If you’ve been paying attention to Syracuse Orange football under Dino Babers these past two years, you’ve noticed the progress. It may not always be linear, but the pieces are in place for the program to start turning the corner — and one might even argue that without injuries, it would’ve happened already (most coaches can make this sort of case, however).
While SU fans are trending optimistic, there’s also some anxiousness going into 2018 as well. Babers understands that, and shared that he’d be disappointed if the Orange didn’t make a bowl game this year while speaking with the DA Show on CBS Sports Radio on Monday. He also didn’t think this year was “bowl or bust,” and I do agree there, so long as we get to five wins.
Babers talked a bunch about upsetting Clemson last year, and also how the roster’s been coming together. Overall, it’s a good interview, with some cautious optimism. He believes it’s just a matter of time for the team to see real, season-long success. Though that does seem like an inexact frame of reference...
Anyway, it’s preview season, so best to trend positive until we’re given a reason not to!
The rest of your Syracuse-related links below:
Dino Babers: “It’s Just a Matter of Time” (CBS Sports Radio)
“I think it just kind of lets everyone know we’re not that far off,” Babers told Damon Amendolara, who was filling in as host of The Jim Rome Show. “We’re a couple of athletes from where we want to be. Once we get the young men that we need, this thing is going to work. It’s just a matter of time. It’s not that it isn’t or is not going to work; it’s just a matter of time. It’s definitely going to work.”
Dino Babers on 1st day of full pads: Some owies, but no serious injuries (Syracuse.com)
A few players, including projected starting defensive ends Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman, are dealing with minor injuries, but coach Dino Babers said after practice they should be cleared up by the start of the season. Long snapper Matt Keller (ankle) may not be ready for the Aug. 31 opener at Western Michigan, Babers said.
Syracuse QB Tommy DeVito getting 1st-team reps in Week 1 of camp (Syracuse.com)
One highlight from the early portion of camp featured DeVito connecting with redshirt senior slot receiver Jamal Custis on a long touchdown. Dungey, a senior, took the vast majority of the No. 1 reps over the first couple practices and has also seen varied results. He was picked by redshirt junior corner Chris Fredrick on an underthrown deep ball.
13 North Carolina Players Suspended For Selling Goods In Exchange For Money (Deadspin)
Nine players, most notably possible starting quarterback Chazz Surratt, got a four-game suspension, while two others received a two-game ban, and the final two will only miss one game. It’s unclear how the severity of each suspension corresponds with each player’s entrepreneurial efforts.
Former Syracuse and Jamesville-Deweitt standout Brandon Triche signs to play in Italy (Syracuse.com)
Former Jamesville-Dewitt High School and Syracuse standout Brandon Triche has signed a contract to play professional basketball in Italy next season. The team Orlandina Basket announced the signing of Triche on its Twitter account. Orlandina Basket was relegated from Italy’s top league last year and will hope that Triche can help it return to the top level.
Heisman Watch: Ranking the ACC’s Top Candidates for 2018 (Athlon Sports)
Syracuse vs. Western Michigan fearless prediction, game preview (College Football News)
The 50 best players in college football: Ed Oliver leads the way (ESPN)
26 Days Until Kansas Football: What if Kansas were in the ACC? (Rock Chalk Talk)
How One Team Built A Dynasty—And Won $7 Million—In The Basketball Tournament (Deadspin)