5 things to watch on Saturday

1. Delone Carter's hip
The hip looked fine as DC3 was cruising to another 100-yard game at Cincy last week. But with the Prince out for the next few weeks with mono, and Carter's history of hip issues, the SU running game is one awkward fall away from consisting of just Antwon Bailey. I love Bailey as much as anyone, but he's far more valuable as a change of pace back than as your only back.

2. Opening drives (on each side)
What went wrong against Pittsburgh? Well, many things, but the first thing to go wrong was SU starting out with a three-and-out. Then when the Orange punted to the Panthers, they promptly gave up a TD on the first play. You could just about see the Dome physically deflating. If SU can put points on the board early against Louisville, the crowd will hopefully carry them through the rest.



3. Whoever is playing right tackle
Michael Hay has been in a boot all week, so don't count on him making the start. It's too bad, because the O-line finally looks like it's coming together, and they've played better as of late. But injuries happen in football, and someone will have to step up in Hay's absence. It'll be interesting to see if Syracuse tries to run more to the left, and if Louisville notices and adjusts.

4. Ryan Nassib's accuracy over the middle
Nassib has helped the team get to 3-1 in conference play, and he really hasn't done much wrong. But everyone has seen him miss those wide open receivers from time to time. He missed Alec Lemon in the corner last week, but it seems he has the most trouble with the intermediate throws (10-20 yards) over the middle. Nassib needs to settle down and play catch with his receivers, rather than trying to take their hands off and overthrowing them.

5. Phillip Thomas
You know what your going to get from most of the SU secondary at this point. Mike Holmes is a stud, Da'Mon Merkerson will make some mistakes, but he'll make some nice plays too and Max Suter will be a solid force who gets in on the pass rush from time to time. But Thomas has been the real playmaker in the Orange's three conference wins, racking up 16 tackles, a fumble recovery and seeming to be all over the field at all times. If you see #1 in the picture a lot on Saturday, the odds are pretty good the Orange will be booking its first bowl trip since 2004.