You have to look at what is happeing at Syracuse. 9 players walk off the field, including 2PK's. That could cost them some points. Paulus is the starter. If he wanted to play football so much, why didn't he try out at Duke? Could it be that Duke was more settled at the QB position that Syracuse was?
Minnesota is a decent team. Certainly not a contender in the Big 10, but neither are 7 other teams in the Big 10. They are also 8-2 as non-con away favorites.
Syracuse could eventually get over their problems, but right now, they are undermanned, unsettled, and have major internal issues on this team. Minnesota is good enough to win this game by two TD's, and is only giving 1.
Minnesota is a decent team. Certainly not a contender in the Big 10, but neither are 7 other teams in the Big 10. They are also 8-2 as non-con away favorites.
Syracuse could eventually get over their problems, but right now, they are undermanned, unsettled, and have major internal issues on this team. Minnesota is good enough to win this game by two TD's, and is only giving 1.
Thanks fballplaya. If that is the case, and Duke was more settled at the QB position than Syracuse, the Orange are in huge trouble. Just a wild stab at this, but my guess would be that Marrone would rather have a Duke grad to figure out his system than a Freshman, or a Senoir who could not hit the ocean with a pass.
my guess is Marone doesnt like a lot of the cuse players that were recruited there. so they are leaving.
Marone would rather have his own recruited QB come in and play then what Robinson left him.
In addition Paulus will bring some interest from fans and TV and that can only help Marone's situation.
the way Syracuse is looking this year it's giving me flashbacks to 2008 Wazzu team.....I can only hope!
22 left. Only two of those players have had significant playing time in Orange (LB's Cantey and Mele.) Mele was horrible and Cantey was replaced by former RB Doug Houge (offered by Michigan and Penn State to play LB - but wanted to play RB initially so went to Syracuse.)
Most others were Fr/RFr who had yet to play and were recruited by Greg Robinson. As I mentioned in another thread - Syracuse will be extremely thin but lose barely any experience. I don't think the departures will play much of a factor in Week 1 - but definitely will as the season progresses. Although it does help we play 8 of 12 games at home.
Also - QB Cameron Dantley is now third string. QB Andrew Robinson is not playing TE. And this sheet above does not count incoming freshman (who of which about 2-3 may start including 1 JUCO and 6-10 who will see playing time.)
By two days you mean two weeks. Paulus could not practice with the Orange until the beginning of spring practice - couldn't even throw in front of Marrone. Instead Marrone had to rely on reports from the Packers and Saints (Paulus went to NO to talk/throw in front of Brees) on what he could do. Marrone made it clear he is being paid to win games. No, it won't happen right away but obviously if Paulus is starting then that means he thinks thats who he has the best chance to win with.
It's quite possible that is why Syracuse signed Paulus. Hometown hero to put butts in the seats. Even if Paulus sucks its been worth all of the media attention. Only good news to come from SU Football in 6+ years.
Paulus had no interest in playing football until the Packers called him to try out. After that Rich Rodriguez brought Paulus up to Michigan. Paulus couldn't play football at Duke - as an undergraduate transfer he had to go to another school.
The biggest reason Paulus went to Syracuse was because 1) He's from Syracuse. 2) He wants to have a future in either coaching basketball or as an announcer. Hence why he went to Duke to learn under Coach K instead of playing football at ND/Miami/etc. Newhouse at Syracuse is one of the best broadcasting journalism schools in the nation (at which he'll be studying) and he also has already set up a gig with SU BBall coach Jim Boeheim as a graduate assistant.
Now if he is even a shell of the once top CFB QB prospects in the nation...who knows...but either way...no one loses.
Offense is our strong point actually...especially with WR Mike Williams returning from academic woes that kept him out in 08.
Defense and depth will be our major problem. No real cover corner (bonus points for Deker) and inexperience at Linebacker. Art Jones heads a pretty solid DL but if they don't assault Brewer it could lead to trouble.
He's very good...all production that came from the DL last year was solely because of him. Problem was - our DE's last year couldn't take advantage of the attention Art would get (double teamed a good 75% of the time.) His younger brother Chandler (rFr) is actually going to be starting along side of him this year and is said to be better than Art. Only time will tell.
Talk about good genes though...Art and Chandlers other brother Jon is 9-0 in MMA and 3-0 in UFC. Wouldn't want to mess with the three of them.
Does anyone like Cuse in this game?
Honestly, i've seen everyone on the Gophers, and the line has fallen a half point (Pinnacle via Sportsinsights). On paper this looks like and awful Orange team, perhaps there is a reason for this low line. Could this be a remake of the 2ot game Cuse had vs. Iowa two seasons back?
- SCH
Honestly, i've seen everyone on the Gophers, and the line has fallen a half point (Pinnacle via Sportsinsights). On paper this looks like and awful Orange team, perhaps there is a reason for this low line. Could this be a remake of the 2ot game Cuse had vs. Iowa two seasons back?
- SCH
Forgot to add one other thing about Paulus - his former teammate WR from high school is on the team, Lavar Lobdell. At the time a lot of people thought the reason Paulus was so highly ranked was in big part to Lobdell (offers from Miami, Florida State, NCST, WVU, and VTech.)
Its safe to say Lobdell has been an absolute bust...horribly bad...but that could of played in Paulus' decision to come to the Orange. Hopefully hooking up with his former teammate leads Lobdell to a productive year.
Its safe to say Lobdell has been an absolute bust...horribly bad...but that could of played in Paulus' decision to come to the Orange. Hopefully hooking up with his former teammate leads Lobdell to a productive year.
