A look back and some awards

Photo from: syracuse.com

Orange fans are holding their heads a little higher this week than they were last season. The hope and optimism were there heading into the opener, but most fans had that little bit of doubt creeping in that we were getting a little over-confident.

Sure, it was just Akron, so let's not make those BCS bowl plans just yet. But it's always nice to see your team play well in the opener. And hey, Syracuse is above .500 for the first time since 2006 (let's not talk about how that one ended).

Let's take a little look back at the season opener and see how SU fared in the key areas we addressed heading into the weekend, and give out some much-deserved awards.

Gain more than 150 yards rushing
The Orange technically rushed for 202 yards, but 45 of those came on a long run from Nassib in the final minute, which really wasn't necessary. The running game was solid, but didn't have the huge impact we expected.

Don't give up big plays
Pretty much mission accomplished here. The SU defense didn't allow a single play over 30 yards, and stifled the Akron offense for all 60 minutes. The only slip up was the Nassib fumble nearing the end of the half, which led to the only points for the Zips.

Don't throw any INTs
You certainly can't say Nassib played it safe on Saturday. He threw one INT, and it easily could have been three if the Akron DBs didn't have stone hands. Didn't expect him to throw 2 TDs either though, so it all evens out.

Make one big play
SU made two huge plays, which completely swung the momentum in the game. After giving up the first points of the game following a foolish Nassib fumble, the young QB made ammends with a perfect pass to a diving Van Chew in the end zone to close out the first half. It reminded Akron who the better team was heading into the break. Then, with the Zips on the doorstep of another field goal, which would have cut the lead to 17-6, Doug Hogue blocked the kick and Mike Holmes ran it back for the touchdown. Game. Over. That's how it's done.



***
Let's get on to some awards. First, a mea culpa for botching the postgame MVP poll. How I didn't include a defensive player on that list is astounding (Holmes was more on there for his special teams play). Inexcusable.

Photo from: syracuse.com

MVP - Doug Hogue
This could go to practically anyone on defense, but that blocked kick probably puts Hogue over the top. It was a game changing play, and add it to his five tackles and a sack, on a defense that lived up to some lofty expectations in week one.

Best lived-up-to-hype performance - Chandler Jones
I was a little worried we were putting too much pressure on the young DE, but Arthur's brother looked like a beast out there. He was everywhere, and looks like he's done a good job of putting on muscle without taking away from his speed. Expect big things from him this year.

Best step-up-when-needed performance - Ryan Nassib
Thought Nassib would just have to get out of the way in this one. But Delone Carter plodded along to just 3.5 yards per carry and the Zips put the game on Nassib's shoulders to win. He took the responsibility and thrived (although there were scary moments). Great sign.

Biggest rollercoaster of a game - Mike Holmes

Photo from: syracuse.com

This is a no-brainer. Holmes recorded a sack, made a couple nice plays in coverage, returned a blocked kick for a touchdown and made some nice plays in coverage. But he looked like he'd never returned a punt in his life, and made some of the dumbest decisions on the field all day. I'd be surprised if he kept the return job next week in Seattle.

Most encouraging group performance - WRs
The defense was great on Saturday, but we expected that. The play by the wideouts was extremely encouraging because that was a serious area of concern heading into the season. Aaron Weaver, Alec Lemon and Chew combined for 10 catches for 158 yards and 2 TDs. I'll take that every week with this team.

Most discouraging group performance - Tie: Offensive Line and Special Teams
Hate to cop out and pick a tie, but these units were both just that bad. The O-Line made Nassib scramble for his life all day against Akron ... how are they going to do against Pitt? That's a scary thought. In addition to the punt return nightmares, the special teams botched a snap on a PAT and missed another. Those mistakes can't happen against good teams. Get to work this week, both of you.