Live Blog - #Fail

Looking pretty good for HCDM and Co. despite my massive #fail at live blogging. Check back in tomorrow for some more analysis and links following what appears to be the first opening-day win for SU since 2003. In the meantime feel free to vote in the poll on the left for who you think SU's MVP was in today's game. Lot's of good candidates to choose from. Nassib with two TDs, Weaver and Chew with one apiece, solid ground game from Carter and a huge play from Mike Holmes, after what could have been a disastrous game for him with those shaky punt returns.

2nd Q - 5:05
DESIGN CHANGE! OK, so live blogging is not-so-surprisingly difficult with this format. Not really giving me a lot of time to watch and digest the game. Instead, keep an eye on the twitter (temporarily above for the game). Let's see how this goes instead.


2nd Q - 11:21
That's definitely Ross Krautman booting that FG, not Lichtenstein (looks like Krautman got the PAT too). Nice to see a kicker with a 47-yard leg. That will help a lot.


2nd Q - 13:07
Not a perfect pass by Nassib, but WOW, what a catch by Van Chew. First big play of the game for either side.

2nd Q - 13:32
Another good stand by the defense forces an Akron punt, but the one worrisome thing is that SU hasn't really generated much pressure. Even on the throwaway, the QB had all the time in the world to get rid of the ball. Good passing teams probably exploit that.

End 1st
Good start for the 'Cuse. 7-0 after one and looking like the better team. Just need to get a little more crisp with the deep passing game and not make any big mistakes. Offensive line was the one glaring weakness though, especially in the passing game. Time to make some adjustments up front.


1st Q - 1:00
Nassib misses Weaver, but it looks like the new wideout really has some wheels. He had a step on his man, but Nassib was under duress and couldn't hit him. Good sign if he can emerge as that deep threat for the Orange.

1st Q - 3:38
Exactly (Holmes muffs punt)

1st Q - 3:55
Mike Holmes: "Outstanding." Not so sure about that. Let's start with decent.


1st Q -  4:48
Well, we weren't expecting this team to be the '07 Patriots on offense were we? 3-and-out. To be expected.

1st Q - 8:11
That Revis Island commercial is getting less funny every time.


1st Q - 8:11
The Orange do a nice job of wrapping up tackles on that drive and force the 3-and-out. Good sticks, very disciplined. So far so good.


1st Q - 10:03
Lot's of great signs on that drive: Nassib went 4/6. Four different receivers caught a pass. DC3 racked up 20 yards on five carries. New WR Aaron Weaver capped it off with a TD. Can't ask for much more than that to start.


1st Q - 10:03
Another perfect read and pass from Nassib, and SU is on the board. Aaron Weaver with the great catch and run for the easy TD. Syracuse goes 3/3 on 3rd downs on the drive, all three coming from the pass. Nassib does everything right except one risky pass that almost got picked off right before the TD.


1st Q - 12:30
Two big conversions for the young QB. One really nice read, and one really nice catch by Antwon Bailey. Looks like SU is dead set on establishing balance early on.


6:08 - 1st Q (14:09)
Big 3rd down conversion by Nassib to Alec Lemon right there. Good sign for SU.


6:05 - 1st Q (15:00)
And we're off. Nice visor, Marrone.

6:01 - Pregame
Former New England Patriots safety Je'Rod Cherry in the booth ... nice.


5:59 - Pregame
Other things to keep an eye on today: How Ryan Nassib spreads the ball around. Young, inexperienced QBs have a tendency to fall in love with a few targets and go to them over and over. Fortunately (I think), there's no one on this team good enough to lock on to. So he'll probably be forced to spread the wealth. Also, watch how the offensive line handles pressure early on with three new starters in there.


5:51 - Pregame
We're live from the Carrier Dome ... wait, the game's in Akron? Damnit. That's probably why it was so easy to get a press pass. Well, let's get the blogging going anyways. If you want a refresher on what to keep an eye on during this game, here are the keys to the game (in my not-so-humble opinion).


Swing by for a little live blogging during the SU/Akron game. Feel free to leave your comments or send me an e-mail while we watch 'Cuse #BeatAkron.