Spring Break
The Daily OrangeSyracuse earns C for season
By Michael Becker
Posted: 12/5/03, 3:09 AM EST Section: Sports
In late August, Syracuse head coach Paul Pasqualoni sat comfortably in the shade outside of Manley Field House. He spoke uninhibitedly about the upcoming season and about last season's 4-8 season.
"In this game, there's going to be criticism," Pasqualoni said. "That's American culture in sport. People are critical. We understand the fans all have high goals. We have high goals, too, but we're not out there trying to mess it up. People are entitled to their opinion, but I still hope they understand these kids are trying real hard."
Pasqualoni uttered those words Aug. 22, more than two weeks before SU's season opener at North Carolina. He cracked a couple smiles as he spoke.
Last Monday, Pasqualoni sat in a cold cafeteria. He looked uncomfortable under the lights of television cameras.
"Your goals are always very high," Pasqualoni said. "We have played some good football teams. We have played very hard. We haven't always played and executed as well as we would like or sometimes you need to. You don't think about ending the season being 5-6. That doesn't really cross your mind."
Certainly, the 5-6 record didn't cross his mind in late August, but it happened nonetheless. Here's a position-by-position report card of why it happened.
Quarterback
R.J. Anderson won't wow you with his talent. In his SU career, he's 16-13 as a starter.
He's more likely to pass for 150 yards with a touchdown than throw for 300, but he knows how to run an offense, and he's consistent, at least this year. Anderson has only thrown five picks this season. As an offense, Syracuse is tied for second in the country for fewest interceptions thrown.
Grade: C+
Running Back
Early this year, "Reyes for Heisman" T-shirts circulated the campus. The junior back even flashed the vaunted pose after his 241 yards rushing against Central Florida. Then, his production tapered. He hasn't registered a 100-yard rushing game since Sept. 27 against Toledo. Still, he has rushed for 1,158 yards this season and 15 touchdowns.
"In this game, there's going to be criticism," Pasqualoni said. "That's American culture in sport. People are critical. We understand the fans all have high goals. We have high goals, too, but we're not out there trying to mess it up. People are entitled to their opinion, but I still hope they understand these kids are trying real hard."
Pasqualoni uttered those words Aug. 22, more than two weeks before SU's season opener at North Carolina. He cracked a couple smiles as he spoke.
Last Monday, Pasqualoni sat in a cold cafeteria. He looked uncomfortable under the lights of television cameras.
"Your goals are always very high," Pasqualoni said. "We have played some good football teams. We have played very hard. We haven't always played and executed as well as we would like or sometimes you need to. You don't think about ending the season being 5-6. That doesn't really cross your mind."
Certainly, the 5-6 record didn't cross his mind in late August, but it happened nonetheless. Here's a position-by-position report card of why it happened.
Quarterback
R.J. Anderson won't wow you with his talent. In his SU career, he's 16-13 as a starter.
He's more likely to pass for 150 yards with a touchdown than throw for 300, but he knows how to run an offense, and he's consistent, at least this year. Anderson has only thrown five picks this season. As an offense, Syracuse is tied for second in the country for fewest interceptions thrown.
Grade: C+
Running Back
Early this year, "Reyes for Heisman" T-shirts circulated the campus. The junior back even flashed the vaunted pose after his 241 yards rushing against Central Florida. Then, his production tapered. He hasn't registered a 100-yard rushing game since Sept. 27 against Toledo. Still, he has rushed for 1,158 yards this season and 15 touchdowns.
