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in the october 23–24, 2015 huddle syracuse vs. pittsburgh

In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

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Page 1: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

in the • october 23–24, 2015

huddlesyracuse vs. pittsburgh

Page 2: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

2 october 23-24, 2015 dailyorange.com [email protected]

The Daily Orange is published weekdays during the Syr-acuse University academic year by The Daily Orange Corp., 744 Ostrom Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210. All contents Copyright 2015 by The Daily Orange Corp. and may not be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the editor in chief. The Daily Orange is distributed on and around campus with the first two copies complimentary. Each additional copy costs $1. The Daily Orange is in no way a subsidy or associated with Syracuse University.

All contents © 2015 The Daily Orange Corporation

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t h e i n d e p e n d e n t s t u d e n t n e w s p a p e r o f s y r a c u s e , n e w y o r k

Cover photo by Logan Reidsma | Photo editor

Sports Editor Sam BlumPresentation Director Chloe MeisterPhoto Editor Logan ReidsmaWeb Editor Jesse DoughertySocial Media Producer Laina PisanoMultimedia Director Leslie EdwardsWeb Developer Brendan WinterAsst. Sports Editor Connor GrossmanAsst. Sports Editor Matt SchneidmanDesign Editor Colleen SimmsAsst. Copy Editor Chris LibonatiAsst. Copy Editor Paul SchwedelsonAsst. Sports Web Editor Sam Fortier

General Manager Christopher RussoIT Manager Maxwell BurggrafBusiness Assistant Tim BennettAdvertising Manager Lucy SutphinAdvertising Representate David BakerAdvertising Representative Gonzalo GarciaAdvertising Representative Sarah Cookson

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Mara CorbettEDITOR IN CHIEF

Brett SamuelsMANAGING EDITOR

In her honorShane Wallen juggled two jobs and college classes to tend to his ill mother. He transferred and walked on to Oregon State as a senior running back.See page 15

Out of the way Syracuse is working to improve on defending screen passes — highlighted by Virginia’s game-tying fourth-quarter drive against SU in Saturday’s loss.See page 13

Page 3: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

october 23-24, 2015 3 dailyorange.com [email protected]

EDITORIAL 315 443 9798 BUSINESS 315 443 2315 GENERAL FAX 315 443 3689 ADVERTISING 315 443 9794

ground control

By Matt Schneidmanasst. sports editor

In the first game of Jordan Fredericks’ soph-omore year at Lawrence (New York) High School, he scored five touchdowns. Two

receiving, three on the other side of the ball. He intercepted the Glen Cove (New York) High School quarterback three times and returned each for a pick-six.

In his senior year, Fredericks often drove the team 80-plus yards with less than a minute to go before a half or at the end of game, Law-rence head coach Joe Martillotti said, all while under center running the two-minute offense.

The Buccaneers were best with the ball in Fredericks’ hands, at any position, but there was only one he wanted to play in college.

“Everyone else was like, ‘Well we love him, we want him, we’re going to offer him, but we don’t know where we’ll play him,’” Martillotti said. “Syracuse was committed to him as a running back from the get-go.”

Six games into his college career and, aside from spurts in the wildcat formation, Freder-icks has lined up as a running back every time he’s been on the field. Last week, he was given the starting nod ahead of juniors Devante McFarlane and George Morris, and against Virginia, scored his third rushing touchdown

of the year. He’s reached the end zone a team-high four times, with a highlight-reel, 30-yard receiving touchdown against South Florida to go along with 5.3 yards per carry.

Growing up with four older brothers molded him for this year’s competition, one he’s risen to the top of despite being only 18 years old. And when Syracuse (3-3, 1-1 Atlantic Coast) hosts No. 25 Pittsburgh (5-1, 3-0) on Saturday, Fredericks will get his second start of a career he never envisioned beginning like this.

“Little by little, a couple of reps turned into a couple of drives,” Fredericks said. “And now I’m the No. 1 running back and it feels great.”

Inwood Park was home to the fields Fred-ericks got tossed around on near the family’s Inwood, New York home. Fredericks’ older

brothers, Alvin, 29, Justin, 25, Ryan, 21 and Tyler, 19, fostered a culture of competition that he’s leaned on early in his SU career. Off the field, they competed in Madden NFL video games, manhunt and who could do chores better around the house. Jordan even caught flack for helping opponents up on the field and congratulating them after big plays.

Ryan and Tyler played running back for Lawrence when Jordan was a freshman, forc-ing him out of his comfort zone to slot receiver. Ryan recalls “losing his mind” at Jordan when he fumbled in a game his freshman year, angry that he let his play reflect his age.

“They didn’t baby him,” Jordan’s mother, Atasha Mays-Fredericks said. “They treated him like if he was their equal, which made him a little tougher.”

When Martillotti expanded Fredericks’ role at quarterback, Mays-Fredericks told the head coach that wasn’t her son’s position. But he needed the ball in his best player’s hands whenever possible since Sean Moran, the team’s normal quarterback, was a con-verted slot receiver.

Fredericks threw the ball plenty despite being a true running back and some teams even tried to court him as a signal-caller. Oth-ers saw him as a slot receiver. Different teams

How Jordan Fredericks became SU’s starting running back as a true freshman

JORDAN FREDERICKS grew up with four older brothers, which prepared him for the competition with two juniors at Syracuse. He won the starting job over both and leads Syracuse with 269 rushing yards and four touchdowns scored just six games into his college career. jessica sheldon staff photographer

see fredericks page 4

Little by little, a couple of reps turned into a couple of drives. And now I’m the No. 1 running back and it feels great.

Jordan Frederickssu running back

Page 4: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

4 october 23-24, 2015 dailyorange.com [email protected]

Discover new worlds at Orange Central!

Then. Now. Always. Orange.

Department of Anthropology Speaker Series: Anita FábosThursday, October 22, 4 p.m. 220 Eggers HallIn “New ‘Bad Girls’ of Sudan,” professor discusses a new breed of women whose “girls’ songs” are defying national boundaries to bring women’s perspectives and critiques to a global audience.

Sports, SIDEARM, and the iSchool Thursday, October 22, 5 p.m. 335 Hinds HallLearn how one company, SIDEARM Sports, and its founder, president, and CEO, Jeff Rubin ’95, G’98, bring IT, sports, and students together in a unique partnership with the iSchool.

Tree of 40 FruitFriday, October 23, 9 a.m. 018 Hendricks ChapelStephanie James, director of SU:VPA’s School of Art, tells the story behind Sam Van Aken’s work, from its conceptual underpinnings through the fascinating grafting science that makes it possible.

The Current Status of Online Education at SUFriday, October 23, 9 a.m. 307 University CollegeLearn how Syracuse University is responding to the national demand for online education, the current status of online course and program offerings, and plans to compete in a global market.

A traditional form of singing that has taken on new meaning in the Sudan. A unique tree that grows 40 different kinds of fruit. Artwork from a master in pop art. Discover all of these and much more at Orange Central! For more details and the

complete schedule, visit orangecentral.syr.edu.

Deans’ Panel: STEMming the Gap in Higher EducationFriday, October 23, 2 p.m. 001 Life Sciences ComplexIn this timely panel discussion, four deans will describe how Syracuse University is preparing future STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) leaders through cutting-edge teaching, basic applied research, technology transfer, and policy development.

James Rosenquist Gallery TourFriday, October 23, 2 p.m. Shaffer Art BuildingThis special tour of more than 35 works by Rosenquist—a leader in the American Pop Art movement—exemplifies the indelible impact he has had, and continues to have, on American art.

Stargazing at Holden ObservatoryFriday, October 23, 7:30 p.m. Holden ObservatoryJoin physics faculty and graduate students for a rare opportunity to climb the winding staircase and gaze at the stars through the Holden Observatory’s historic 1887 telescope (weather permitting).

