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Syracuse Football: Will Orange flip script, reach bowl game in 2021?

By Dante Pryor

Oct 31, 2020; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers has a word with defensive back Aman Greenwood (26) in the third quarter game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2020; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers has a word with defensive back Aman Greenwood (26) in the third quarter game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Javon McKinley (88) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Syracuse Orange cornerback Garett Williams (14) in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Javon McKinley (88) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Syracuse Orange cornerback Garett Williams (14) in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Will the defense improve with a full offseason?

The defense did not fare much better than their offensive counterparts allowing 32 points and 464 yards of offense last season. The defense allowed 25 or more points in 8-of-11 games last season.

They were decent at times against the pass and terrible against the run. This season, however, defensive coordinator Tony White had an entire offseason to install his defense. A disciple of former San Diego State coach Rocky Long, the Orange will run a 3-3-5 defense to generate turnovers.

The defensive line is experienced, led by big defensive end Josh Black. Behind the defensive line are a lot of freshmen and redshirt freshmen. However, some young players saw significant time last season.

Linebacker Mikel Jones emerged as a playmaking linebacker, and Garrett Williams is the next star in the ‘Cuse secondary. Geoff Cantin-Arku was solid next to Jones, and Eric Coley is the only veteran in an otherwise young secondary.

Keep an eye on New Mexico transfer Jason Simmons, Jr., who played linebacker for the Aggies but compete for the Rover position at Syracuse. The front six is solid, but the secondary has to replace three NFL prospects.

There is talent in the secondary, but there is little veteran experience. A solid performance by a decent two deep front six could cover up an inexperienced secondary.

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