Syracuse Football: StatPack grades from loss at Pittsburgh

Syracuse football struggled in week one and didn’t look much better in week two. The main reason? Incapabilities on offense.

Syracuse football is 0-2 on the 2020 season, but it seems as if they’re 0-20. A disgruntled fanbase is calling for changes all over the board and the team just isn’t getting it done in the ways it needs to.

Quarterback Tommy DeVito was sidelined for an injury and backup Rex Culpepper came in and delivered a 69-yard touchdown pass to Taj Harris. It was a feel-good story for Culpepper, who survived cancer last season.

However, after that touchdown pass game the Orange a 10-7 lead, inconsistency on offense, and numerous flags on the defensive side of the ball allowed the Pitt Panthers to re-take the lead, eventually winning 21-10.

Syracuse football had their chances, but this incapability of being able to drive the ball, coupled with tough calls, had ‘Cuse fans shaking their heads in disbelief. Just two years ago, the Orange went 10-3 and were nationally ranked for a good chunk of the season. Now, it’s a program in need of an overhaul on offense with a head coach known for his fast-paced style of offensive football.

I tweeted out my three keys of the game for my weekly ‘Cuse football StatPack’. While the Orange certainly had their chances of writing one or all of these off, they could only capitalize on one of them, which just wasn’t enough.

Syracuse football was able to keep Pitt under 28 points, with the Panthers scoring just 21 in the contest. However, just 51 rushing yards and three catches for Taj Harris may have just been the difference.

Another 49 yards for a struggling Orange offense may have been enough for at least another field goal. Similarly, Harris’ three receptions ended up in 72 yards and a touchdown. One would have to conclude that an extra four would have put Harris over 100, but like the rushing yards stat, may have resulted in important first downs that could have led to another score or two.

Were these the only reasons Cuse couldn’t come out with a win? Absolutely not.

The QB situation is clearly the most important thing for Dino Babers to figure out at this moment.

It’s also a young offense that has been placed in the weirdest season possibly of all time. Coronavirus was sure to affect teams and SU has been affected potentially more than most college football programs.

The Orange play host to Georgia Tech on Saturday in what will be their first home game of the season. Checking off two or all three on the StatPack checklist will be crucial for the Orange to bring home win one under the new dome roof.