Parent Advocacy Resources for Alumni: Tips, Tools, and TrendsSunday, October 25, 10:30 a.m. Huntington Hall CommonsSyracuse University alumni and School of Education experts share tools and resources to support inclusion for children and students with disabilities of any age.

Q&A with beat writer Jerry DiPaola of The Tribune-ReviewBy Paul Schwedelsonasst. copy editor

Syracuse blew a 10-point fourth quarter lead against Virginia, but SU (3-3, 1-1 Atlantic Coast) looks to get back on track when it hosts No. 25 Pittsburgh (5-1, 3-0) on Saturday at noon in the Carrier Dome. Follow along with Syracuse-Pitts-burgh coverage here or on Twitter @DOSports.

To learn more about the Panthers, The Daily Orange spoke with Pittsburgh Tribune-Review beat writer Jerry DiPaola.The Daily Orange: Pittsburgh wide receiver Tyler Boyd is leading the ACC in receptions and receiving yards per game. How much could he single-handedly change a game?Jerry DiPaola: Well he can, he has the ability to make a play from almost anywhere on the field. Pitt hasn’t thrown the ball down the field that much this season and I think it’s just a matter of getting in sync with a new starting quar-terback, Nate Peterman. But yeah, he has that ability to turn a game around. He usually has been a good punt returner. He can still do that, but he fumbled twice in the Georgia Tech game (most recent game). He didn’t lose the fumbles, he recovered them, but he had problems and (Pitt head coach) Pat Narduzzi even said on Monday he’s thinking about replacing him with Avonte Maddox if Boyd’s fumbling continues on the punt return team. The D.O.: What are Nate Peterman’s strengths as a quarterback?J.D.: He hasn’t thrown an interception since the first quarter of the Iowa game (third game of season), which was his first start. He threw two interceptions in the first quarter and hasn’t thrown one since. Eighty-four consecutive passes without one. So he seems to be very poised in the pocket … and he seems to know where to go with the ball. They’ve converted a lot of third and fourth downs for first downs with Peterman as their quarterback.The D.O.: Freshman strong safety Jordan White-

head is leading Pitt in tackles. Why has he been able to step in right away as a freshman?J.D.: Well, he’s incredibly talented. Very good athlete. Smart kid. Studies his playbook very well. He would’ve been starting in the opener but Narduzzi didn’t want to throw a true fresh-man in there in the first game as a starter. But he started in the second game; he started ever since. He got hurt in the Georgia Tech game with a head injury, but he’s been practicing this week and I think he’s going to be OK. Just a very talented athlete. Could probably play safety or corner and they’ve put him at strong safety. He’s not a real big guy but he’s done a nice job in run support this year.The D.O.: In Narduzzi’s first season as head coach, what’s the biggest difference in Pitt from last year to this year?J.D.: He has more enthusiasm as far as getting the team hyped up to play. Paul Christ is a good coach, a good man, a very good play-caller — one of the best play-callers in the college football, I believe. But Narduzzi is a little different. He just comes at you very aggressively whether you’re a player, one of his coaches, a member of the media, he’s just the kind of the guy that gets everybody around him excited. And he’s done it with boosters, too. In the offseason this summer in May and June, he traveled all over the East Coast talking to booster groups trying to raise money and drum up support for the program. He’s just done a good job.The D.O.: If Syracuse were to win, what would be the thing it would have to do right?J.D.: They would have to find a way to run the football. Pitt defends the run really well. It didn’t defend the run really well against Geor-gia Tech in the first half. Second half was much better. If Syracuse could find a way to move the football on the ground, I think that would open things up in the secondary. Pitt does a lot of blitzing and if they’re blitzing, that might leave some of their receivers one-on-one.

[email protected] | @pschweds

big and fast enough to play defensive back.“You’re never really sure in college, you

know, they can tell you whatever you want to hear and then when you get here, you can switch a position,” Fredericks said. “But it meant a lot that (Syracuse) was actually serious about me playing running back.”

Fredericks overtook McFarlane and Morris by simply being more productive. The Syracuse coaches keep a chart, using tick marks, progress lines and a point system to distinguish which players are actually producing — Fredericks has been measured in areas such as yards after con-tact and touchdowns — from ones that might just look good going through the motions.

He’s even fine-tuned the cadences when prac-ticing at quarterback in the wildcat and shown a once-nervous Tim Lester that he can move around the tight ends before the snap as well.

“He tells me that all the time,” the offensive coordinator said. “’Coach, I played quarter-back, I’m fine.’”

Fredericks was lying in bed in between classes when he found out he’d climbed to No.

1 on the depth chart last Monday. He received a Twitter notification on his phone and called his parents, who told him to be humble and that similar triumphs happen all the time.

Starting as a freshman is something he’s used to even though he didn’t expect it here. Running backs coach DeAndre Smith told Fredericks he’d see carries “here and there” in the first couple games.

“You’re telling him this is a blessing, you’re lucky,” his uncle, Duane Fredericks, said. “Not too many freshmen get to start.”

When Lawrence won the Long Island III cham-pionship last year, parents came up to Mays-Fred-ericks and began crying since they wouldn’t be able to watch her son play anymore. During Freder-icks’ speech for the Thorp Award, given to Nassau County’s top player, he told the crowd he wanted to bring the Heisman back for them.

Though his lofty goals at Syracuse may not come in the near future, the foundation for them has been set. And before he left for school, Fred-ericks was stopped by his mother and broadly asked what he wanted to do for the football team.

“I’m going to be that guy that they can count on,” he said. “… The same way I was in high school.”

[email protected] | matt_schneidman

from page 3

fredericks

Page 5: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

october 23-24, 2015 5 dailyorange.com [email protected]

Three opponents’ helmets struck the helmet of Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey. Three times, those treach-

erous moments were masked with jubilation. The first, a toss to freshman Dontae

Strickland who turned an open seam into a touchdown. He dropped the ball to the ground after his first step, blissfully unaware that his quarterback just had his neck and head twisted backward by Central Michigan defensive lineman Mitch Stanitzek.

The second, a 26-yard, perfectly-executed run-pass option where Dungey leapt over a defender before being struck in the head by Virginia’s Micah Kiser as he crossed the plane to the end zone. Dungey got up and was mobbed by his teammates.

The third finished with a pass to Ervin Philips, who caught the ball 2 yards short of end zone, before spinning in for the score and point-ing up to the silent UVA crowd in overtime.

“I try to get every yard I can,” Dungey said following the loss to UVA. “I’m a competitor.”

But the risk of getting every yard isn’t worth the reward it reaps. Not for a possible game-winning drive and not for a Top 10 play on SportsCenter. With one “upper-body injury” — Stanitzek’s blow against CMU was

enough — comes the greater likelihood of more. And with four Syracuse players having suffered career-ending fates from concussions in the last two seasons, the reality of its dan-gers isn’t detached from the Orange program.

As a coaching staff, there’s only so much it can do to prevent brain injuries — showing a player the hits he didn’t have to take is chief among them, offensive coordinator Tim Lester said. Preventative measures only decrease risk, but can’t eliminate it. But everything that can be done needs to be, and one week removed from losing scholarship QB AJ Long for his career, there needs to be more concern expressed.

“He loves to make plays,” Lester said. “He goes in his Johnny Manziel mode wanting to run around. I told him, ‘Even Manziel, when he won the Heisman, he only carried it 15 times a game.’ So he’s still got to cut three to get to that level.”

Lester said he called 32 passing plays for Dungey on Saturday. Only 22 of them actually went for passes. He threw the ball away twice,

two more times than he has before. “Baby steps,” Lester called it.

It’s time to start making strides.Of the 31 quarterbacks that have run the

ball 59 times or more, only two have played in fewer games than Dungey. Twenty-six have played in more games than the SU quarterback. He’s one of the most likely QBs in FBS football to run the ball, but there are still 105 quarterbacks with higher yards per carry totals than his 3.8. Of the QB’s with more attempts, he would place 16th on that list.

