In the Huddle: Pittsburgh

huddle in the • october 23–24, 2015

syracuse vs. pittsburgh

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Out of the way Syracuse is working to improve on defending screen passes — highlighted by Virginia’s game-tying fourth-quarter drive against SU in Saturday’s loss.

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Shane Wallen juggled two jobs and college classes to tend to his ill mother. He transferred and walked on to Oregon State as a senior running back.

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JORDAN FREDERICKS grew up with four older brothers, which prepared him for the competition with two juniors at Syracuse. He won the starting job over both and leads Syracuse with 269 rushing yards and four touchdowns scored just six games into his college career. jessica sheldon staff photographer

How Jordan Fredericks became SU’s starting running back as a true freshman

By Matt Schneidman asst. sports editor

I

n the first game of Jordan Fredericks’ sophomore year at Lawrence (New York) High School, he scored five touchdowns. Two receiving, three on the other side of the ball.

He intercepted the Glen Cove (New York) High School quarterback three times and returned each for a pick-six.

In his senior year, Fredericks often drove the team 80-plus yards with less than a minute to go before a half or at the end of game, Lawrence head coach Joe Martillotti said, all while under center running the two-minute offense.

The Buccaneers were best with the ball in Fredericks’ hands, at any position, but there was only one he wanted to play in college.

“Everyone else was like, ‘Well we love him, we want him, we’re going to offer him, but we don’t know where we’ll play him,’” Martillotti said. “Syracuse was committed to him as a running back from the get-go.”

Six games into his college career and, aside from spurts in the wildcat formation, Fredericks has lined up as a running back every time he’s been on the field. Last week, he was given the starting nod ahead of juniors Devante McFarlane and George Morris, and against Virginia, scored his third rushing touchdown

of the year. He’s reached the end zone a teamhigh four times, with a highlight-reel, 30-yard receiving touchdown against South Florida to go along with 5.3 yards per carry.

Growing up with four older brothers molded him for this year’s competition, one he’s risen to the top of despite being only 18 years old.

And when Syracuse (3-3, 1-1 Atlantic Coast) hosts No. 25 Pittsburgh (5-1, 3-0) on Saturday, Fredericks will get his second start of a career he never envisioned beginning like this.

Little by little, a couple of reps turned into a couple of drives. And now I’m the No. 1 running back and it feels great.

Jordan Fredericks su running back

“Little by little, a couple of reps turned into a couple of drives,” Fredericks said. “And now I’m the No. 1 running back and it feels great.”

Inwood Park was home to the fields Fredericks got tossed around on near the family’s Inwood, New York home. Fredericks’ older

brothers, Alvin, 29, Justin, 25, Ryan, 21 and Tyler, 19, fostered a culture of competition that he’s leaned on early in his SU career. Off the field, they competed in Madden NFL video games, manhunt and who could do chores better around the house. Jordan even caught flack for helping opponents up on the field and congratulating them after big plays.

Ryan and Tyler played running back for Lawrence when Jordan was a freshman, forcing him out of his comfort zone to slot receiver.

Ryan recalls “losing his mind” at Jordan when he fumbled in a game his freshman year, angry that he let his play reflect his age.

“They didn’t baby him,” Jordan’s mother, Atasha Mays-Fredericks said. “They treated him like if he was their equal, which made him a little tougher.”

When Martillotti expanded Fredericks’ role at quarterback, Mays-Fredericks told the head coach that wasn’t her son’s position.

But he needed the ball in his best player’s hands whenever possible since Sean Moran, the team’s normal quarterback, was a converted slot receiver.

Fredericks threw the ball plenty despite being a true running back and some teams even tried to court him as a signal-caller. Others saw him as a slot receiver. Different teams see fredericks page 4

4 october 23-24, 2015

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Discover new worlds at Orange Central!

A traditional form of singing that has taken on new meaning in the Sudan. A unique tree that grows 40 different kinds of fruit. Artwork from a master in pop art. Discover all of these and much more at Orange Central! For more details and the complete schedule, visit orangecentral.syr.edu.

Department of Anthropology Speaker Series: Anita Fábos Thursday, October 22, 4 p.m.

220 Eggers Hall In “New ‘Bad Girls’ of Sudan,” professor discusses a new breed of women whose “girls’ songs” are defying national boundaries to bring women’s perspectives and critiques to a global audience.

Sports, SIDEARM, and the iSchool Thursday, October 22, 5 p.m.

335 Hinds Hall Learn how one company, SIDEARM Sports, and its founder, president, and CEO, Jeff Rubin ’95, G’98, bring IT, sports, and students together in a unique partnership with the iSchool.

