Month: November 2011
Orange Watch: Carrier Classic? It originated in Syracuse
On this Veterans Day in the waters off of Coronado, Calif., just a hop, skip, and a jump from downtown San Diego, pre-season top-ranked North Carolina and Michigan State make history by playing their season opener on an aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, and thus the game’s name: The Carrier Classic.
Why Syracuse won’t make the Final Four
When it comes to this season, you can call me Lord Buzz Killington, the Duke of Negativity. I don’t want to ruin everyone’s fun, and I’m not one of the forever negative commenters you see on the Syracuse message boards. Preseason expectations are great. But we shouldn’t get overly excited about this season. Syracuse has glaring weaknesses that could kill the dreams of a Big East title, not to mention Final Four aspirations.
Paterno should walk away
Men make mistakes, errors in judgement that allow predators like Jerry Sandusky to roam free for years. Myths grow more perfect with each passing day, inspiring generations. If Joe Paterno loves Penn State as much as he claims to, it’s time for the man to step away right now rather than play out the rest of the season.
Melo looks ready for Syracuse
With the rest of last year’s team back plus three prized recruits Syracuse has the depth, talent, and experience to succeed. The new-look Fab Melo could be the 7-foot piece that holds it all together. The encouraging thought emerging from the preseason for the Orange is that he looks ready, willing and able to be that piece.
Things to watch for as Syracuse takes on St. Rose
There is little about the success of the 2011-2012 Orange that will be revealed in tonight’s exhibition game against St. Rose. The Post Standard reported yesterday that several of SU’s walk-ons could start for the D-II Golden Knights. That’s not to say Syracuse players can take them lightly, however. St. Rose kept a 2007 exhibition match with the Orange to single digits, and veterans of the 2009-2010 Orange can attest to the dangers of overlooking D-II opponents. Nonetheless, the game you see tonight will not resemble Saturday’s game against Fordham – let alone games in the heart of the Big East schedule or March.