He’s got the ability to run, but is far from elite status. He’s not TCU’s Trevone Boykin, a Heisman candidate averaging 5.7 yards per carry, and a player that Lester likened to Dung-ey when talking about football-first plays.

That doesn’t mean that Dungey should never play quarterback again to limit the risk. That play against CMU was a pass, and he never put himself in harm’s way. But time and again, even after coming back against USF, he has put himself in danger. The numerous hits to the head need to be a wake-up call for refocused priorities before he has no choice but to stop playing.

Scott Shafer said the line between being see blum page 7

SU must prioritize protecting Dungey from injury

ERIC DUNGEY has taken several hits to the head this season. The true-freshman missed a game earlier this season with an “upper-body injury.” Against Virginia, 32 pass plays were called, but Dungey only attempted 22 throws. jessica sheldon staff photographer

SAM BLUMTHAT’S WHAT I SAID

Page 6: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

6 october 23-24, 2015 dailyorange.com [email protected]

OCTOBER 21Traditions Commission Trivia Night Free admission, free food, prizes 8 p.m., 304 Schine Student Center

OCTOBER 22Department of Anthropology Speaker Series: Anita FábosClark University educator speaks about the “New ‘Bad Girls’ of Sudan” 4 p.m., 220 Eggers HallSports, SIDEARM, and the iSchool How the partnership brings IT, sports, and students together 5 p.m., 335 Hinds HallSyracuse Homecoming ShowcasePerformances by talented student groups8 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium

OCTOBER 23Tree of 40 Fruit The story behind this unique work of art9 a.m., 018 Hendricks ChapelThe Current Status of Online Education at SU Panel discussion on competing in a global market 9 a.m., 307 University College

Deans’ Panel: STEMming the Gap in Higher Education How SU is meeting the STEM challenge 2 p.m., 001 Life Sciences ComplexJames Rosenquist Gallery Tour Exhibition of works by a leader in the Pop Art movement 2 p.m., Shaffer Art BuildingSyracuse 8 Book Talk and SigningFeaturing Leveling the Playing Field: The Story of the Syracuse 8 3 p.m., Huntington Hall CommonsTanner LectureFeatures Clinton Foundation President and CEO Donna Shalala G’70, H’87 3 p.m., Maxwell AuditoriumArents Awards DinnerHonoring outstanding SU alumni 6 p.m., Goldstein AuditoriumStargazing at Holden Observatory Scan the skies through SU’s 1887 telescope 7:30 p.m., Holden ObservatoryLip Sync Battle Lip sync battle...’nuff said 8 p.m., Schine UndergroundGeneration Orange Celebration Free event for our youngest alums 9 p.m., Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center

OCTOBER 24Orange Central Homecoming TailgateAlumni, enjoy good food, giveaways, and more!10 a.m., Shaw QuadThe Football Game! Syracuse takes on PittNoon, Carrier DomeUU and Traditions Commission Present Broad CityConversation with Comedy Central stars Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer 8 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium

OCTOBER 25Parent Advocacy Resources for Alumni: Tips, Tools, and TrendsExperts share resources for children with disabilities10:30 a.m., Huntington Hall Commons

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Editor’s note: The article below is a repub-lished story from The Daily Orange’s Oct. 5, 2002 edition. Then-editor Eli Saslow wrote it on Syracuse’s bowl hopes after a 1-4 start.

It took Keeon Walker two deep breaths and a quick gasp. Then he fumbled for the words.

“I don’t know the reasons why, and I don’t have the answers,” Walker said. “This is the worst since I’ve been here. I’ve never seen any-thing like it here before.”

Nobody on Syracuse’s football roster has. Not even head coach Paul Pasqualoni — who’s been at SU for more than 11 years — has seen a season start this poorly.

No, it takes media guides and ancient sta-tistic sheets to put Saturday’s 48-24 loss to Pittsburgh at the Carrier Dome on Saturday in perspective. A homecoming game that looked more like a Shakespearian comedy of errors, Saturday’s drubbing sends Syracuse to a 1-4 start, its worst since 1986.

“I’ve been through the dog days and some of the best times,” senior receiver David Tyree said. “But it can’t get much lower than this.”

With Big East powers Miami and Virginia Tech left on its 12-gamme schedule, Syracuse is in serious danger of finishing .500 or worse for the first time since that 1986. To be bowl eligible, Syracuse would have to finish the season at least 6-6, meaning it would need to close the year 5-2.

The scenario could have been even worse. Before the season, the NCAA passed a provision allowing teams from conferences with bowl tie-ins to finish .500 and still make a bowl. In the past, SU would have needed at least six wins and a winning record to qualify.

Before Saturday, Syracuse hadn’t lost to Pittsburgh in 11 years. It hadn’t fell to the Panthers at home since 1982, when Dan Marino quarterbacked the Panthers.

“We’d always beaten Pitt,” tight end Joe Don-nelly said. “The guys that have been here for a while, we didn’t want to leave with a loss to Pitts-burgh. That makes it tough. We took pride in that streak. We really didn’t want that streak to end.”

Worse yet, the streak ended in embarrassment.

After causing an interception on Pitt’s open-ing possession— leading to a 28-yard field goal from Collin Barber — Syracuse surrendered 48 consecutive points.

Pittsburgh quarterback Rod Rutherford — who completed 10 of 15 for 279 yards and two touchdowns — chewed apart the Syracuse secondary early.

On the Panthers’ second drive, Rutherford twice found freshman wideout Larry Fitzger-ald downfield. The first pass went for 36 yards. The next went for 27 and a touchdown.

Rutherford also hit wideout Roosevelt Bynes for big plays. In the second quarter, Bynes found a 10-yard gap between cornerbacks Latroy Oliver and Will Hunter in the SU sec-ondary. Rutherford found the gap, too, hitting Bynes for a 48-yard gain to the SU 1-yard line.

But Bynes’ most impressive play came in the third quarter, when he ended Pitt’s scoring on an 82-yard touchdown catch. Hunter fell down try-ing to cover Slade on the fly pattern, leaving the receiver open and free to jog into the end zone.

“Defensively, other than that first series of

the game, we never really got going,” Pasqua-loni said. “We just were so off-balance. (Ruth-erford) just really did a great job throwing the ball. We were on our backs.”

“It seemed like every time they wanted to, they just punched it in,” quarterback Troy Nunes said. “And when we wanted to, we couldn’t.”

During Pittsburgh’s 48-point run, Syracuse reached Panther territory twice. In a nine-se-ries stretch, Syracuse fumbled four times and punted five.

Starting quarterback R.J. Anderson — who went 3-of-10 passing for 11 yards — left the game with a sprained throwing shoulder in the last five minutes of the first half. Backup Nunes met a similar fate.

Twice consecutively in the third quarter, Nunes fumbled deep in Syracuse territory. The Panthers capitalized with 10 points.

Syracuse later scored three meaningless touchdowns to close the scoring. But, at one point in the third quarter, Pittsburgh had 46 plays for 341 yards. SU had 34 plays for 13.

“Offensively, so many things went wrong,” Pasqualoni said. “Jeez, I can’t even remember all of the things that went wrong. Sometimes I don’t know how you explain it.”

The crowd of 39,947 — SU’s lowest atten-dance for a Big East home opener — didn’t know how to react either.

First it cheered. Then it booed. Then, when all seemed lost, some students threw T-shirts on the field.

“It’s just disbelief,” defensive end Josh Thomas said. “We know we’re not as bad as we played today. We’re very frustrated.”

Time Machine: Loss to Pitt leaves bowl hopes in question

We’d always beaten Pitt. The guys that have been here for a while, we didn’t want to leave with a loss to Pittsburgh.

Joe Donnelly then-syracuse tight end

Page 7: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

october 23-24, 2015 7 dailyorange.com [email protected]

aggressive and smart is a fine one. His high school tapes are littered with hurdle plays like the one he made Saturday.

Dungey might make plays like he’s invinci-ble, but he’s not. And it’s on the coaching staff to make sure that’s clear.

