
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