Orange Has Sights Set on Spring Game
4/14/2010 7:02:18 PM | Football
The Orange football squad has it sights set on the annual Spring game after its final open practice on Wednesday afternoon. In four weeks, head coach Doug Marrone has seen vast improvements on both offense and defense, which Syracuse fans are invited to see at the Spring game this Saturday, April 17 at the Carrier Dome. Admission and parking are free. The event, begins at 11:00 a.m. with the annual 'Select-A-Seat' program.The Spring game will begin at 1:00 p.m.
Fans should enter the Carrier Dome through the Dome's lower level gates (A,B,C,D,E and F). The event will be broadcast on 97.7 FM Syracuse.
"The Spring game is going to be a lot like last week," Marrone said. "We're going to put the ball at the minus 20-yard line and we're going to say, 'Let's go play football.' As I have said, eventually, when we get our numbers up, we will split this team up into a true game.
"Both sides of the ball played with good passion out there today. We got after each other. I thought (sophomore wide receiver) Alec Lemon made some good plays. Defensively, (sophomore strong safety) Shamarko Thomas did some nice things up there. We're doing a better job offensively of throwing hot versus our pressure and the defense is doing a better job of disguising it. I'm very happy being able to get 70 to 80 plays in there at the end and then follow that up with a Friday practice and a good scrimmage on Saturday. I think we will have had a good spring."
The 'Select-A-Seat' program provides fans an opportunity to experience different seating options first-hand prior to purchasing season tickets. Representatives of Syracuse University will be on hand to help fans choose the best seat for them and assist with the ticket transaction.
Prior to the game former SU football student-athlete and current San Diego Charger Steve Gregory, who will host his first 'SG Squad Charge for Fitness' program after the Spring game, will sign autographs in sections 108 and 109. Fans are also invited to visit the Dome concourse for face painting and visits with Otto, the SU Cheerleaders and Dance Team, who will be available for autographs and photos. In addition, EA Sports will be promote NCAA Football '10 for XBox 360 and FIFA '10 for PlayStation 3. Fans will have the opportunity to try EA Wii games and EA Sports will have tee shirts, Under Armour EA bags, hats and Battlefield Bad Company 2 stickers for fans.
At halftime, Otto and other local area mascots will play a game of touch football.
Following the game, the Orange football team will host an autograph session on the Carrier Dome field and the first 200 fans ages five to 12 are invited to participate in Gregory's 'SG Squad Charge for Fitness' program. Kids will have an opportunity to kick a field goal, tackle the tackle dummies, throw and run a passing route and run the 40 yard dash, while receiving input from Gregory. The first 100 kids to sign up will receive an 'SG Squad' tee shirt, a signed picture of Gregory and will participate in fitness with him. The program will be after the game, approximately at 3:30. Visit www.karma411.com/stevegregory to register.
At the conclusion of Spring practice, the coaching staff will evaluate the 15 practices to determine a post-spring depth chart, including one of the most highly competitive positions – quarterback.
"The quarterbacks are both playing well," Marrone said. "Ryan (Nassib) has done a nice job with his understanding of the offense and how he can get us in and out of plays and getting us into the best play. Charley (Loeb) has really stepped up in the scrimmages and has done well. I'm happy with both quarterbacks and where they are with the knowledge of it. We'll just see how it goes in the next couple of days and then go back and review all the tape and see who's developing and who gives us the best chance to win. That's not only at the quarterback position, but every position."
The 2010 Orange football season kicks off at Akron on September 4. SU's first home game is September 18 against Maine. Tickets are available online (click here) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOMETIX).