When Lester calls for 32 passing plays, there should be more than 22 attempted. When the choice is to hurdle or slide, make the safer play,

even if it leaves him short of the goal line. “It’s tough to take the aggression out of an

aggressive person,” Shafer said. “That’s who Eric is and that’s what makes him.”

A leaping jump-turned touchdown may give reason to celebrate. That may be “who Eric is.” His grin was huge when the pile of teammates dispersed with him back to the Orange’s sideline. But the risks that accompa-ny a play like that make it far less than worth the chance he’s taking.

[email protected] |@SamBlum3

from page 5

blum

SCOTT SHAFER said it’s challenging to teach Eric Dungey not to take as many hits. The QB already missed time after being hit in the head. david salinitri staff photographer

Page 8: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

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Page 10: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

10 october 23-24, 2015 dailyorange.com [email protected]

By Matt Schneidmanasst. sports editor

Junior hybrid Ben Lewis is out for Syracuse’s game against Pittsburgh with an upper-body injury, according to SU’s weekly injury report released Thursday night.

This season he’s caught 13 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown to go along with 12 rushing yards on five carries. He, along with freshman Dontae Strickland, helped fill in when starting hybrid Ervin Philips got injured in the first half of the Orange’s season-opener

against Rhode Island.Lewis caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from

Zack Mahoney with 12:06 left in the game against then-No. 8 Louisiana State on Sept.

26. It brought the Orange within a touchdown, but the Tigers went on to score 10 points and eventually won, 34-24.

Last weekend against Virginia, he caught three passes from Eric Dungey for 40 yards, and played an integral role in Syracuse’s chunk-by-chunk offensive approach since the Cavaliers backed off the Orange’s wide receivers.

Also listed on the injury report was junior tight end Kendall Moore, who is doubtful with an upper-body injury. He has three receptions for 39 yards on the season, including the catch that set up Jordan Fredericks’ game-winning touchdown run against Central Michigan on Sept. 19.

Redshirt freshman safety Rodney Wil-liams, who was doubtful last week, was upgraded to questionable with a lower-body injury. He has recorded 15 total tackles this season in the starting free safety role, including 11 solo tackles.

Freshman safety Daivon Ellison is also questionable with a lower-body injury. He has played in five games this season and recorded three total tackles.

SU (3-3, 1-1 Atlantic Coast) kicks off against No. 25 Pitt (5-1, 3-0) at noon on ESPNU on Saturday. The Orange is looking to snap its three-game losing streak after starting 3-0.

[email protected]@matt_schneidman

Injury report: Junior hybrid Ben Lewis not playing vs. Pitt

4.5Number of combined games

Syracuse’s two most experienced

hybrids will have missed after Ben

Lewis sits out Saturday with an

upper-body injury

Page 11: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

october 23-24, 2015 11 dailyorange.com [email protected]

By Sam Fortierasst. web editor

Pittsburgh’s third-string running back, a red-shirt freshman playing in his first real game in 22 months, stood in the backfield as the team’s primary rusher in a one-score game just three quarters into the Panthers’ season.

The regular starting running back and reigning Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year, James Conner, had come out with an injury. Though Conner flashed his parents a thumbs-up and remained on the sideline to cheer, he’d be diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury days later. Usual backup Chris James was also hurt.

Qadree Ollison took the left-side pitch and hit the hole. His father, Wayne Ollison, a for-mer football coach, watched from the bleach-ers and prayed his son wouldn’t fumble his first collegiate carry. Two Youngstown State defenders collided with one another, and Olli-son rumbled 46 yards.

“Obviously when the player of the year goes down, you go, ‘Oh my gosh,’” first-year Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said. “Everybody talks about that cliché: It’s next man up. It’s

tough to step up immediately, but … (Qadree) makes plays.”

Ollison finished the day with 16 carries for a touchdown and 207 yards, breaking current New England Patriot Dion Lewis’ record for rushing yards by Panthers freshman. Ollison hasn’t stopped running since. After learning valuable lessons in his redshirt year and taking advice from Conner, Ollison surpassed James on the depth chart and now ranks fourth in the ACC with 559 yards this season.

When the Niagara Falls, New York native and former Syracuse recruit runs into the Carrier Dome for SU-Pitt at noon on Saturday, he’ll be cheered on by 26 family members who made the two-hour drive. They won’t be the only ones focusing on Ollison.

“They’re going to run the ball on us,” Syr-acuse defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough said. “We have to be ready to run, run, run … It’s a good game plan. That’s what I would do too.”

Ollison’s success this season is a direct result of the year he spent on the sidelines learning, Wayne said, and that he might not have been ready last season. At practice as a redshirt, Ollison faced Pitt’s starting defense — No. 10 in total defense — and constantly

asked questions of Conner and then-sopho-more running back Rachid Ibrahim. He also bulked up 15 pounds to 230.

Whenever Wayne called, his son usually said he was at Conner’s house or working out with him, seeing what it took to be elite in the ACC. Ollison had known Conner since his offi-cial visit, when Conner gave him a tour of the school and talked to his parents. Conner’s will-ingness to help train Ollison shocked Wayne.

“It’s like you’re teaching someone to pos-sibly take your job,” Wayne said. “But James never looked at it like that … A lot of people don’t know this, but when Qadree was doing

well (against Youngstown State), James was in his ear telling him, ‘This is what you need to look out for and this is what you need to do.’”

What Ollison has done to adjust to his start-ing role is added time in the film room, increased practice reps and more closely examined the playbook. He’s a “big, powerful, explosive” back who has earned trust throughout the season with his play-making abilities, Narduzzi said.

On Oct. 28, late in a tie game with Georgia Tech, backup running back Darrin Hall got stuffed for no gain on third-and-1 at midfield. Narduzzi took a timeout and put in Ollison, whose 3-yard rush on the next play converted the fourth down on a drive that ended with a game-winning field goal.

Despite the success, Ollison doesn’t feel comfortable in the starting role. He knows Narduzzi likes competition, he said, and the moment he gets complacent is when a team-mate outworks him.

“I just learned you got to grow up fast and be ready in (the moment),” Ollison said. “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”

[email protected]— Asst. copy editor Paul Schwedelson con-

tributed reporting to this story.

RB Ollison moves up depth chart to star for Pittsburgh

They’re going to run the ball on us. We have to be ready to run, run, run … It’s a good game plan. That’s what I would do too.

Chuck Bulloughsu defensive coordinator

QADREE OLLISON stepped up for Pittsburgh following the season-ending injury of Panthers star James Conner. In his first game, he rushed for 207 yards on 16 carries, and now his 559 yards rank fourth in the ACC. The Panthers will face off against Syracuse on Saturday at noon in the Carrier Dome. courtesy of pittsburgh athletics

Page 12: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

12 october 23-24, 2015 dailyorange.com [email protected]

No. Name Ht. Wt. Pos. Cl. Hometown (High School/Previous School/Club)

