Syracuse Football: 5 Keys to an Upset Against LSU

LSU is a huge favorite against Syracuse on Saturday and rightly so. They’ve beaten two quality SEC opponents. They mauled both of them on the ground with Leonard Fournette to the tune of 387 yards and six touchdowns. The odds of Syracuse actually winning against an opponent of this quality were slim prior to Eric Dungey being ruled out, and now they are even slimmer.

That being said, there is always a chance. Bigger upsets have occurred in sports. I mean, no one expected Appalachian State to beat Michigan, but they did. No one expected Ohio State to win a National Championship last year playing their third string quarterback, yet there they were in January hoisting the trophy. So anything is possible.

So with that out of the way, here are the five keys for Syracuse to try and pull off an epic upset.

Control the Time of Possession

Probably the most important way for Syracuse football to keep the game close is to keep it out of the hands of Harris, Fournette, and the LSU offense. If SU can win the time of possession battle, it means one of two things. Either they are limiting the potent LSU offense, or being blown out by big plays and quick scoring drives. Hopefully it’s the former, not the latter.

Sep 19, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange running back Jordan Fredericks (22) runs with the ball as Central Michigan Chippewas linebacker Tim Hamilton (43) defends during the third quarter at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse won 30-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Establishing the Run

Going hand in hand with time of possession is having an efficient and productive running game. This is going to fall squarely on the shoulders of Zack Mahoney, Jordan Fredericks, and Devante McFarlane. These three will be the dominant rushers in the Syracuse offense. Plan to see a lot of different looks early to try and get something going, and don’t be surprised if you see the triple options being pulled out. If they can gain some yards on the ground, it will force the LSU defense to commit more to the run which can open up the passing avenues for later in the game.

Big Plays

This goes both ways: creating big plays and also stopping the big plays from LSU. Although I expect to see a run attack early and often from both teams, don’t be surprised to see both Syracuse and LSU test each other deep down the field at some point.

Brandon Harris, the LSU quarterback, has a cannon arm and this might be the week he gets to use it, especially since Syracuse will be committed to stopping the run first. Zack Mahoney on the other hand, will have his first start at quarterback, and although he is a run-first style of quarterback, I’m guessing that at least a couple times in the game he will try and go over the top to make a big play.

Sep 19, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush (10) drops back to pass as Syracuse Orange defensive end Ron Thompson (13) defends during the third quarter at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse won 30-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Win the Turnover Battle

Syracuse will need to force at least a couple of turnovers to keep the game within striking distance and will also need to protect the ball and avoid fumbles and interceptions themselves. If SU can win the turnover battle, they can effectively neutralize the potent LSU attack. Even if the defense bends and gives up lots of yards, which they almost assuredly will, if they can make the big plays at key times and force some mistakes out of LSU they will at least have a shot.

Get into the Backfield

So how exactly will they force those turnovers? By disrupting LSU before they get started. Syracuse features a decent size defensive line, with an average weight of 280 lbs and 2 defensive tackles weighing in at over 300. These four will need to really step up and get quick penetration to disrupt what LSU wants to do on offense. In the run game that means plugging up the middle of the field and filling the gaps. In the pass game it means getting to the quarterback for sacks or hurried passes.

Almost every turnover Syracuse has made this year has come because of quick penetration behind the line of scrimmage leading to a sack-fumble or inaccurate passes that have been picked off. This trend needs to continue against LSU if they want any shot at an upset.

Finish Your Tackles

Just getting penetration won’t be enough to stop LSU. If they are going to win, they are going to need to have the best tackling game they’ve had all season. They will need to gang tackle Fournette any time he touches the ball, and they need to not allow huge run after the catch for the LSU receivers. SU is a very capable tackling team, but they haven’t faced an opponent that’s nearly as big, strong, or fast as LSU. If they can practice solid fundamentals and avoid mistackles, it will help them to keep the game close.

Sep 19, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange running back Dontae Strickland (18) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammates against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

In the end, it is going to be a truly monumental task for Syracuse to even keep this game close, let alone pull off a victory. Yet, if they can be effective in the five areas mentioned above, they at least have a shot. Regardless of the outcome, the Carrier Dome will surely be rocking tomorrow and it will be an exciting game for the fans.