Here are three thoughts from Syracuse’s 52-17 win over Tulane on Saturday:
Competition is over.
Terrel Hunt is the guy. Game over. He accounted for five touchdowns on Saturday and played most of the game. Drew Allen got in briefly once the lead became insurmountable. The offense flows much better with him in the game. He can run the ball, which adds a whole new dynamic that defenses have to worry about. He’s got a huge arm. Clemson will be tough, but Hunt will be the guy from the first snap until the final whistle.
» Related: Syracuse cruises past Tulane
No stars in the running game
Something I’ve realized is that there’s no room for a star in the running game this season. Everyone thought Jerome Smith or Prince-Tyson Gulley would have huge years. But they wont because the running core is saturated by a big group of impressive backs who will all get carries. Five guys took at least five carries and they were all successful. All the way down the line, these guys can run. And throwing five different looks at defenses might give them a headache. Most defenses only have to prepare for one or maybe two backs, but not against Syracuse.
» Related: Special teams has big day for Orange
Big win can’t be enough.
Sure, we crushed Tulane, but that can’t be satisfying for this football team. I’m happy that there’s two weeks ahead before Clemson because this team needs to refocus. They’ve made some great strides over the past few weeks and gained a lot of confidence, but these next two weeks need to be the hardest working weeks of the season. I’m afraid the players will get over-confident after two commanding wins. But Clemson’s offensive line won’t let the Orange get to the quarterback so easy. Clemson’s special teams unit wont allow for blocked punts and field goals. The team that showed up against Tulane wont beat Clemson, they need to be better.
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