2 Tre Tipton 6-0 170 WR Fr. Apollo, Pa./Apollo-Ridge

2 Terrish Webb 5-11 190 DB Jr. Clairton, Pa./Clairton

3 Ben DiNucci 6-2 190 QB Fr. Wexford, Pa./Pine-Richland

3 Nicholas Grigsby 6-1 220 LB R-Sr. Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood-Madison

4 Bam Bradley 6-2 230 LB R-Jr. Dayton, Ohio/Trotwood-Madison

4 Nate Peterman 6-2 225 QB R-Jr. Jacksonville, Fla./Tennessee

5 Chris James 5-11 210 RB So. Chicago, Ill./Notre Dame College Prep

5 Ejuan Price 6-0 250 DL R-Sr. Rankin, Pa./Woodland Hills

6 Lafayette Pitts 5-11 195 DB R-Sr. Duquesne, Pa./Woodland Hills

7 Adam Bertke 6-6 235 QB R-Fr. Maria Stein, Ohio/Marion Local

7 Jamal Davis II 6-2 225 LB R-Fr. Canton, Ohio/Canton McKinley

8 Dewayne Hendrix 6-4 275 DL So. O’Fallon, Ill./Tennessee

8 Manny Stocker 6-2 220 WR R-Jr. Coatesville, Pa./UT Martin

9 Jordan Whitehead 5-11 185 DB Fr. Aliquippa, Pa./Central Valley

10 Quadree Henderson 5-8 170 WR Fr. Wilmington, Del./Alexis I. du Pont

11 Nathan Bossory 6-3 240 TE So. Chelsea, Mich./Air Force

11 Dane Jackson 6-0 165 DB Fr. Coraopolis, Pa./Cornell (Quaker Valley)

12 Chris Blewitt 5-9 190 PK Jr. Alexandria, Va./West Potomac

14 Avonte Maddox 5-9 170 DB So. Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King

15 Reggie Mitchell 6-0 190 DB R-Jr. Pittsburgh, Pa./Shady Side Academy

16 Chad Voytik 6-1 215 QB R-Jr. Cleveland, Tenn./Cleveland

17 Chris Wuestner 6-2 210 WR R-Jr. Carlisle, Pa./Carlisle

18 Ryan Winslow 6-5 210 P R-So. Maple Glen, Pa./La Salle College HS

19 Dontez Ford 6-2 215 WR R-Jr. McKees Rocks, Pa./Sto-Rox

20 Dennis Briggs 5-10 190 DB R-Fr. Wilkinsburg, Pa./Shady Side Academy

21 Malik Henderson 6-0 185 DB Fr. Plantation, Fla./Hallandale

21 Jameel Poteat 5-10 215 LB R-Sr. Harrisburg, Pa./Bishop McDevitt

22 Darrin Hall 5-11 215 RB Fr. Youngstown, Ohio/Austintown Fitch

23 Tyler Boyd 6-2 200 WR Jr. Clairton, Pa./Clairton

24 James Conner 6-2 240 RB Jr. Erie, Pa./McDowell

25 Pat Amara Jr. 6-2 195 DB So. Philadelphia, Pa./West Catholic

26 Jevonte Pitts 5-11 200 DB R-Jr. Forest Hills, Pa./Woodland Hills/Milford Academy (N.Y.)

27 Nico Lodovico 6-1 215 LB R-So. Murrysville, Pa./Kent State

28 Anthony McKee 6-2 200 LB Fr. Columbus, Ohio/Marion-Franklin

28 Elijah Zeise 6-2 215 WR R-Fr. Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny

29 Rachid Ibrahim 6-1 195 RB Jr. Rockville, Md./Avalon

29 Oluwaseun Idowu 6-0 185 DB R-Fr. Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny

30 Mike Caprara 6-0 230 LB R-Jr. Turtle Creek, Pa./Woodland Hills

31 Jaymar Parrish 6-2 270 TE Jr. Monroeville, Pa./Gateway

32 Phillipie Motley 5-10 180 DB R-Fr. Columbus, Ohio/Hilliard Davidson

34 Mark Bernsdorff 5-11 185 DB So. Sylvania, Ohio/Wheaton (Ill.)

35 George Aston 6-0 240 FB R-Fr Stephens City, Va./Sherando

36 Michael Dunn 6-3 235 DL R-S0. Pittsburgh, Pa./Bishop Canevin

37 Qadree Ollison 6-2 230 RB R-Fr. Niagara Falls, N.Y./Canisius H.S.

38 Ryan Lewis 6-0 195 DB R-Jr. Seattle, Wash./Eastlake

39 Saleem Brightwell 6-0 195 LB Fr. Paterson, N.J./Paramus Catholic

39 Jaquaun Davidson 6-2 205 WR R-Fr. Elizabeth, Pa./Elizabeth Forward

40 James Folston 6-3 240 DL R-Fr. Cocoa, Fla./Cocoa

40 Colton Lively 6-0 240 FB R-So. Lake Dallas, Texas/Lake Dallas

41 Anthony Rippol 5-10 230 FB R-Jr. McKees Rocks, Pa./Montour

41 Jalen Williams 6-2 205 DB R-Fr. Newburgh, N.Y./Newburgh Free Academy

43 Joey Kerle 6-0 235 FB R-Fr. Harrisburg, PA/Bishop McDevitt

43 Jay Stocker 6-2 185 DB Fr. Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville Area

44 Matt Steinbeck 6-0 210 LB R-Sr. Pittsburgh, Pa./Bucknell

45 Devon Edwards 6-4 270 TE R-So. Columbus, Ohio/Eastmoor Academy

45 Nick Goldsmith 6-2 210 P R-Fr. Dyer, Ind./St. Rita of Cascia

46 Rimoni Dorsey 6-0 190 DB Fr. Richmond, Va./Trinity Episcopal School

47 Matt Galambos 6-2 240 LB Jr. Collingdale, Pa./The Haverford School

48 Kellen McAlone 6-2 200 WR R-Fr. Dallas, Texas/Jesuit College Preparatory School

48 Zach Poker 6-4 235 DL R-So. Oconomowoc, Wis./Oconomowoc

49 Alec Schuster 6-1 185 PK R-Fr. Matthews, N.C./Weddington

50 Dom Cuono 6-2 235 LB R-Fr. Tampa, Fla./Carrollwood Day School

50 Mike Grimm 6-6 325 OL R-Fr. Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park

51 Jim Medure 6-2 220 LB Fr. New Castle, Pa./Neshannock

52 Shakir Soto 6-3 265 DL Jr. Wilkes-Barre, Pa./G.A.R. Memorial

53 Dorian Johnson 6-5 300 OL Jr. Belle Vernon, Pa./Belle Vernon Area

53 Brian Popp 6-0 225 LB R-Fr. Loveland, Ohio/Loveland

54 Tyrique Jarrett 6-3 335 DL Jr. Pittsburgh, Pa./Taylor Allderdice/Milford Academy (N.Y.)

56 Justin Moody 6-3 280 DL R-So. Philadelphia, Pa./George Washington

57 Artie Rowell 6-2 310 OL R-Sr. Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin

58 Quintin Wirginis 6-2 240 LB So. Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel

59 Tony Pilato 6-5 315 OL Fr. Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield Area

60 Aaron Reese 6-5 315 OL R-So. Chambersburg, Pa./Chambersburg Area

61 Pat Quirin 6-1 225 LS R-Jr. Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic

62 John Guy 6-7 310 OL R-Jr. Somerville, Mass./New Hampton School (N.H.)

63 Alex Officer 6-4 335 OL R-So. Rochester, N.Y./Eastridge

64 Aaron Britton 6-5 280 OL Fr. Washington, Pa./Trinity

66 Mike Herndon 6-4 305 OL R-Fr. Greenville, Va./Riverheads

67 David Murphy 6-3 220 LS R-Sr. Buffalo, N.Y./St. Francis

68 Kyle Benbrook 6-3 295 OL Fr. Washington, N.J./Bethlehem Catholic (Pa.)

69 Adam Bisnowaty 6-6 300 OL R-Jr. Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel

70 Calvin Hamilton 6-0 315 DL Fr. Philadelphia, Pa./Eastern Christian Academy (Md.)

70 Brian O’Neill 6-6 290 OL R-Fr. Wilmington, Del./Salesianum School

71 Gabe Roberts 6-5 300 OL R-Jr. New London, Wis./New London

72 Carson Baker 6-5 325 OL R-So. Fairborn, Ohio/Fairborn

74 Alex Paulina 6-3 300 OL Fr. Canonsburg, Pa./Canon-McMillan

75 Jaryd Jones-Smith 6-7 335 OL R-So. Voorhees, N.J./West Catholic (Pa.)

76 Connor Dintino 6-3 310 DL R-Fr. Mashpee, Mass./Choate Rosemary Hall (CT)

77 Alex Galiyas 6-2 270 OL R-Fr. Dexter, Mich./Detroit Catholic Central

78 Alex Bookser 6-6 310 OL R-Fr. Pittsburgh, Pa./Mt. Lebanon

80 Zach Challingsworth 6-2 200 WR R-So. McDonald, Pa./South Fayette

81 Tony Harper 6-4 225 TE R-So. Toledo, Ohio/St. John’s Jesuit

82 Rafael Araujo-Lopes 5-9 190 WR So. Kissimmee, Fla./Reedley (Calif.)

83 Scott Orndoff 6-5 265 TE Jr. Waynesburg, Pa./Seton-La Salle

85 Jester Weah 6-3 205 WR R-So. Madison, Wis./Madison Memorial

86 J.P. Holtz 6-4 250 TE Sr. Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area

87 Reggie Green 6-2 230 DL R-So. Cranford, N.J./Cranford

88 Gentry Ivery 6-1 195 WR Fr. Mansfield, Texas/Mansfield Legacy

91 Darryl Render 6-2 300 DL Sr. Cleveland, Ohio/St. Edward

92 Rori Blair 6-4 240 DL So. Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair

93 Shane Roy 6-4 245 DL R-Fr. Reading, Ohio/Reading

94 Jeremiah Taleni 6-2 295 DL R-So. Kaneohe, Hawaii/Kailua

95 Khaynin Mosley-Smith 6-0 305 DL R-Sr. Pittsburgh, Pa./Woodland Hills/Milford Academy (N.Y.)

96 Allen Edwards 6-4 235 DL Jr. Miami, Fla./Dean (MA)

97 Mark Scarpinato 6-3 285 DL R-Sr. Milwaukee, Wis./Michigan St.

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown (High School/Previous School/Club)

