Syracuse vs. West Virginia: Trading 'Separation' For 'Consistency'

by Sean Keeley on Oct 17, 2011 1:38 PM EDT

And so, with our victory over Bye Week behind us, we move on to play the hated West Virginia Mountaineers.

Separation was the word of the bye week and Doug Marrone's squad had plenty of time to separate themselves from the 4-2 start that has been equal parts frustrating and exhilaration for everyone involved. The word of the week is no longer separation, it is now "consistency."

"Consistency," Marrone said Sunday before the team convened for an afternoon practice. "That’s what we haven’t been. Consistent. Try to play consistent football for 60 minutes. We have in spots but not nearly enough."

The best news of the week is that Chandler Jones will be back in uniform and on the football field. Out for the past five games thanks to "lower body" injuries, Jones "has looked great in practice" according to Marrone. #SHAMARKO Thomas and Olando Fisher are also getting better and better as they've returned from injuries.

Speaking of Olando, he's often the "other" guy in the injury recovery discussion but Brent Axe thinks Fisher's return might be just as important as that of Chan-Chan.

Fisher's return adds a valuable piece to Scott Shafer's Okie package, which will be put to the test vs West Virginia's aerial assualt. Doug Marrone has been telling anyone who would listen that Fisher's absence was as big as anyone who was out of uniform lately.

Over on the West Virginia side, coach Dana Holgorsen doesn't want his first trip to the Carrier Dome to be a repeat of last year's result for the 'Neers.

"Controlling the clock and keeping our defense on the field and trying to personnel them in different groups and stuff was something they had some success with," the head coach said, giving his breakdown of the Orange’s 2010 tactics against WVU. "We assume they’re going to be doing some of the same stuff like last year.

"Defensively, they’ve got experience coming back, guys that can make plays, so in a road game, you know, it will be a challenge like every week is in the Big East. We’re looking forward to a Friday night ESPN national television game against a quality opponent."

Midterm report: After 4-2 start, Orange receives grades on 1st-half performance...Daily Orange

Syracuse University football team has major flaws to correct in second half of season...Dave Rahme

WVU football: Gillespie critiques, praises Garrison...DailyMail.com

Will WVU remain in Big East?...News And Sentinel

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I'd almost like to see us devote 7 guys to coverage

Make WVU beat us on the ground somehow, someway.

If LSU didn’t sack Smith, are we going to????

Dictated, but not read.

by ezcuse on Oct 17, 2011 1:47 PM EDT reply actions

Yes.

LSU is great in the secondary, and from what I’ve seen they dare you to throw. WVU WILL throw, but I see sideliners and flats. I feel like with what our tackling has been, they will try to YAC us all day. We need our ends to dominate.

Born in '87, Orange fan since '86

by StealthTurkey on Oct 17, 2011 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I think WVU is likely to be over the novelty of us actually trying to win

So not optimistic about this one.

by drothgery on Oct 17, 2011 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

I'd be more optimistic if this were on grass

When is the last time we looked good in the (any?) Dome?

Dictated, but not read.

by ezcuse on Oct 17, 2011 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

If SU gives us 3 1/2 quarters of competative exicting football

i’ll be happy, that or keeping it close in a low scoring affair

Since the early 1990's I have not been able to get Mike Hopkins' bloody face out of my brain. I don't remember what game it was but I'll never forget that as my first memory of SU basketball. Mike Hopkins, bloody face, bloody nose, all for the love of Syracuse.

by JFerg393 on Oct 17, 2011 2:40 PM EDT reply actions

Low scoring

Dream on dude

Twitter

by Nick Petrilli on Oct 17, 2011 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions

So now we're hated?

Greaaaaat.

I can only imagine Oliver Luck’s comments about Navy being an improvement over Syracuse being plastered all over the Orange locker room this week, so…thanks for that, Oliver.

Also – Sean, check your email.

www.smokingmusket.com

by Country Roads on Oct 17, 2011 5:47 PM EDT reply actions

Got it

responding…

Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician - The Syracuse blog that cares.

If you've got time, buy my book "How To Grow An Orange", visit SeanKeeley.com and follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

by Sean Keeley on Oct 17, 2011 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Rush the field if we win?

The student section had better be PACKED. I dont care if its parents weekend. Sneak in your little brother and youre over weight sister, with an orange T shirt she covers a lot of aluminum.

May Doug Marrone bless you and keep you.

by ryanwk628 on Oct 18, 2011 10:11 AM EDT reply actions