Welcome to Syracuse Football 2000

Welcome back my faithful followers to my latest installment of Syracuse Football.  This is my 4th year of posting a web page based on SU Football, and it's been a hobby I've truly enjoyed.  It hasn't enjoyed the success of my SU Hoops page, but it has attracted a  few diehards. So, if you like my page, please spread the word to other faithful orange followers.  If you have comments or suggestions drop me an email.  The 2000 season starts with many unanswered questions, just the like the 99 season began and ended.  A good recruiting class comes in, but SU still lags behind conference rivals Miami and Virginia Tech.  However, the past 2 classes have been good, and few teams in the country get more out of their talent than Syracuse.  They enter camp with 4 players at QB, though none has any significant experience.  Look for Coach P to revitalize the passing game, which should open a very potent running game.  Whatever happens, this is a key season, the teams second AD (after Donovan).

Offense

Last year, this unit really struggled.  They feasted on early cupcakes like Toledo, C. Michigan, and Tulane, but was blanked against Virginia Tech.  In fact, there best conference output was 30 against W. Virginia, a far cry from past teams.  The loss of Donovan McNabb certainly played a big role, but the offense had more problems than the signal caller(s).

QUARTERBACK: In 99, Coach P went with the dreaded dual QB monster.  As expected, it was a resounding failure.  Neither Troy Nunes (left) or Madei Williams (right) could find a niche in the offensive scheme.  Many speculated the lack of continuity in the offense was to blame for both failures.  Neither proved to be a big passer, which negated the run game eventually.  Finally, in the Music City Bowl, Nunes was given full control, and SU pulled off a nice win over Kentucky.  In 2000, I don't expect either to be the starter.  In comes JUCO transfer Chad Elliot and redshirt freshman RJ Anderson.  I see Elliot emerging as the opening day starter.  He is known to have a big arm and plays with good athletic ability.  This could give the offense a good boost and take the pressure off the run game.  I expect Elliot to take starting duties, with Nunes the backup.  In the long run, RJ Anderson is the future of the program, and could become #2 guy by mid-season, and #1 guy sometime next year. He could also become the starter in 2000, but I see him taking over only if Elliot struggles.  He's one or two years away from making this his team.  Look for Williams to move to another position or transfer.  Nunes should be the #2 or 3 man, but might also transfer out.  However, Chad Elliot's attitude since arriving on campus has been this is his job.

RUNNING BACK:  Traditionally, tailback at Syracuse is the prestige position.  This was supposed to be the strength last year, but never had a chance behind an inept passing attack. When good teams finally came up on the Orange schedule, the running backs for sitting duck for hard charging linebackers.  Dee Brown (right) returns as a starter for the second year, and still hasn't established himself.  His most notable accomplishment at SU remains his tragic fumble against North Carolina St as a freshman.  Last year was supposed to be his breakout year, now this year is his last chance to redeem an insignificant career. Don't be surprised if James Mungro (right) gets equal or more carriers than Brown.  Mungro is only a Jr, and also is in the midst of a disappointing college career.  Billed as the next legend, he has few highlights to remember.  I expect him to get many carries, since he's the one who will be carrying the ball next year.  It may be more beneficial to get him more experience with one more year left in Syracuse.  Kyle Johnson is considered among the best fullbacks in the country.  Last year he replaced NFL bound Rob Konrad, and next spring he'll be following Konrad's foot steps (though hopefully not to Miami).  Fullback is an important position at SU and he will fill the role more than adequately.  These 3 guys provide SU with enough talent to dominate on the ground.  Like last year, they'll need help from the passing game.  It's time for Brown and Mungro to produce.  Unfortunately, with a new offensive line, the backfield might backfire again in 2000.

WIDE RECEIVERS:  This unit was built to dominate for many years, however last year saw a major blow.  This years group doesn't look much better on paper, but with a better passing attack they could surprise.  The lackluster Pat Woodcock returns as a starter, but could be bumped from that by the end of the year.  Johnnie Morant (Parade All American) comes in and could see immediate playing time.  Maurice Jackson returns from his unlikely journey from SU to JUCO to SU.  He ran a blazing 4.18/40 in spring, believed to be an SU record.  He'll be needed to spread defenses, something totally missing last year.  Malik Campbell, rejected QB and hoopster, should find playing time, but that's not exactly a plus.  SU needs some younger guys to establish themselves here, because the veterans haven't done much in the past.

OFFENSIVE LINE: This unit has been ravaged, and may be the downfall of this team.  The only returning starter is G Joe Burton, but he's only a sophomore.  They probably won't have any seniors in this group.  SU has always had good success at breaking in offensive lines.  Let's hope that's the case again this year.

DEFENSE

LINE: This unit will return 3 good starters, led by Sr Duke Pettijohn.  This may be the best front four in some time at SU.  Rickie Simpkins and Eric Downing (both juniors) also return as starters.  Dwight Freeney will be the new starter at DE, but should be an adequate player.  The line is young as a unit, with Pettijohn the only senior on the early depth chart.  If Coach P can find time for the reserves, this unit has the potential to be a dominate unit in a year or two.

LINEBACKERS: This is the year we'll start to find out how good the linebacker class of 99 is.  Returning as the starting MLB is soph. Clifton Smith.  This kid played great as a freshman, and I expect much of the same.  The only concern with him was his size, he needed to drop a few pounds.  The leader of the LB corps will be Sr Morlon Greenwood.  The lost Keith Bulluck to the NFL, so Greenwood needs to give the leadership that Bulluck took with him.  After these 2 returning starters, the team is young and inexperienced.  However, they are supposed to be talented.  Look for redshirts Jameel Dumas and Rich Scanlon to find time at OLB, hopefully becoming starters around Smith next year.  Last year the LB group gave SU a top 25 recruiting class nationally.  Let's hope they are as good as advertised.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: In what's becoming a tradition, the defensive backfield will have a couple of solid guys, and some huge questions.  Senior Will Allen anchors this group, being named a second team preseason All American by The Sporting News.  He will hold down one corner spot while teaching Will Hunter the other.  Allen will be important against some of the better passing teams on the SU schedule (Miami and Santana Moss come to mind).  The rest of the corners will be learning on the go, and that could be a bad sign.  Quentin Harris returns as starter at free safety.  He's got a lot of experience for a junior, with the mediocre players SU has put in the backfield.  It will be up to him to keep this unit together.  He's played with Donovin Darius, so let's hope he brings some of that fire with him.  SU will probably see some players convert to DB's, as has been the case in the past.  It will be important for this group to perform.  If they do, the SU defense could be among the best in the country.

Special Teams: This has always been a strength at SU, but in recent year has declined.  Return men haven't exploded lately, except Quinton Spotwood a few years ago.  Maurice Jackson may be what the doctor ordered on kickoffs.  Nate Trout departs after 4 good years at SU.  That leaves place kicking open for any takers, with none established through spring.  Mike Shafer returns as the punter, and possibly the placekicker.

Well, this team has had a rapid fall from grace.  One year removed from 3 consecutive conference championships and 2 bcs bowls, the coaching staff is on the hot seat.  Many feel SU is now a second tier team.  I wouldn't drop them that far.  They lost a lot after the 98 season, and it takes time for a smaller program like SU to comeback.  They have some good players on the team, and this unit should be bowl bound.  They could even turn some heads.  The defensive unit should be great, giving SU at least 6 wins.

2000 SCHEDULE

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