Syracuse Football: Can Cuse move to ACC middle class?

Offense

If there’s one thing I’m not worried about with Syracuse’s offense, it’s the men running it. Dino Babers is a phenomenal offensive mind, and his pass-heavy attack will work regardless of talent issues.

His quarterback is exactly what the system needs. Eric Dungey, back for his senior season, could be outstanding in 2018. He was solid each of his first three seasons, and could finally be great this year.

He’ll need help. That starts beside him in the backfield. Syracuse doesn’t need a great rushing attack, but they do need consistency. Dontae Strickland and Moe Neal, neither of whom could make that happen last year, will need to step up.

Neal was a bit more explosive in 2017, while Strickland was able to grind out decent yards with some consistency. If both of them can improve their specific skill sets, the base for a decent backfield is here.

Receiver losses will hurt this team a lot. Steve Ishmael and Ervin Phillips are both gone. It’ll be up to Devin Butler to lead this year’s group. With help from tight end Ravian Pierce, there is a bit of returning experience, but outside of those two, there are just questions, no answers.

The line will probably still struggle, regardless of who’s playing on it. There isn’t a ton of depth there yet, and Babers hasn’t recruited it particularly well. They return four starters that weren’t particularly good last year. They’ll need to improve to keep Dungey upright, and more importantly, healthy.

Where are the receivers?

Losing Phillips and Ishmael is a really big deal. They were both excellent last year, and there’s just not a ton behind them. Behind Butler is talent, like Nykeim Johnson and former safety Antwan Cordy. However, they’ll need those guys, and more, like Jamal Curtis and Tyler Gilfus to step up too.