In his weekly press conference, Fran Brown said that every job is still open to competition. With the Orange heading to face a Virginia team that just gave up 281 yards rushing to Florida State, it seems like a shuffling of the offensive line is one area which will continue.
Brown mentioned that Jayden Mann earned time at guard ahead of Byron Washington and he felt that Khalil Stewart had earned an opportunity. Brown mentioned that both Skylar Harvey and Matthew Hawn could see some snaps this week
at Virginia. In his comments about the offensive line, Brown shared that for the program to get where it wants, competition is important.
“No one’s safe from just having a spot. You got to go out and compete every day…“
The defensive line is also benefting from depth and competition. Brown talked about the steps Nissi Ogbebor has made in his second season and that he’s happy with Rashard Perry, Dillon Fontus and Jartavius Flounoy, but that Elijah Hastings should be healthy enough to join that rotation against a Cavaliers team with a veteran offensive line.
Could Virginia be making their own switch at quarterback this week? Beau Pribula was only 14-33 in the loss to Florida State and waiting in the wings is Pitt transfer (and Syracuse portal target) Eli Holstein. Pribula has done a good job of protecting the ball with a 16:1 touchdown to interception ratio, but Holstein could give the Virginia passing game a boost, especially if the Orange jump ahead.
There were questions about the kicking game where Brown said they changed the holder to punter Jimmy Gregg, but would not be replacing Shay Barker despite his missed kicks this weekend. Some of you might lament a punter being the holder and how it can diminish the chance of fakes and well…Riley Dixon would not be happy with you feeling that way.
Brown didn’t share any information on injured players. Syracuse ended the game with Tylik Hill and Davion Kerr in the backfield. We’ll have to monitor the status of Ahmad Miller, Ju’Juan Johnson and Shavane Anderson throughout the week as Hill looked to be toughing out the final few minutes of his 28 carry afternoon. If the Orange want to control the ball, they will likely need a rotation of backs to try and wear down the Virginia defense.
Fran also paid tribute to Syracuse legend Zach Mahoney when talking about Amari Odom putting his name alongside Jim Brown as 2nd on the Orange all-time list for touchdowns in a game. Maybe sometime before his career ends, Odom can put his name besides Officer Mahoney in that top spot.
