Head coach Greg Robinson knows his defense will play a big role in fueling the Orange on August 30th.
Robinson Ready to Roll Against Northwestern
8/26/2008 2:12:18 PM | Football
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Given the Orange football team had Monday off with classes commencing, head coach Greg Robinson expressed his enthusiasm for Tuesday’s practice as well as the anticipation of the first game against Northwestern.
"It’s the first game, so it’s the most important game. The rest of it, like any other coach in America will tell you, if you can get started well in your first game, that’s a good thing. So, that’s our intent. I look forward to it and I just look forward to this team getting started and really trying to find out where we’re at. That’s really what it’s all about," Robinson said.
Syracuse will strap it back up and continue its installation of Northwestern-specific preparation for the four days before departing for Evanston, Ill.
With Robinson in his fourth year at the helm, he has had more time to watch his players develop and feels very good about how his club has come together this offseason.
"I like this team. I think offensively, defensively and the kicking units are all areas that are going to be improved. Again, that’s just talk and opinion; time will tell. It again comes down to going out there and playing somebody. I’ve been pleased with how our team has worked in all those areas, so I’m very interested in watching them perform in a game situation. That’s really what it’s all about. This game will tell us where we’re at where we need to move."
One element in Saturday’s game the Orange will pay particular attention to is Wildcats’ fifth-year quarterback C.J. Bacher. Robinson’s film breakdown has enlightened him about one the Big Ten’s most proficient passers.
"First of all, he’s a fine thrower. He’s an accurate thrower and he’s got a quick release. He can throw on the run and he can run the football. He’s got good movement and he’s a good athlete. He’s played a lot of football, completed a lot of passes and thrown for a ton of yards. He’s experienced. It didn’t take me long to figure out he’s a very gifted quarterback."
The Orange defense has an imposing task ahead, as Bacher returns to the turf as the Big Ten’s leader in passing yards and total offense in 2007. The ’Cats signal-caller totaled 307.3 yards of offense per game last season, 12th best in the nation. His 304.7 passing yards per game ranked 10th best in America and fifth best among returning field generals.
Robinson understands Northwestern will do all they can to protect Bacher, giving him time to deliver the ball. Yet, that doesn’t mean the Orange will sit back and let him pick his targets.
"Sometimes when you play those kinds of teams, they’re intent is to not allow you to sack him. They’ll be getting rid of the ball so fast. That’s something you have to minimize, but he’s going to complete footballs and get rid of it quickly. I’d be wrong if I told you we’re not going to pass rush him. We’re going to apply pressure. They’re system is built for him to get rid of the ball as quickly as he can and he has a quick release and he’s accurate.
Last season, the Orange only forced nine sacks. In 2008, Robinson hopes more pressure will lead to more turnovers, and the first game against Northwestern would be a good place to start.
"I’ve always prided myself on the fact that no matter where I’ve been, I’ve been a part of turning the ball over, including here at Syracuse. I was very disappointed in last year’s total. Our intent is to be that type of a team where we are going to create turnovers and force bad plays."
All 2008 season and individual tickets are available online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOMETIX). Season ticket packages begin at $100 in Touchdown Town. Adult season tickets are $205, youth/student season tickets are $115 and faculty/staff season tickets are $164. A 2008 Penn State Pack, which includes tickets for SU’s games against Penn State (Sept. 13) and Pittsburgh (Sept. 27) or Penn State and Connecticut (Nov. 15), is also available. The cost of the two-game package is $85 for adults and $40 for youth. Individual game tickets for Akron, Northeastern, Pittsburgh, Louisville and Connecticut are $36 for adults and $18 for youth (ages 12 and under). Individual game tickets for Penn State are $57 for adults and $30 for youth.
"It’s the first game, so it’s the most important game. The rest of it, like any other coach in America will tell you, if you can get started well in your first game, that’s a good thing. So, that’s our intent. I look forward to it and I just look forward to this team getting started and really trying to find out where we’re at. That’s really what it’s all about," Robinson said.
Syracuse will strap it back up and continue its installation of Northwestern-specific preparation for the four days before departing for Evanston, Ill.
With Robinson in his fourth year at the helm, he has had more time to watch his players develop and feels very good about how his club has come together this offseason.
"I like this team. I think offensively, defensively and the kicking units are all areas that are going to be improved. Again, that’s just talk and opinion; time will tell. It again comes down to going out there and playing somebody. I’ve been pleased with how our team has worked in all those areas, so I’m very interested in watching them perform in a game situation. That’s really what it’s all about. This game will tell us where we’re at where we need to move."
One element in Saturday’s game the Orange will pay particular attention to is Wildcats’ fifth-year quarterback C.J. Bacher. Robinson’s film breakdown has enlightened him about one the Big Ten’s most proficient passers.
"First of all, he’s a fine thrower. He’s an accurate thrower and he’s got a quick release. He can throw on the run and he can run the football. He’s got good movement and he’s a good athlete. He’s played a lot of football, completed a lot of passes and thrown for a ton of yards. He’s experienced. It didn’t take me long to figure out he’s a very gifted quarterback."
The Orange defense has an imposing task ahead, as Bacher returns to the turf as the Big Ten’s leader in passing yards and total offense in 2007. The ’Cats signal-caller totaled 307.3 yards of offense per game last season, 12th best in the nation. His 304.7 passing yards per game ranked 10th best in America and fifth best among returning field generals.
Robinson understands Northwestern will do all they can to protect Bacher, giving him time to deliver the ball. Yet, that doesn’t mean the Orange will sit back and let him pick his targets.
"Sometimes when you play those kinds of teams, they’re intent is to not allow you to sack him. They’ll be getting rid of the ball so fast. That’s something you have to minimize, but he’s going to complete footballs and get rid of it quickly. I’d be wrong if I told you we’re not going to pass rush him. We’re going to apply pressure. They’re system is built for him to get rid of the ball as quickly as he can and he has a quick release and he’s accurate.
Last season, the Orange only forced nine sacks. In 2008, Robinson hopes more pressure will lead to more turnovers, and the first game against Northwestern would be a good place to start.
"I’ve always prided myself on the fact that no matter where I’ve been, I’ve been a part of turning the ball over, including here at Syracuse. I was very disappointed in last year’s total. Our intent is to be that type of a team where we are going to create turnovers and force bad plays."
All 2008 season and individual tickets are available online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOMETIX). Season ticket packages begin at $100 in Touchdown Town. Adult season tickets are $205, youth/student season tickets are $115 and faculty/staff season tickets are $164. A 2008 Penn State Pack, which includes tickets for SU’s games against Penn State (Sept. 13) and Pittsburgh (Sept. 27) or Penn State and Connecticut (Nov. 15), is also available. The cost of the two-game package is $85 for adults and $40 for youth. Individual game tickets for Akron, Northeastern, Pittsburgh, Louisville and Connecticut are $36 for adults and $18 for youth (ages 12 and under). Individual game tickets for Penn State are $57 for adults and $30 for youth.
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