Syracuse football is still looking for Michael Jordan says Dino Babers

Syracuse football head coach Dino Babers is desperately searching for Michael Jordan. I think we may know how to help Dino in his quest.

Before this season started, Syracuse football head coach Dino Babers made some bold claims. One of those stated that the 2018 Orange would be even better than last year’s squad.

That seemed hard to believe with all the historic talent that was walking out the door to the NFL: Steve Ishmael (all-time yardage leader in SU history), Erv Philips (all-time reception leader in SU history), Zaire Franklin (one of the most decorated linebackers in SU history), and Parris Bennett (quietly had a phenomenal Orange career).

With all that being considered, how in the hell could this year’s Orange possibly be better than that team? Even with that talent the Orange had they went 4-8, so you’re telling me they’re going to be even better without those guys in 2018?

Halfway through the 2018 season, I have to admit that Babers was spot on. The Orange have already equaled the most wins they’ve had since 2013 with four. If the second half of the season goes just as well for Syracuse they’re on pace for a historic season.

But because the roster is different, they’re winning in different ways. One noticeable difference is the wide receiving corps. With no Ishmael or Philips, it doesn’t seem like Babers has a guy to throw it up to like he used too, he commented on that notion at his latest press conference:

"“Oh so it’s just that easy huh? (laughter) You know, it’s not like that. When you have a guy that’s dominating individuals then you get that guy the ball. I’ve brought up this analogy before but if you and the other three guys next to you (motioning towards the media) are playing and Michael Jordan is on your team, everyone has a role. I know who the shooter is and it isn’t any of you (media members), if it was you wouldn’t be sitting here in the front row doing what you’re doing.So it’s no different than the wide receiving corps of the past. If you have someone who is going to stand out, as you guys said it’s as easy as throwing the ball up there. So why not go ahead and do that? But if you don’t have anyone standing out, then until someone does the ball is going to be spread around. We’re waiting on someone to come to the forefront and say hey I’m Michael Jordan and you need to get me the ball more. Well we’re still looking for Michael.”"

Side note, Dino Babers has a swagger about him. The way he carries himself, the way he dresses, the man may be 57 years old but he stays dapper.

But back on topic, the wide receiver question was one of the biggest heading into the season. Most of us assumed that in the Babers system vs talent debate, it was the Babers system. Let me explain.

Outside of the 2018 season, it seemed like Babers could insert anyone as his No. 1 wideout and they’d produce video game numbers. I mean we had belief with evidence in Ishmael and Amba Etta-Tawo.

But through six games this season, it seems like perhaps we were wrong. The Orange got lucky having two go-to guys who seized the moment, not the case in 2018 so far.

So where’s MJ at?

Due to the lack of star power, Syracuse has resorted to spreading the love on offense between several guys. But can someone step up to the plate during the final six games of the season?

Well if MJ is going to make an appearance it’ll likely be one of these guys:

• Devin C. Butler
  • Dennis Green said something about crowning people too early and that’s been the narrative of Devin Butler so far this season. The media said that he would be the obvious beneficiary but so far this season, he’s been an utter disappointment (12 receptions for 120 yards)
• Jamal Custis
  • When we brought up the possibility of Custis being the guy prior to the start of the season, we were met with laughter by the fan base. But six weeks in, we’re starting to get some serious reactions. Custis has recorded 25 receptions for 430 yards and three touchdowns. He’s not quite at Ishmael/Etta-Tawo level, but he’s closer than anyone else.
• Nykeim Johnson
  • The little engine that could would be perhaps the most unlikely No. 1 option arguably in history. Johnson is a feisty player who is more impressive then his size indicates. Nykeim is young and has time to develop into the player we all know he can be.

• Ravian Pierce
  • The lone target that is not a receiver on this list. Pierce has missed the past three games with an upper body injury but has all the potential to be the guy. He’s running out of time with only six games left in his collegiate career, but he has a phenomenal connection with Eric Dungey.