Syracuse Football: Can Orange take that next step in 2019?

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SYRACUSE, NY – SEPTEMBER 15: Tommy DeVito #13 of the Syracuse Orange runs with the ball during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at the Carrier Dome on September 15, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats Florida State 30-7. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Tommy DeVito prepares to take over for Eric Dungey

Eric Dungey is gone, but Tommy DeVito steps in prepared to lead the Syracuse offense. DeVito is more than capable of being a star college quarterback as he has shown flashes in the past.

However, DeVito has yet to start a game in college. Paul A. Esden Jr. from Inside The Loudhouse noted this in one of his previous articles.

"“He’s done all of this work, both good and bad, on the fly so to speak. There’s a limited amount of practice time each week and DeVito didn’t get a ton of snaps with Eric Dungey as the starter. Give DeVito a full week of preparation and all the reps and let’s see what he can really do.”"

This is a key point because DeVito has had an entire offseason to prepare as a starter. It should be interesting to watch DeVito demonstrate his growth as a player.

Syracuse does not have to solely rely on DeVito for this offense to work. Syracuse returns starting running back Moe Neal. Last season Neal led the team in rushing with 827 yards.

His numbers will certainly increase with Eric Dungey gone as Syracuse loved to him as the primary rusher. In fact Dungey finished with 20 more rushing attempts than Neal in 2018.

At wide receiver Syracuse will look for Taj Harris, Sean Riley and Cameron Jordan to be the main targets. Riley led the team in receptions last year with 63 and will bring his senior leadership to a fairly young group.

The offensive line is going to be a big question mark heading into the season.

Starting tackles Koda Martin and Cody Conway graduated which means they will have to find suitable replacements. It appears for now that graduate transfer Ryan Alexander will be the left tackle and Airon Servais will be the right tackle.

The offensive line should be fine for the first two games, but could get exposed against Clemson Week 3.

Overall this offense should be decent on paper, but lacks an identity. Syracuse will need a new player to step up and replace the leadership Dungey brought to this offense.

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