Syracuse Football: Rushing attack leads the way for Orange
By Andrew Carey
Was this Syracuse football rushing attack fact or fiction? Here are some of the key highlights from the Orange’s victory over Central Michigan.
The Syracuse football squad defeated Central Michigan on Saturday in the Carrier Dome before a crowd of 33,000 and change.
The Orange got off to a slow start on the offensive side of the football, but turned it on in the third quarter in an impressive way by running the ball.
The Orange racked up 300 yards of offense on the ground, the most in the Dino Babers era. However, it was not Syracuse starting running back Dontae Strickland that broke off long runs, it was other players that stepped up for Syracuse. We will break down how these players broke off their long runs.
Moe Neal’s 71-yard run
On the second play of Syracuse’s first drive in the third quarter, explosive Syracuse running back, Moe Neal took a hand off and made a great read. Neal was patient and waited for the hole to open up in the middle of the field where he could find some running room. Neal found his crease, put his foot in the ground and made a great cut back, something that starter Dontae Strickland struggles to do, and nearly took it to the house.
The Syracuse offensive line does a great job of sealing the Central Michigan defensive line on the left of Neal. On the other side, Jamar McGloster makes the key block taking on two Chippewas springing Neal for a big gain. Neal makes a great cut, and when in the open field he is tough to catch, he is a nice complement to Dontae Strickland.
Eric Dungey 74-yard run
While Eric Dungey’s big run play also came in the third quarter when the Syracuse signal caller carried the ball on a designed quarterback run. At this point, Eric Dungey running is an integral part in the Syracuse offense and don’t expect him to stop anytime soon. Where Dungey can protect himself more, is by really emphasizing sliding in the open field, which he has done a better job of this year.
Once again, Syracuse’s offensive line traps the Central Michigan defensive line on the left of Dungey. But this play is more about the Oregon native’s athleticism, as he sticks his left foot in the ground and cuts it back all the way to the opposite side of the field.
Dungey almost takes this all the way to the house as the junior quarterback displays his speed and elusiveness in the open field. Big plays like these are what the Syracuse offense was missing last week against Scott Shafer and his defense.
Sean Riley’s 41-yard run
While Sean Riley also had a huge run for Syracuse in the game and had a great game in general. Riley was lined up in the slot to the left of Dungey and came in motion to take a jet sweep handoff. This play sees Syracuse’s offensive line seal the right side of the runner as Riley gets to the sideline on the left side of the field. Ravian Pierce makes a key block taking out the linebacker on that side of the field and running back Tyrone Perkins (#26) makes a nice block on the safety (#14) allowing Riley to get the edge.
Once the short, speedster gets the edge he is tough to track down and busts this run for a big gain. This is something that Syracuse needs to incorporate more. With speedy slot receivers like Riley and Ervin Philips if Syracuse can get the edge on these plays, it will result in big plays.
Next: Syracuse Football: Top 5 orange peels from SU’s victory over CMU
While Syracuse’s offensive line was better Saturday against Central Michigan. Syracuse coach Dino Babers says that by game four of year two his system really starts to click, maybe he was off by a half. In the third quarter the Orange connected on three runs of over 40 yards and two of 70 yards. Syracuse’s next opponent, LSU gave up 285 rushing yards to Mississippi State on Saturday, If the Orange can run the ball with some effectiveness they will have a shot.