1 Julian Whigham CB 6-1 200 Sr. West Palm Beach, Fla./ Dwyer

2 Eric Dungey QB 6-3 202 Fr. Lake Oswego, Ore. / Lakeridge

2 Wayne Morgan CB 5-11 190 Jr. Brooklyn, N.Y. / Erasmus Hall

3 Ervin Philips RB 5-11 181 So. West Haven, Conn./West Haven

4 Zaire Franklin LB 6-0 230 So. Philadelphia, Pa./La Salle College

4 AJ Long QB 6-0 181 So. Bethlehem, Pa. / Friendship Christian (Tenn.)

5 Luke Arciniega DE 6-4 243 Jr. Sparks, Nev. / Spanish Springs

5 Austin Wilson QB 6-3 217 So. Camp Hill, Pa. / East Pennsboro

6 Rodney Williams S 5-10 196 R-Fr. Cherry Hill, N.J. / Cherry Hill West

7 Troy Green WR 6-1 180 So. Skaneateles, N.Y. / Skaneateles

7 Oliver Vigille LB 6-2 235 Sr. Miami, Fla. / Miami Central

8 Antwan Cordy S 5-8 175 So. Homestead, Fla. / South Dade

8 Steve Ishmael WR 6-2 203 So. Miami, Fla. / North MIami Beach

9 Brisly Estime WR 5-9 178 Jr. Delray Beach, Fla. / Atlantic Community

10 Sterling Hofrichter K/P 5-9 178 Fr. Valrico, Fla. / Armwood

10 Terrel Hunt QB 6-3 238 Sr. Rosedale, N.Y. / Christ the King

11 Trey Dunkelberger TE 6-5 238 So. Shillington, Pa. / Governor Mifflin

11 Corey Winfield CB 6-1 181 So. St. Louis, Mo. / Riverview Gardens

12 Ryan Norton K 5-11 188 Sr. Garden City, N.Y. / Garden City

13 Ron Thompson DE 6-3 255 Jr. Southfield, Mich. / Southfield

14 Kenterius Womack WR 6-1 170 Fr. Luverne, Ala. / Luverne

15 Juwan Dowels CB 5-10 177 R-Fr. Sunrise, Fla. / American Heritage School

16 Zack Mahoney QB 6-2 192 So. LaGrange, Ill. / Lyons Township

17 Jamal Custis WR 6-5 224 So. Philadelphia, Pa. / Neumann-Goretti

18 Dontae Strickland RB 5-11 194 Fr. Dayton, N.J. / South Brunswick

19 Daivon Ellison S 5-8 168 Fr. Linden, N.J. / Don Bosco Prep

20 Cordell Hudson CB 5-11 182 R-Fr. Largo, Fla. / Largo

21 Chauncey Scissum S 6-2 207 So. West Henrietta, N.Y. / Rush-Henrietta

22 Jordan Fredericks RB 5-10 208 Fr. Inwood, N.Y. / Lawrence

23 Jonathan Thomas LB 6-1 214 So. Lawrenceville, Ga. / Collins Hill

24 Shyheim Cullen LB 6-0 209 Fr. Lowell, Mass. / Lowell

25 Kielan Whitner S 6-0 196 Fr. Lawrenceville, Ga. / Mountain View

26 Tyrone Perkins HB 6-0 208 Fr. Glen Head, N.Y. / Friends Academy

27 George Morris RB 6-0 192 Jr. Lawrenceville, Ga. / Central Gwinnett

28 Christopher Fredrick S 5-11 173 Fr. Conley, Ga. / Cedar Grove

29 Devante McFarlane RB 6-0 199 Jr. Wheatley Heights, N.Y. / Half Hollow Hills West

30 Parris Bennett LB 6-0 216 So. Detroit, Mich. / University of Detroit Jesuit

31 Kyle Kleinberg LB 6-0 223 Fr. Armonk, N.Y. / Don Bosco Prep (N.J.)

33 Marqez Hodge LB 5-11 221 Jr. Miami, Fla. / Miami Central

34 Jacob Hill RB 5-6 165 Fr. Detroit, Mich. / Detroit County Day

35 Eric Jackson CB 5-9 170 Sr. Inglewood, Calif. / Pacific Palisades

37 Ted Taylor LB 6-1 193 Jr. Riviera Beach, Fla. / Dwyer/Dodge City Community College

39 Troy Henderson LB 5-11 225 Fr. Cleveland, Ohio / St. Edward

41 Eric Anthony S 6-0 196 Jr. Baldwinsville, N.Y. / C.W. Baker

42 Jacob Green TE 6-1 250 Sr. Seattle, Wash. / Seattle Prep

42 Joe Stanard S 5-10 199 Jr. Baldwinsville, N.Y. / C.W. Baker

43 Terrell Drayton LB 5-11 215 So. Rosedale, N.Y. / Townsend Harris

46 PJ Batten TE 6-3 234 So. Miami, Fla. / Dade Christian

47 Matt Keller LS 5-11 217 Fr. Willow Street, Pa. / Penn Manor

48 Cole Murphy K 6-3 188 So. Castaic, Calif. / Valencia

49 Alryk Perry LB 6-1 221 So. Columbus, Ala. / Glenwood School

50 John Raymon DT 6-5 308 Sr. Richboro, Pa. / Council Rock North

51 Donnie Simmons DE 6-2 264 Sr. White Plains, N.Y. / Archbishop Stepinac

52 Kayton Samuels NT 6-0 300 R-Fr. Ellenwood, Ga. / Arabia Mountain

53 Lucas Albrecht DE 6-2 260 Sr. Hudson Falls, N.Y. / Hudson Falls

53 Nathan Hines LS 6-6 245 So. Catonsville, Md. / Catonsville

54 Tyler Cross DT 6-2 283 Fr. Douglassville, Ga. / Northview

55 Rob Trudo C 6-4 301 Sr. Farrell, Pa. / Farrell

56 Kenny Carter DE 6-4 257 Fr. Plainfield, N.J. / Plainfield

57 Omari Palmer OT 6-3 305 Jr. Coram, N.Y. / Longwood

58 Donnie Foster C 6-3 310 So. Savannah, Ga. / IMG Academy (Fla.)

58 Hernz Laguerre LB 6-1 230 Sr. Spring Valley, N.Y. / Spring Valley

59 Aaron Roberts OG 6-4 280 R-Fr. Chicago, Ill. / De La Salle Institute

60 Cody Conway OT 6-6 281 Fr. Plainfield, Ill. / Plainfield North

61 Samuel Clausman OG 6-3 317 Fr. Pembroke Pines, Fla. / St. Thomas Aquinas

62 Andrejas Duerig C 6-3 297 Fr. Lowell, Ind. / Mount Carmel

63 Evan Adams OG 6-6 314 Fr. Norwalk, Conn. / Norwalk

63 Rony Charles NT 6-2 312 Sr. Medford, Mass. / St. Clement

64 Colin Byrne OT 6-5 303 Fr. Coral Springs, Fla. / St. Thomas Aquinas

65 Jamar McGloster OT 6-7 319 So. Hillside, N.J. / Saint Anthony

67 Michael Lasker OT 6-5 295 Sr. Corona, Calif. / Santiago

68 Nick Robinson OG 6-6 302 Sr. Baldwinsville, N.Y. / C.W. Baker

69 Keith Mitsuuchi LS 5-10 223 Sr. Torrance, Calif. / South Torrance

71 Alex Hayes OG 6-2 279 So. Ellenwood, Ga. / Tucker

72 Steven Clark NT 6-2 303 Fr. Arab, Ala. / Brindlee Mountain

72 Ivan Foy OT 6-5 280 Sr. Brooklyn, N.Y. / Fort Hamilton

73 Jon Burton OT 6-8 304 So. Spotsylvania, Va. / Courtland

74 Seamus Shanley OG 6-1 281 Sr. Syracuse, N.Y. / West Genesee

75 Denzel Ward OT 6-8 325 R-Fr. Chicago, Ill. / Neal F. Simeon

76 Keaton Darney OT 6-3 280 R-Fr. Los Angeles, Calif. / Loyola

78 Jason Emerich C 6-3 273 Jr. New Ringgold, Pa. / Blue Mountain

79 Anthony Giudice DT 6-1 273 Fr. Monroe Township, N.J. / Avon Old Farms (Conn.)

79 Taylor Hindy OG 6-4 312 Jr. West Hills, Calif. / Chaminade Prep

80 Tyler Provo TE 6-2 223 So. West Palm Beach, Fla. / American Heritage School

82 Alvin Cornelius WR 6-1 183 Jr. Staten Island, N.Y. / Tottenville

83 Sean Avant WR 5-10 207 So. Miramar, Fla. / Miramar

84 Ben Lewis HB 6-2 213 Jr. Middletown, Md. / Middletown

85 Nesean Crofford WR 5-10 178 Fr. Alpharetta, Ga. / Alpharetta

