The team coming out of the tunnel at MetLife last season at the New York College Classic
Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski
Excitement Builds for FB Season Opener
8/29/2013 11:55:00 AM | Football
Purchase Tickets Online | Today's Press Conference | 2013 Football Blog
SU Game Notes vs. Penn State | Depth Chart (8/26/13)
Coach Shafer's head coaching debut is finally within reach as the team has one more practice tonight before packing up and heading to East Rutherford, N.J. for the season-opener against Penn State at MetLife Stadium (3:30 p.m., ABC).
The New York College Classic will be an exciting day for coaches and players, opening their season on one of the biggest stages in football.
 "A chance to go to the Meadowlands and see Penn State come running out and see our Syracuse boys come running out is what it is all about. For me, it's a dream come true," Shafer said earlier today. "There are going to be highs and lows and ugly things and pretty things but at the end of the day that's the fight that we all love as coaches and players. It's the grind and the fight that you love. Saturday will be a great challenge and a great opportunity for us to see what we can do against a good football team and we're going to know a heck of a lot about ourselves after that game."
Shafer understands the value of veteran players and will look to them to lead the team against PSU, but also looks forward to seeing what the younger players will do on the gridiron.
"There is strength in guys with experience," Shafer said. "From a personnel point of view that you look at Jerome Smith and ask 'are you ready to go' and he says 'I'm ready coach, just feed me the ball. Prince-Tyson Gulley, same deal 'just give me the ball coach and we'll make something happen.' As a coach you feel excited about that. I look into Marquis Spruill's eyes in pregame and say 'go get 'em, it's your defense.'
"Then you hope for fruitful beginnings for players like Ashton Broyld who is going to be used in different roles and it's an exciting time to find out who your next warrior is going to be."
Simplicity leading to complexity is a philosophy Shafer preaches to his team and practices in his coaching strategies. Not unlike his days as defensive coordinator, Shafer will look to the tried and true plays this Saturday.
"I was reading some pages from Bill Walsh's book and he wrote that in crucial situations, call the play that they have run the most and they believe in the most. I have felt that way on defense for years. My game plan was all scripted out but I also had this little box and no matter what situation they are in, I feel good about these three calls because our kids know it."
Shafer will be featured on 'Syracuse Sidelines' tonight at 6:30 to discuss the Penn State game and follow it up with his live radio show at 7:00 p.m. on Syracuse IMG Sports Network. Fans are invited to join Coach Shafer at Red Robin to listen to his thoughts on the season.
All Syracuse fans are invited to participate in 'Take a Kid to the Game Day', an opportunity for a free youth ticket for every adult ticket purchased. The game kicks off at 4:00 p.m. Season ticket holders are also eligible for free youth tickets. Call 1-888-DOMETIX for assistance in obtaining youth tickets.
Don't forget to stop by the SU booth at the NYS Fair for special ticket offers to the Wagner and Tulane games. Single tickets are just $15 to each or $20 for both!
College colors day is Friday so make sure you find your Syracuse gear to wear proudly all day tomorrow.
The season kicks off this Saturday at MetLife Stadium when the Orange takes on Penn State (3:30 p.m., ABC). Season and single-game tickets can be purchased online, in person at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B), or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.
For complete coverage of Syracuse and Syracuse football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange & Syracuse Football) and Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball). Check out exclusive videos on Orange All-Access and behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram (syracuseathletics).
SU Game Notes vs. Penn State | Depth Chart (8/26/13)
Coach Shafer's head coaching debut is finally within reach as the team has one more practice tonight before packing up and heading to East Rutherford, N.J. for the season-opener against Penn State at MetLife Stadium (3:30 p.m., ABC).
The New York College Classic will be an exciting day for coaches and players, opening their season on one of the biggest stages in football.
 "A chance to go to the Meadowlands and see Penn State come running out and see our Syracuse boys come running out is what it is all about. For me, it's a dream come true," Shafer said earlier today. "There are going to be highs and lows and ugly things and pretty things but at the end of the day that's the fight that we all love as coaches and players. It's the grind and the fight that you love. Saturday will be a great challenge and a great opportunity for us to see what we can do against a good football team and we're going to know a heck of a lot about ourselves after that game."
Shafer understands the value of veteran players and will look to them to lead the team against PSU, but also looks forward to seeing what the younger players will do on the gridiron.
"There is strength in guys with experience," Shafer said. "From a personnel point of view that you look at Jerome Smith and ask 'are you ready to go' and he says 'I'm ready coach, just feed me the ball. Prince-Tyson Gulley, same deal 'just give me the ball coach and we'll make something happen.' As a coach you feel excited about that. I look into Marquis Spruill's eyes in pregame and say 'go get 'em, it's your defense.'
"Then you hope for fruitful beginnings for players like Ashton Broyld who is going to be used in different roles and it's an exciting time to find out who your next warrior is going to be."
Simplicity leading to complexity is a philosophy Shafer preaches to his team and practices in his coaching strategies. Not unlike his days as defensive coordinator, Shafer will look to the tried and true plays this Saturday.
"I was reading some pages from Bill Walsh's book and he wrote that in crucial situations, call the play that they have run the most and they believe in the most. I have felt that way on defense for years. My game plan was all scripted out but I also had this little box and no matter what situation they are in, I feel good about these three calls because our kids know it."
Shafer will be featured on 'Syracuse Sidelines' tonight at 6:30 to discuss the Penn State game and follow it up with his live radio show at 7:00 p.m. on Syracuse IMG Sports Network. Fans are invited to join Coach Shafer at Red Robin to listen to his thoughts on the season.
All Syracuse fans are invited to participate in 'Take a Kid to the Game Day', an opportunity for a free youth ticket for every adult ticket purchased. The game kicks off at 4:00 p.m. Season ticket holders are also eligible for free youth tickets. Call 1-888-DOMETIX for assistance in obtaining youth tickets.
Don't forget to stop by the SU booth at the NYS Fair for special ticket offers to the Wagner and Tulane games. Single tickets are just $15 to each or $20 for both!
College colors day is Friday so make sure you find your Syracuse gear to wear proudly all day tomorrow.
The season kicks off this Saturday at MetLife Stadium when the Orange takes on Penn State (3:30 p.m., ABC). Season and single-game tickets can be purchased online, in person at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B), or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.
For complete coverage of Syracuse and Syracuse football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange & Syracuse Football) and Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball). Check out exclusive videos on Orange All-Access and behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram (syracuseathletics).
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