Tree of 40 Fruit Friday, October 23, 9 a.m.

018 Hendricks Chapel Stephanie James, director of SU:VPA’s School of Art, tells the story behind Sam Van Aken’s work, from its conceptual underpinnings through the fascinating grafting science that makes it possible.

The Current Status of Online Education at SU Friday, October 23, 9 a.m.

307 University College Learn how Syracuse University is responding to the national demand for online education, the current status of online course and program offerings, and plans to compete in a global market.

Deans’ Panel: STEMming the Gap in Higher Education Friday, October 23, 2 p.m.

001 Life Sciences Complex In this timely panel discussion, four deans will describe how Syracuse University is preparing future STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) leaders through cuttingedge teaching, basic applied research, technology transfer, and policy development.

James Rosenquist Gallery Tour Friday, October 23, 2 p.m.

Shaffer Art Building This special tour of more than 35 works by Rosenquist—a leader in the American Pop Art movement— exemplifies the indelible impact he has had, and continues to have, on American art.

Stargazing at Holden Observatory Friday, October 23, 7:30 p.m.

Holden Observatory Join physics faculty and graduate students for a rare opportunity to climb the winding staircase and gaze at the stars through the Holden Observatory’s historic 1887 telescope (weather permitting).

Parent Advocacy Resources for Alumni: Tips, Tools, and Trends Sunday, October 25, 10:30 a.m.

Huntington Hall Commons Syracuse University alumni and School of Education experts share tools and resources to support inclusion for children and students with disabilities of any age.

Then. Now. Always. Orange.

Q&A with beat writer Jerry DiPaola of The Tribune-Review

By Paul Schwedelson asst. copy editor

Syracuse blew a 10-point fourth quarter lead against Virginia, but SU (3-3, 1-1 Atlantic Coast) looks to get back on track when it hosts No. 25 Pittsburgh (5-1, 3-0) on Saturday at noon in the Carrier Dome. Follow along with Syracuse-Pittsburgh coverage here or on Twitter @DOSports.

To learn more about the Panthers, The Daily Orange spoke with Pittsburgh Tribune-Review beat writer Jerry DiPaola.

The Daily Orange: Pittsburgh wide receiver Tyler Boyd is leading the ACC in receptions and receiving yards per game. How much could he single-handedly change a game?

Jerry DiPaola: Well he can, he has the ability to make a play from almost anywhere on the field.

Pitt hasn’t thrown the ball down the field that much this season and I think it’s just a matter of getting in sync with a new starting quarterback, Nate Peterman. But yeah, he has that ability to turn a game around. He usually has been a good punt returner. He can still do that, but he fumbled twice in the Georgia Tech game (most recent game). He didn’t lose the fumbles, he recovered them, but he had problems and (Pitt head coach) Pat Narduzzi even said on Monday he’s thinking about replacing him with Avonte Maddox if Boyd’s fumbling continues on the punt return team.

The D.O.: What are Nate Peterman’s strengths as a quarterback?

J.D.: He hasn’t thrown an interception since the first quarter of the Iowa game (third game of season), which was his first start. He threw two interceptions in the first quarter and hasn’t thrown one since. Eighty-four consecutive passes without one. So he seems to be very poised in the pocket … and he seems to know where to go with the ball. They’ve converted a lot of third and fourth downs for first downs with Peterman as their quarterback.

The D.O.: Freshman strong safety Jordan White-

from page 3

fredericks big and fast enough to play defensive back.

“You’re never really sure in college, you know, they can tell you whatever you want to hear and then when you get here, you can switch a position,” Fredericks said. “But it meant a lot that (Syracuse) was actually serious about me playing running back.”

Fredericks overtook McFarlane and Morris by simply being more productive. The Syracuse coaches keep a chart, using tick marks, progress lines and a point system to distinguish which players are actually producing — Fredericks has been measured in areas such as yards after contact and touchdowns — from ones that might just look good going through the motions.

He’s even fine-tuned the cadences when practicing at quarterback in the wildcat and shown a once-nervous Tim Lester that he can move around the tight ends before the snap as well.

“He tells me that all the time,” the offensive coordinator said. “’Coach, I played quarterback, I’m fine.’”

Fredericks was lying in bed in between classes when he found out he’d climbed to No.

head is leading Pitt in tackles. Why has he been able to step in right away as a freshman?

J.D.: Well, he’s incredibly talented. Very good athlete. Smart kid. Studies his playbook very well. He would’ve been starting in the opener but Narduzzi didn’t want to throw a true freshman in there in the first game as a starter. But he started in the second game; he started ever since. He got hurt in the Georgia Tech game with a head injury, but he’s been practicing this week and I think he’s going to be OK. Just a very talented athlete. Could probably play safety or corner and they’ve put him at strong safety.