86 Adly Enoicy WR 6-5 226 R-Fr. Delray Beach, Fla. / Atlantic Community

87 Kendall Moore TE 6-5 245 Jr. Chicago, Ill. / Neal F. Simeon

88 Clay Austin WR 5-9 164 So. Montclair, N.J. / Seton Hall Prep

89 Josh Parris TE 6-4 246 Jr. Stone Mountain, Ga. / Stephenson

90 Cameron MacPherson TE 6-3 248 Jr. Syracuse, N.Y. / Christian Brothers Academy

92 Riley Dixon P 6-5 219 Sr. Blossvale, N.Y. / Christian Brothers Academy

93 Qaadir Sheppard DE 6-3 247 Fr. Bronx, N.Y. / Iona Prep

95 Chris Slayton DT 6-4 288 R-Fr. University Park, Ill. / Crete Monee

97 Amir Ealey DE 6-3 237 Fr. Coatesville, Pa. / Coatesville

99 Jake Pickard DE 6-5 244 Fr. Short Hills, N.J. / Millburn

syracuse roster pittsburgh roster

Page 13: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

october 23-24, 2015 13 dailyorange.com [email protected]

Text by Paul Schwedelsonasst. copy editor

Photos by Jessica Sheldonstaff photographer

Julian Whigham was asked to explain what went wrong on Virginia’s 18-play, overtime-forcing final drive of regulation on Saturday. The answer was a simple one — screen passes — and then he repeated himself four times for emphasis.

The prior week against South Florida, Syra-cuse was gashed in similar ways, most memorably on an 18-yard gain on third-and-14. In a one-score game at that point, it prolonged an eventual fourth-quarter touchdown drive.

For a defense that features 14 underclass-men on its two-deep depth chart, recognizing opponents’ plays is a challenge.

“What happens when you have a young team is they’re just trying to execute the defense,” defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough said. “They’re not seeing the offense.”

Linemen getting leverage, linebackers pursu-ing the ball and defensive backs shedding blocks all need to get better. The three levels of SU’s (3-3, 1-1 Atlantic Coast) defense hope to improve its screen-

pass defense against No. 25 Pittsburgh (5-1, 3-0) on Saturday in the Carrier Dome at noon.

While other position groups have differ-ent responsibilities, cornerback Juwan Dowels said the secondary’s job is to attack the play. Dowels said the biggest challenge is when offensive linemen, who might weigh 100 pounds heavier, run full speed into open space.

“Definitely just being aware of it,” Dowels said of the most important aspect in stopping a screen. “It’s something in the game that really could change the game, could get a big first down off of it, you could score off of it.”

Once players recognize it, Dowels said the defensive backs try to “trick (offensive line-men) and beat them with quick steps,” in order to avoid being blocked. If they can’t make the tackle, they try to force the play back inside to where SU’s front seven could catch up and bring the ball-carrier down.

Late in the first quarter against South Florida, that didn’t happen. Quarterback Quinton Flow-ers faked a handoff, deviating from the standard development of a screen pass, and threw the ball near the line of scrimmage to wide receiver Tyre McCants. Fifty-seven yards later, he was brought

down on the Orange’s 2-yard line and two plays after that, USF scored a touchdown.

“It’s just a matter of actually catching the guy that catches the ball,” senior defensive end Donnie Simmons said. “It’s out on the perimeter so as long as we can contain him, we should be straight.”

The issue is Syracuse hasn’t always been able to do that. Simmons said as soon as he sees the offensive linemen take a couple steps, he recog-nizes the play. But not everyone else on the field might see it as well as the fourth-year veteran.

On the drive Whigham referred to, Vir-ginia traveled 88 yards in six minutes, 52 sec-onds. Virginia faced a crucial fourth-and-3, that if SU stopped, it likely would have won the game. Instead, Taquan Mizzell caught a

pass 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage with two offensive linemen who opened up a lane near the sideline.

Three plays later, the Cavaliers ran another screen and again two linemen got out in front and paved the way for a 12-yard gain. It moved UVA from the 24-yard line to the 12-yard line and put the Cavaliers in prime position for a score.

After two losses in which Syracuse was close in the fourth quarter, the difference going forward for SU could come down to small details — and short passes.

“Guys that haven’t played before,” Bullough said of the players struggling with screens. “We just got to keep emphasizing it in practice and that’s the only thing you can do.”

[email protected] | @pschweds

Syracuse has struggled against screens in recent weeks. Defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough said his young defense hasn’t recognized plays well enough.

Syracuse strives to improve defending screen passes

Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer said poor leverage and missed tackles has led to opponents’ success on screens through the first six games this season.

Page 14: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

14 october 23-24, 2015 dailyorange.com [email protected]

86

Destiny USA

DATE OPPONENT TIME

Saturday, Oct. 24 Pittsburgh Noon

Saturday, Oct. 31 at Florida State Noon

Saturday, Nov. 7 at Louisville TBA

Saturday, Nov. 14 Clemson TBA

Saturday, Nov. 21 at North Carolina State TBA

Saturday, Nov. 28 Boston College TBA

syracuse football schedule

Page 15: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

october 23-24, 2015 15 dailyorange.com [email protected]

By Liam Sullivanstaff writer

When Shane Wallen got word of his mother’s ter-minal cancer in 2011, his world stopped. Hours of offseason workouts going into his freshman year were nullified. Dreams of starting on Butte Junior College’s football team dissolved.

