Syracuse Football: Restoring Syracuse to a Football Dynasty

Syracuse football has steadily declined since the era of Jim Brown and Ernie Davis. First, it was crucial for the Orange to move out of the Big East and into the ACC. The ACC is one of the Power five conferences which means way more money coming into the athletics and their facilities, hence the new indoor Ensley Athletic Center designed for football and lacrosse practices and workouts used mostly during the harsh winters. Syracuse received $19.2 million from the conference in 2013-14 after they left the Big East a year early, though they had to pay back $7.5 million to them for exiting and opting out 27 months early.

Sep 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown before a game against the New Orleans Saints at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

The money given and now that we’ve become a part of the power five is crucial for recruiting. Something that Syracuse had lacked since it was pushed off into the Big East and had not played any big time opponents. More players from the South and West have been more keen to coming to Syracuse because they can face off against teams like Florida State and Clemson. They get to travel to better schools in warmer climates and play a way better array of competition and this is what draws kids into a college for football. The ACC has elevated Syracuse football on a bigger stage, giving them more television opportunities and greater exposure. More exposure equals more chances for the players to show their skills in a game and reach their dream of entering the NFL after collegiate ball.

Now that we have the conference, we need the players that want to play to this caliber. What seems to be lacking the most for the Orange is someone taking control on the offense and stepping up to be a big time player. Like Brown, Davis, and Little had done back in there day. It could be a quarterback, running back, line man, anybody. Just somebody that wants the responsibility of getting everyone going so they’re able to beat the Florida States’ and the Clemsons’. Maybe the change needs to start with the coaches, they need to alter the mentality of the players. They need to train them and treat them like they are Syracuse football and they are the ones who are going to bring them to an ACC title or National Championship.

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Football would be returned back to it’s glory if it could start to beat up on the other schools in conference. Playing teams out of conference and part 0f the power five could also bring a different type of spotlight and give a chance for Syracuse to play better competition each year. They already started this year bringing LSU to the Carrier Dome on Sep 26. The Tigers are an SEC powerhouse and this can bring in a lot fans, and if we happen to win this game, forget about it. If each year we add maybe one or two of these games instead of opening our season against Rhode Island, Syracuse football could be more glorified especially if we start beating schools that are known for football.

Switching conferences, adding new facilities, and changing the demeanor of the program to one that is know for winning are the keys to turn Syracuse football around. We have the money and the talent so let’s start putting it to work.