The Daily OrangeTale of the tape: Rutgers
By Staff
Posted: 11/19/09, 11:19 PM EST Section: Sports
Linebackers
Middle linebacker Derrell Smith is out for the year with a torn meniscus, meaning linebackers Doug Hogue and E.J. Carter will have to step their games up. Smith, a legitimate candidate for All-Big East First Team honors, was having a fantastic season anchoring Syracuse's defense. He currently leads the Big East in solo tackles (61) and forced fumbles (four), to go along with his 6.5 sacks. His absence will certainly hurt the Orange defense.
ADVANTAGE: Rutgers
Special teams
Syracuse's special teams unit struggled with Mike Jones. Without him, the Orange could be in trouble. Jones was a spark in the kick return game, consistently giving SU solid field position. With the way the offense has played of late, it needs all the help it can get. Syracuse has also struggled all season in its punt and kick coverage and needs to bounce back from its botched extra point last week against Louisville.
ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS
Coaching
Rutgers was patient and Greg Schiano was confident he would eventually turn the program around. He's now in his ninth season, and he has done just that. The Scarlet Knights are one of the Big East's best teams every year, despite the reputation of a bottom-dweller. Syracuse is hoping Doug Marrone's career models that of Schiano.
ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS
Offensive line
Rutgers is rushing for nearly 30 more yards per game, and is scoring more points per game, than Syracuse. Paulus still faced plenty of pressure last week against Louisville, but he also holds onto the ball too much. The offensive line has opened better holes for Delone Carter, but that consistency has not been there all year.
ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS
Defensive line
Syracuse's defensive line has been a key why Syracuse has one of the best rush defenses in the entire country. Even without Art Jones last week, the Orange kept Louisville from getting anything going on the ground. Bud Tribbey and Anthony Perkins filled for Jones, seamlessly.
Middle linebacker Derrell Smith is out for the year with a torn meniscus, meaning linebackers Doug Hogue and E.J. Carter will have to step their games up. Smith, a legitimate candidate for All-Big East First Team honors, was having a fantastic season anchoring Syracuse's defense. He currently leads the Big East in solo tackles (61) and forced fumbles (four), to go along with his 6.5 sacks. His absence will certainly hurt the Orange defense.
ADVANTAGE: Rutgers
Special teams
Syracuse's special teams unit struggled with Mike Jones. Without him, the Orange could be in trouble. Jones was a spark in the kick return game, consistently giving SU solid field position. With the way the offense has played of late, it needs all the help it can get. Syracuse has also struggled all season in its punt and kick coverage and needs to bounce back from its botched extra point last week against Louisville.
ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS
Coaching
Rutgers was patient and Greg Schiano was confident he would eventually turn the program around. He's now in his ninth season, and he has done just that. The Scarlet Knights are one of the Big East's best teams every year, despite the reputation of a bottom-dweller. Syracuse is hoping Doug Marrone's career models that of Schiano.
ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS
Offensive line
Rutgers is rushing for nearly 30 more yards per game, and is scoring more points per game, than Syracuse. Paulus still faced plenty of pressure last week against Louisville, but he also holds onto the ball too much. The offensive line has opened better holes for Delone Carter, but that consistency has not been there all year.
ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS
Defensive line
Syracuse's defensive line has been a key why Syracuse has one of the best rush defenses in the entire country. Even without Art Jones last week, the Orange kept Louisville from getting anything going on the ground. Bud Tribbey and Anthony Perkins filled for Jones, seamlessly.
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