The Re-Introduction of Syracuse Football
First and foremost, we are now entering the Holiday Season. The gateway to the Holidays is my favorite Holiday “Thanksgiving”. To me, the day is not about buying expensive gifts that break your budget until March or a day where you have to decide what Candy / Flowers make sense, so you don’t have to sleep in the car. No, Thanksgiving is all about food, family, being thankful. It’s all about giving back to the less fortunate. The best way to appreciate Thanksgiving is to give your time and help someone in need. Go be a blessing to your family. You be glad you did. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. True blessings to you and yours.
I’m from New York. Home of some of the GREATEST athletes of all time regardless of sport. Here in New York basketball is KING. Most of the best athletes choose the hardwood, squeak of sneakers over field turf and cleats. I preferred the pigskin and wanted to play big-time football. The only place in the state to go was Syracuse. Yes, there was Rutgers (one of the worst D-1 Programs at the time) in New Jersey, or if you had big brains go play at Columbia. The resources were scarce, and the Orange were a powerhouse. Players from the 1990’s like Donovan McNabb, Marvin Harrison Sr, and Donovan Darrius were warming up for the NFL. Legendary players like Larry Csonka, Ernie Davis, and the great Jim Brown are ALL a part of football royalty. A place where all the stars wore #44. Syracuse was top of the food chain and a “Blueblood in College Football. Over the last two decades, the boys from Western NY lost their luster. Even leaving the Big East for the ACC in 2013, the last 11 years have gone mostly unnoticed by the national media.
After firing Dino Babers at the end of last season, the Cuse wanted a splash hire, and a splashy hire they got hiring top recruiter/DB Coach Fran Brown from Georgia. Hailing from Camden, NJ Brown brings a swagger and toughness that’s quintessential Northeast. Coach Brown hasn’t disappointed giving Syracuse 8 wins headed into the season finale this weekend vs. The Miami Hurricanes. The Canes are in the thick of the Playoff race and need a win to clinch an appearance in the ACC Championship Game. While winning 8 games and beating 2 ranked teams, the Cuse season has gone nationally unnoticed. Syracuse hasn’t been in the Top 25 all year. The one game that was front and center was the nightmare performance vs. Pittsburgh. QB Kyle McCord threw 5 interceptions (3 for Touchdowns). Outside of that performance, the Ohio St transfer has played extremely well, being one the nation’s leaders in completion percentage and passing yards. The Canes with Heisman finalist QB Cam Ward are looking for playoff gold and the one team in their way is “The Orange”. An upset win Saturday and Syracuse will be back on the radar showing the college football world the bricks of a program have been laid.
Being a 9-win team more than likely provides a Top 25 ranking and a super win in front of what should be a sold-out crowd. Fran Brown along with DC Elijah Robinson and DL coach Nick Williams are super recruiters. Getting southern kids to spend winters in Syracuse is not easy but with a hard-nosed/ caring approach seems to be working. With a solid 2025 class on the way and the ability to make magic with the transfer portal, there’s no reason to think the Cuse can’t keep this thing rolling.
I make no bones about it, I ROOT FOR SYRACUSE. While I didn’t attend the school, they represent New York Football. Syracuse represents all the players from The Empire State. The kids who go to 7 on-7 tournaments and get dogged/ labeled inferior football players. The kids who get overlooked by the recruiting services. The kids are constantly told New York is a basketball state. Saturday will be a defining moment in Fran Brown’s first season. A re-introduction of sorts. The opportunity to spoil Miami’s dreams, along with getting to a top-tier bowl are all on the plate ready to serve. The JMA Dome will be packed as Syracuse Football will be front and center. Beating the U would be the cherry on the sundae and turn a solid season into a great season. GO SU.
