Tailback Tandem Producing Results
10/1/2006 6:09:34 PM | Football
Game Notes
Greg Robinson's Sunday Press Conference Transcript
The combination of sophomore Curtis Brinkley and true freshman Delone Carter is a strong one-two punch for the Orange offense. In the 40-34 double overtime victory against Wyoming, the pair combined for 161 yards on 31 carries (5.2 yards per rush) and four touchdowns. Through five games in 2006, Brinkley and Carter have gained 600 yards on 127 carries (4.7 yards per rush) and scored five touchdowns. Syracuse is averaging 133.8 yards per game on the ground, an increase from the 106.5 yards per game in 2005. Orange head coach Greg Robinson is pleased with the progress of the duo and its contributions to the offense.
“We brought Delone along the way that we did because Curtis (Brinkley), we believed, was the starter," Robinson said. "Delone had flashed certain things but wasn’t in position to be the starter. As Delone began to improve and show and Curtis began to improve and show, we went from a three-man race to basically we have two guys. Delone has continued his growth and it doesn’t surprise me because he has flashed skills since the first day that he was here. It is really a matter of development in all areas.”
With the start of the BIG EAST portion of the schedule, Orange fans can expect to see both backs on the field. Syracuse hosts Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 7 at 12:00 p.m. in the first BIG EAST game of 2006 for the Orange. Tickets are available at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX) or online.
Carter scored four of the Orange touchdowns against Wyoming and carried the ball on 10 of SU's final 11 offensive plays. Robinson said either back could have been in on the final play and that Brinkley was not benched due to his fumbles earlier in the game.
“When he (Brinkley) fumbled the first time, he was back in (on the next series)," Robinson said. "When he fumbled the second time, it was really Delone’s chance to go back in anyway. Delone was going pretty good. Late in the game, when I felt he was fatiguing, I wanted Curtis over there ready to go in. Curtis Brinkley is a good football player, a good back. I think he lost concentration there a little bit.”
