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Syracuse Football: 3 biggest disappointments from 2019 season

By Michael Hanich

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 10: Tommy DeVito #13 of the Syracuse Orange runs with the ball against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on October 10, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 10: Tommy DeVito #13 of the Syracuse Orange runs with the ball against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on October 10, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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SYRACUSE, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: David Pindell #5 of the Connecticut Huskies runs with the ball while being tackled by Alton Robinson (back) and Chris Slayton #95 of the Syracuse Orange during the first quarter at the Carrier Dome on September 22, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated Connecticut 51-21. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: David Pindell #5 of the Connecticut Huskies runs with the ball while being tackled by Alton Robinson (back) and Chris Slayton #95 of the Syracuse Orange during the first quarter at the Carrier Dome on September 22, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated Connecticut 51-21. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /

2. Defense never gained progress from last season

Last season, the Orange were ranked 64th in points allowed per game (27) and 88th in total yards allowed per game (426.5). Even though they experienced problems against opposing offenses last season, they found ways to win games.

This season, the Orange were even more inefficient on the defensive side of the ball despite some impact players returning. They finished the 2019 season ranked 89th in points allowed per game (30.7) and 115th in total yards allowed per game (464.1).

Even though the Orange returned most of their premier pass rushers and all four of their defensive backs, the defense still found inconsistencies. They were having to replace their two inside linebackers and their nickelback. These are arguably three of the most important positions in a 4-2-6 defense.

Throughout the 2019 season, the Orange failed to find some balance and stability in defending then passing game and rushing game.

Even with talented players in other positions on defense, the Orange were only able to account for 30 total sacks and 13 interceptions on the season. Defensive end Alton Robinson is one example of a great playmaker for the Orange but was able to be utilized due to the ineffective coaching schemes of defensive coordinator Brian Ward.

After a disastrous 58-27 loss at home to the Boston College Eagles, Ward was fired after nine games in 2019. This past season was Ward’s fourth year with the program and the defense found no signs of improvement in his hire.

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