Syracuse is halfway through its football season and is riddled with mediocrity. At 3-3, the Orange already tripled last season’s win total. But despite the wins, SU could be better.

It missed an opportunity for a significant upset against then-No. 14 Iowa in a 20-13 double-overtime loss on Sept. 9 and struggled against lowly Wyoming, needing two overtimes to top the Cowboys on Sept. 30.

At the mid-point of the season, The Daily Orange’s beat writers provide their SU football report cards:

Ethan Ramsey

Run offense: B-

Delone Carter finds holes and breaks tackles better than Curtis Brinkley. But both still lack consistency because the offensive line has yet to gel. SU only averages 126.8 yards, not enough if it wants to be a bowl team.

Pass offense: B

Even without Taj Smith, Perry Patterson continues to impress with a touchdown-interception ratio of 8:2. New targets like Mike Williams and Tom Ferron have been effective. But drops remain a problem.

Run defense: C

Pittsburgh came into last Saturday’s game averaging only 121.6 yards on the ground. LaRod Stephens-Howling then turned in a career-high 221 yards. SU’s senior starting linebackers must step up.

Pass defense: C+

After picking off four Iowa passes in week two, Wyoming and Pittsburgh exploited SU with quick screens to the outside. The Orange doesn’t give up big plays, just too many short ones.

Special teams: B

Patrick Shadle has made 9-of-10 field goals this season. But Brendan Carney is suffering through his worst statistical season and there hasn’t been anything out of kickoff or punt returns – except no turnovers.

Coaching: C+

The offense certainly improved under Brian White, though you can’t forget the seven tries from inside the Iowa 2. It’s actually been Greg Robinson’s defense that has been a disappointment at times.

Overall: C+

Zach Berman

Run offense: B-

The numbers aren’t praiseworthy, but the development of sophomore Curtis Brinkley and freshman Delone Carter is. If SU reaches a bowl this season, this tandem will need to play an important role.

Pass offense: C

Perry Patterson is having the most efficient season, but the reality is SU is averaging only 155.2 yards. Patterson needs receivers, and freshmen wideouts Donte Davis and Mike Williams might be the answer.

Run defense: C

Last week showed SU was prone to big plays, but it’s the Wake Forest game that particularly hurt Syracuse’s run defense. This weekend will be a big test for the unit.

Pass defense: B+

The pressure has been outstanding and the pass defense has been able to make plays. With 26 sacks and nine interceptions, it has a foundation to work with before pass-happy Louisville comes to the Carrier Dome in two weeks.

Special teams: A-

The emergence of Patrick Shadle as a reliable kicker is important, and Brendan Carney is an experienced punter. The return team hasn’t been a factor, but the coverage unit hasn’t allowed the opponent’s returners to be a factor, either.

Coaching: B-

Even though SU has already tripled its win total from last season, the missed opportunities against Iowa is a sour subject, as was the possible Wyoming upset.

Overall: B-

Mark Medina

Run offense: C+

Curtis Brinkley flashed with his first 100-yard performance against Miami and Delone Carter came up big with four touchdowns against Wyoming. But the offensive line needs to block better.

Pass offense: C

Perry Patterson improved his accuracy and decision-making. But he sometimes still overthrows receivers and stays in the pocket too long. SU is lacking without Taj Smith, but Mike Williams, Donte Davis and Tom Ferron look promising.

Run defense: D

Being ranked 95th in rushing defense is bad enough. But considering sacks are calculated in running yard totals (SU has 26 for a loss of 140 yards), the Orange is worse at stopping the run than the numbers imply.

Pass defense: B

Joe Fields, Terrell Lemon and Tanard Jackson have the eyes for the prize with seven interceptions. But there have been blown coverages in the last two games.

Special teams: A-

It has played consistently – for the most part. There have been a few gaffes the past few games ranging from poor decision-making on a fake punt, a fair catch and a snap that almost sailed over Brendan Carney’s head. But overall, solid work.

Coaching: A-

Greg Robinson possesses the qualities needed in a head coach trying to rebuild a program. He provides a positive attitude without being idealistic.

Overall: C+

Published on October 9, 2006 at 12:00 pm