GET GREG PAULUS BACK ON TRACK

Not too long ago, the mood was completely different. Greg Paulus was making this football thing look easy while burning a Big Ten team for 300 yards.

Two Big East games later, things have turned south fast. In losses to South Florida and West Virginia, the former Duke point guard cost SU dearly with poor decision-making. If the Orange wants to foster any bowl-game hopes at all, Paulus must get back on track. A non-conference game against an inferior opponent like Akron should help. Akron’s defensive line is a fraction of South Florida’s. It’s a perfect opportunity for Paulus to hone his shaky decision-making and reset before diving back into Big East play.

He has had plenty of success in the past going to Mike Williams. Single-teamed, double-teamed, it really didn’t matter. Paulus and Williams were in a groove. Well, if anything, those two Big East blowouts proved that Paulus needs to spread the ball around. Locking in on Williams from the snap has led to turnovers. With defenses shading more and more attention in Williams’ direction, Paulus needs to look to Alec Lemon, Donte Davis and Marcus Sales more. Playing Akron is a good opportunity to clean this up.

GET AN EARLY LEAD

In its losses to South Florida and West Virginia, Syracuse has been playing catch-up. The Orange never held a lead in either game, and not surprisingly, lost both times.

So when Akron chugs into town Saturday with its 1-5 record, the Orange needs to take the Zips out of the game early by putting up points quickly. Putting the Zips in a hole early can give Syracuse the momentum it needs.

Syracuse let Maine hang around too long, and even trailed at halftime. The team was passive in the first half and didn’t put Maine in a hole early, which led to the close game at the half.

Since Syracuse is reeling right now, a lead would do wonders for the team. It would give quarterback Greg Paulus some confidence back and force Akron to throw the ball. Since Akron is not bringing the most dynamic receivers in the country to the Dome, it could be a day for the secondary to gain some confidence as well.

Good teams go out early and squash their ‘cupcake’ opponents. Syracuse didn’t do it the first time, and head coach Doug Marrone should have his team ready to do it this time. An early lead will help guide the Orange to a blowout win..

MAKE DO WITH A MAKESHIFT O-LINE

Doug Marrone completely overhauled his offensive line this week, likely in an attempt to spark Syracuse’s disappointing ground attack. The new group includes center Ryan Bartholomew, left tackle Josh White and guards Adam Rosner and Andrew Tiller – four linemen who have barely played at their respective positions so far this season. Right tackle Jonathan Meldrum is the only player who has seen significant action in his spot.

Bartholomew will make his second consecutive start at center, replacing the injured Jim McKenzie. White will play left tackle instead of sophomore Nick Speller, who suffered what appeared to be an ankle injury in Syracuse’s game against West Virginia two weeks ago.

Tucker Baumbach, who started all six games this season, is the odd man out.

The reshuffling could be a problem for the Orange, especially since the team is missing McKenzie, the line’s pilot. Without McKenzie calling out the defenses and regulating the other linemen in the huddle, the group may suffer. Not to mention, this unit has to keep quarterback Greg Paulus off the turf.

Paulus said this week he and Bartholomew have created a strong rapport. How the men in the trenches perform could make the difference in the game’s outcome.

Published on October 22, 2009 at 12:00 pm