In the days leading up to each SU football game, The Juice Online will address questions about the team in “Kickoff Countdown.”
It’s clear that Syracuse hasn’t figured out what to do with Ashton Broyld.
Broyld was used primarily as a receiver against Northwestern before the Orange then used him in the backfield against USC, Stony Brook and Minnesota.
Broyld busted out against Stony Brook, carrying the ball 10 times for 61 yards and a touchdown. He also added a pair of receptions for 20 yards.
» Related: Syracuse displays toughness in win
But the talented freshman struggled against Minnesota, rushing just three times for 11 yards and coughed up the first fumble of his college career.
He was then completely phased out of Syracuse’s offense in Friday night’s win over Pittsburgh. He didn’t play a single down, as Syracuse went with power back Adonis Ameen-Moore for the first time all year.
Ameen-Moore delivered, scoring a touchdown on a goal line play, and then had several big carries in the fourth quarter as SU was able to eat up the remaining clock.
“Our philosophy is to play the best players that give us the best chance to win,” Syracuse coach Doug Marrone said. “That’s not only Ashton Broyld, that’s a lot of other players on this team.”
» Related: Ameen-Moore comes up big
Broyld drew rave reviews in spring ball and preseason camp, but SU hasn’t run much of their wildcat and seems content with their receiving core. With the emergence of Ameen-Moore, Broyld may be completely squeezed out of the offense.
But that wouldn’t make much sense.
Broyld is far too talented and has too much potential to just leave on the bench. Syracuse must find ways to get the ball to their playmakers, and Broyld certainly has the potential to be a great one.
It will be interesting to see what Broyld’s role will be when Syracuse plays Rutgers on Saturday at noon on SNY.
How do you think Broyld should be used? Voice your opinions below or Tweet us your opinions!
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