Syracuse Football Report Card: Here’s how SU performed vs Clemson
By Andrew Carey
. Running back. Syracuse Orange. DONTAE STRICKLAND. A-
Strickland’s time spent at running back over the past two seasons certainly has come with quite a bit of criticism. The New Jersey native has really struggled to get much going on the ground over the past two seasons.
Last year Strickland had just one game where he rushed for more than 100 yards and up to this point this year he still has not eclipsed that 100 yard mark. With that being said, last week against Pittsburgh, Strickland rushed for 80 yards and against Clemson he racked up 79 tough yards on the ground. Strickland carried the ball 19 times good for about four yards per carry.
I was one of the people who has been critical of Strickland in the past, but this year I am starting to see definite improvements in both him and the Syracuse offensive line. Last year and in the beginning part of this season Strickland certainly has not had big holes to run through, but he often times was doing too much dancing.
Over the past two games, the New Jersey native has run with purpose, putting his head down and running people over when he hits a hole. This is a massive improvement for Strickland who hopefully now realizes that running hard can earn you an extra two or three yards a run.
I think we are starting to see what Dino Babers wants out of his running game. They just need to be a threat, to keep the opposing defense honest and allow Syracuse’s passing game to make plays. The powerful running back is also a threat in the passing game and has been his whole career here.
His big play against Clemson came in the first quarter when Strickland caught a screen pass, broke the tackle of Clemson corner Mark Fields and turned up field taking it to the house for a 23-yard touchdown. This play came on the opening drive of the game and really set the tone that Syracuse was going to give Clemson a battle all night.
Give Strickland a ton of credit, the kid is battling and if he can make the opposing defense respect the Syracuse run game, the offense will be really fun to watch.