A quick take on Syracuse’s 2013 spring football game:
WHAT HAPPENED: Behind a strong performance from junior QB Terrel Hunt, the Orange squad easily beat the Blue in a spring game that was much cleaner and more exciting than last year’s defensive 3-and-out-fest.
» What did you think of SU’s performance?
ANALYSIS: With the caveat that the teams were lopsided and you can’t take much from a spring game (not to mention the imminent arrival of transfer QB Drew Allen from Oklahoma), this was an encouraging showing from an Orange team that has a lot of questions to answer heading into next fall.
HERO: Hunt looked very good throughout the game. He showed a nice chemistry with WR Jarrod West, who hauled in a pair of touchdowns including a deep strike down the left sideline in the first quarter. Hunt also made some good decisions under pressure.
The backfield, minus an injured and dreadlock-free (!) Prince-Tyson Gulley looked good. Jerome Smith and Adonis Ameen-Moore gave typically strong performances, but Devante McFarlane and George Morris III both made some big plays. The future’s bright for the Orange ground game.
On the defensive side of things, sophomore CB Julian Whigham gave a strong showing, breaking up 3 passes and coming close to a pair of picks. Junior LB Josh Kirkland also played a strong game.
» Related: Can Syracuse grab a bowl bid this year?
ZERO: There were a number of penalties, including several pass interference calls (though at least one of those was a bad call). Particularly given the problems the Orange had with penalties last year, it’s something the team will need to clean up moving forward.
WHAT’S NEXT: Syracuse will open its inaugural season in the ACC when it plays Penn State at MetLife Stadium in the N.J. Meadowlands on Sat. Aug.31, 2013. Time & TV: TBD
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