The Syracuse Orange are locked in another tight one at the half. Central Michigan Chippewas QB Shane Morris is having an excellent game against Syracuse’s secondary, throwing for nearly 200 yards in the first half (though he also has two picks).
SU is in a predictable situation following last week’s loss to Middle Tennessee State. The defense is once again facing a competent left-handed quarterback and on offense, Dungey is facing heavy pressure in the pocket. Leading 24-17 at the half, the Orange will need to make two adjustments to win this game.
1. Find A Way To Run The Ball
One-dimensional offense has been the downfall of the Orange over the last two seasons. If CMU can find a way to slow down Syracuse’s passing offense, the Orange could be in trouble in the second half.
It’s clear that Dino Babers is keeping it simple for Dontae Strickland and Moe Neal, but they’ll need to find a way to be effective on the ground if the Orange want win.
2. Tighter Pass Coverage
Poor communication and just generally bad defense has allowed Shane Morris to hit his receivers with a high level of consistency. If the Orange don’t want a repeat of last week, allowing the opposing teams quarterback to get hot, they will need to shut down Morris early and often in the 3rd to get a hold of the game.
Central Michigan gets the ball at the half. Leave your second half thoughts here, and G’ORANGE!