His immediate future was unclear, but he knew football wasn’t in it.

“Overall, it was a difficult decision,” Wallen said. “But what made it easier was knowing that I was going to spend my mom’s last few months with her by her bed side and making memories that can never be taken away.”

Wallen picked up two jobs — working as a restaurant waiter and personal trainer — to sup-port himself and ensure he was available to take care of his mother, Vickie Wallen, for the 11 months she lived after diagnosis. He never played a down for Butte football, but kept the sport in his life by assisting the strength and conditioning coaches.

Combining his passion for fitness with the memory of his late mother, Wallen parlayed his two years as an assistant to Butte’s strength and conditioning coaches into a transfer to Oregon State to intern with its football team. After assist-ing the team in workouts last season, the senior’s now listed on the Beaver’s roster as a running back — achieving both his and his mom’s dream.

“When things get hard and I’m having a tough day, it makes it a lot easier to look up and know that she’s watching,” Wallen said. “It keeps me going and brought me to where I am now.”

Without any offers out of high school, Wal-len enrolled in junior college powerhouse

Butte with the hopes of playing football and gaining strength and conditioning experience. His mother’s illness temporarily derailed his plans, and a bulk of caretaking fell on him as his twin brother was enlisted in the Marines and his stepdad worked.

Wallen needed to be on call to run errands like going to the grocery store or taking his mom to appointments. He juggled caring for his mother with classes at Butte and working two jobs —still finding the time to volunteer in the weight room for the football team.

Nearly a year after receiving her terminal diag-nosis, Vickie Wallen passed away in August 2012.

“It was pretty hard for him,” said his broth-er, Mitch Wallen. “She’d always been his big-gest fan and one of biggest reasons he loved sports and was going to college.”

Wallen continued to work two jobs and advance his work with Butte’s strength and conditioning program. He needed to support himself and with his second and final year in junior college approaching, he wanted to transfer to a bigger school.

Marcus Dorin, now the head strength and con-ditioning coach at Butte, saw Wallen’s passion and drive for the coaching field. Through all the adver-sity, Dorin said, Wallen had the two attributes of a great strength coach — passion and presence — and wanted to help his assistant out.

Dorin referred Wallen to a contact in Ore-gon State’s athletic department and Wallen drove over eight hours from his hometown of Chico, California to drop off his resume on campus. With Dorin opening the door, Wallen received the opportunity he coveted — accep-

tance to OSU in the 2014 school year paired with an internship in the athletic department’s strength and conditioning program.

After a season of working primarily with the football players, coaches were impressed enough by Wallen’s fitness and work ethic to offer him a tryout to walk-on. Four years removed from the last down he played, Wallen excelled in the tryout and joined the Beavers officially as a player in March.

“When he’d run sprints with the guys, he was beating these scholarship players every day,” Dorin said. “In the weight room, he was out-lifting these guys that are supposedly going to the league every day. Hell, why not give

that guy shot to walk-on?”While he hasn’t seen the field this season, Wal-

len making the Beaver’s roster has big implica-tions for his future. Having “walked the walk” and participated in the highest level of college football, Doris said Wallen’s legitimacy is bolstered as an aspiring strength and conditioning coach.

But for this season, the senior running back’s thrilled to play the sport he loves in honor of his late mother.

“There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about her and the time we spent together,” Wallen said. “Every time I step on this field, it’s just as much for me as it is for her.”

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Shane Wallen walks on OSU team as senior to honor mom

Page 16: In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

16 october 23-24, 2015 dailyorange.com [email protected]

other 30.1%

PREGAME PLAYBOOKkey players they said it beat writer predictions

last time they played

We’re not a 3-3 team, but it’s our reality…Whether you like it or not, you’ve got six more games to play.Zaire Franklin su linebacker

In the penultimate game of 2014, Syra-cuse was shut out in the first half and Ron Thompson ran the ball one yard for his first career touchdown. Pittsburgh QB Chad Voytik completed 14 of 20 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns.

445

ANTWAN CORDYs a f e t yHT: 5’8” WGHT: 175 YEAR: SOPHOMORE

safety netComing off a fumble return for a touchdown against Virginia, Cordy has arguably been the most impressive member among the SU defensive backs. He leads the team in tackles for a loss (7), ranks second in total tackles (34) and has tacked on two sacks as well.

syracuse

JORDAN FREDERICKSr u n n in g b ac kHT: 5’10” WGHT: 175 YEAR: FRESHMAN

head of steamThe freshman running back scored his third rushing touchdown of the season against UVA, which put him into the team lead for times crossing the plane with four. He heads into his second start with 269 yards and 5.3 yards per carry to his name.

QADREE OLLISONr u n n in g b ac kHT: 6’2” WGHT: 230 YEAR: FRESHMAN

fresh legs Ollison, a redshirt freshman, replaced Heisman hopeful James Conner when the starter tore his right MCL in Pittsburgh’s season opener against Youngstown State. Pitt brings a downhill rushing attack led by Ollison, who has run for 559 yards and five touchdowns in six games.

TYLER BOYDw i d e r ec e i v e rHT: 6’2” WGHT: 200 YEAR: JUNIOR

catching onBoyd leads the ACC in catches per game and receiving yards per game. His 396 yards and four touchdowns in five games should con-cern a Syracuse secondary that hasn’t quite been up to snuff this season. Oh, and he also has 29 more catches than anyone else on the team.

pittsburgh

other 78.5%

freshmen 69.9%

yards on the ground

21.5%

stats to know

PITT

SYRACUSE

nov. 22, 2014pittsburgh 30syracuse 7

OFFENSIVE YARDS

FIRST DOWNS

255

28

12

We started putting together some defensive thought and stole some ideas from some really good coaches.Scott Shafersu head coach on pitt hc pat narduzzi

They want me sliding and not taking any shots. It’s not really in my nature.Eric Dungey su quarterback

JESSE DOUGHERTY (3-3)pittsburgh 24, syracuse 14

(Insert joke about reeling

bowl hopes)

At the start of the season,

it didn’t seem like Syra-

cuse would need to beat

Pittsburgh at home to

keep its bowl-eligibility hopes afloat. But

after three straight losses — the last two to

South Florida and Virginia — that’s exactly

what the Orange needs to do, but won’t be

able to accomplish in the Carrier Dome on

Saturday.

SAM BLUM (4-2)pittsburgh 17, syracuse 14 ot

Kitty has claws

Syracuse is better than its

record indicates, so the

Orange will keep up with

the surprisingly upstart

Panthers. But as was the

case last week against Virginia, shaky per-

formance on both sides of the ball late push

the Orange to 3-4, and even further past the

realm of bowl contention.

MATT SCHNEIDMAN (5-1)pittsburgh 34, syracuse 17

Sex panther

Just like Paul Rudd’s

cologne in Anchorman 2,

Pitt wide receiver Tyler

Boyd will put the Syra-

cuse secondary in a daze.

Having to face arguably the conference’s

best receiver, in addition to facing a ranked

team while coming off two consecutive

losses to one-win teams doesn’t spell a win

for Syracuse.

PAUL SCHWEDELSON (5-1)pittsburgh 27, syracuse 10

Steal city

Pitt’s only loss this sea-

son came by three points

to Iowa, a team with an

inside shot at playing for

a Big Ten championship.

Against a team with one of the best receiv-

ers in the nation in Boyd and a running

back with the fourth most rushing yards

in the ACC in Qadree Ollison, Syracuse is

unable to steal a win.

Years since the Orange has scored 24 points in each of the first six games of the season56

by the numbers

Eric Dungey is 23 yards shy of grabbing fifth

place on the SU freshman single-season passing

yards list 23syracuse offensive

yards

eric dungey’s

total yards

Number of penalties Syracuse has committed this season which is tied for second fewest in the ACC27

Years since SU head coach Scott Shafer and Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi

started coaching together at Rhode Island 22