Syracuse vs. Wake Forest: A Home Win Would Be Nice

The Syracuse Orange take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons tomorrow night in the Carrier Dome. Let's get up to speed before it all goes down...

One of the biggest and most confusing storylines heading into 2011 is whether or not the Orange can rack up a lot of wins at home. Easier said than done as SU spent last season dominating on the road but falling short at home, especially in conference play. A win over Wake in the Dome helps set a new tone.

"One of the things we have talked about with this football team is the way we play at home," Marrone said. "We have not had a winning record at home since 2004."

Another big storyline is the SU running game. Specifically, Antwon Bailey and whether or not he's up to the task of taking over for Delone Carter. OC Nate Hackett isn't too worried about it.

"People have no clue how valuable he was last season," offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said. "I liken him to a player we faced at Cal when I was coaching at Stanford. They had this big power back (J.J. Arrington) who was tough enough, but then they would bring in this back on third down who would drive us crazy because he was so dangerous and multidimensional. It was Marshawn Lynch. Now I’m not saying Antwon runs like Marshawn Lynch, but it was the same kind of deal.

"When Delone was in the game defenses knew exactly what they were getting, a downhill power runner. When Antwon came in they had no idea what they were getting. Is he going to run inside, is he going to run outside, is he going to catch a pass out of the backfield in the flat or down the field?"

Syracuse will see a familiar face lining up against them Thursday night. Wake Forest DC Steve Russ was Greg Robinson's DC for three years here at SU. Russ left the year before Greggers got the boot, though he swears he didn't leave because of the writing on the wall:

"It was not a case of trying to get out of town before the music stopped," Russ said. "I really enjoyed the players. I think, at the time, we didn’t have the results we wanted to have. I have nothing but fond memories. I would have liked to have won more football games. I understand, in this line of business, that has to happen."

"We didn't have the results we wanted to have." Understatement of the week, Steve.

Wake Forest punter Alex Kinal is former Australian rules football player...Syracuse.com

Three reasons why Thursday’s game with Wake Forest is huge for the Orange...D.O. Sports Blog

Three reasons why you shouldn’t read too much into the Wake Forest game...D.O. Sports Blog

Syracuse vs. Wake Forest Preview...Big East Coast Bias

Orange will need to reverse history in season opener...The Juice Online

Upbeat Grobe Points to the Positives...Deacon Sports