Syracuse Football Report Card: Who did well against NC State?
By Andrew Carey
Syracuse Orange. ERV PHILIPS. A-. . WR
Erv Philips got off to a relatively quiet start this season in the first three games, but has since broken out in a big way against much better opponents in LSU and NC State. Philips increase in production should be a welcome sign for Orange fans, as he and Steve Ishmael are now a great tandem of receivers.
Philips caught the ball 17 times against the Wolfpack, an ACC record, and recorded 188 yards
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through the air. Philips never found the end zone but was instrumental in the Orange’s comeback and moving the ball in between the 20-yard lines.
He also made some huge receptions on third and long situations in the second half that extended drives for Syracuse and were key in their comeback.
Over the last two weeks Philips is averaging 14 receptions a game, 140 yards receiving and has one touchdown. This is a welcoming sight for Orange fans who know that if Syracuse has any chance of making a bowl they will need the senior receiver to play well.
Throughout last season and so far this year, “swerving Ervin” has served as a security blanket for Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey. He is frequently open and makes his money on seven to nine yard routes where he will find gaps in the defense, catch the ball and immediately turn up field for any extra yards.
In the early part of his career, the Connecticut native was victimized by dropped passes. Sometimes the inside receiver still struggles with drops, but he is clearly much improved and will leave Syracuse as one of the schools most decorated wide receivers.
Look for Philips and the Syracuse wide receivers to have big games this upcoming weekend as the Orange take on Pittsburgh, a team they put up 61 points against last season.