He’s not a real big guy but he’s done a nice job in run support this year.

The D.O.: In Narduzzi’s first season as head coach, what’s the biggest difference in Pitt from last year to this year?

J.D.: He has more enthusiasm as far as getting the team hyped up to play. Paul Christ is a good coach, a good man, a very good play-caller — one of the best play-callers in the college football, I believe. But Narduzzi is a little different. He just comes at you very aggressively whether you’re a player, one of his coaches, a member of the media, he’s just the kind of the guy that gets everybody around him excited. And he’s done it with boosters, too. In the offseason this summer in May and June, he traveled all over the East Coast talking to booster groups trying to raise money and drum up support for the program.

He’s just done a good job.

The D.O.: If Syracuse were to win, what would be the thing it would have to do right?

J.D.: They would have to find a way to run the football. Pitt defends the run really well. It didn’t defend the run really well against Georgia Tech in the first half. Second half was much better. If Syracuse could find a way to move the football on the ground, I think that would open things up in the secondary. Pitt does a lot of blitzing and if they’re blitzing, that might leave some of their receivers one-on-one. pmschwed@syr.edu | @pschweds

1 on the depth chart last Monday. He received a Twitter notification on his phone and called his parents, who told him to be humble and that similar triumphs happen all the time.

Starting as a freshman is something he’s used to even though he didn’t expect it here.

Running backs coach DeAndre Smith told Fredericks he’d see carries “here and there” in the first couple games.

“You’re telling him this is a blessing, you’re lucky,” his uncle, Duane Fredericks, said. “Not too many freshmen get to start.”

When Lawrence won the Long Island III championship last year, parents came up to Mays-Fredericks and began crying since they wouldn’t be able to watch her son play anymore. During Fredericks’ speech for the Thorp Award, given to Nassau County’s top player, he told the crowd he wanted to bring the Heisman back for them.

Though his lofty goals at Syracuse may not come in the near future, the foundation for them has been set. And before he left for school, Fredericks was stopped by his mother and broadly asked what he wanted to do for the football team.

“I’m going to be that guy that they can count on,” he said. “… The same way I was in high school.” mcschnei@syr.edu | matt_schneidman

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ERIC DUNGEY has taken several hits to the head this season. The true-freshman missed a game earlier this season with an “upper-body injury.” Against Virginia, 32 pass plays were called, but Dungey only attempted 22 throws. jessica sheldon staff photographer

SU must prioritize protecting Dungey from injury

T

hree opponents’ helmets struck the helmet of Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey. Three times, those treacherous moments were masked with jubilation.

The first, a toss to freshman Dontae Strickland who turned an open seam into a touchdown. He dropped the ball to the ground after his first step, blissfully unaware that his quarterback just had his neck and head twisted backward by Central Michigan defensive lineman Mitch Stanitzek.

The second, a 26-yard, perfectly-executed run-pass option where Dungey leapt over a defender before being struck in the head

by Virginia’s Micah Kiser as he crossed the plane to the end zone. Dungey got up and was mobbed by his teammates.

The third finished with a pass to Ervin Philips, who caught the ball 2 yards short of end zone, before spinning in for the score and pointing up to the silent UVA crowd in overtime.

“I try to get every yard I can,” Dungey said following the loss to UVA. “I’m a competitor.”

But the risk of getting every yard isn’t worth the reward it reaps. Not for a possible game-winning drive and not for a Top 10 play on SportsCenter. With one “upper-body injury” — Stanitzek’s blow against CMU was

SAM BLUM

THAT’S WHAT I SAID enough — comes the greater likelihood of more. And with four Syracuse players having suffered career-ending fates from concussions in the last two seasons, the reality of its dangers isn’t detached from the Orange program.

As a coaching staff, there’s only so much it can do to prevent brain injuries — showing a player the hits he didn’t have to take is chief among them, offensive coordinator Tim Lester said. Preventative measures only decrease risk, but can’t eliminate it. But everything that can be done needs to be, and one week removed from losing scholarship QB AJ Long for his career, there needs to be more concern expressed.

“He loves to make plays,” Lester said. “He goes in his Johnny Manziel mode wanting to run around. I told him, ‘Even Manziel, when he won the Heisman, he only carried it 15 times a game.’

So he’s still got to cut three to get to that level.”

Lester said he called 32 passing plays for Dungey on Saturday. Only 22 of them actually went for passes. He threw the ball away twice,

two more times than he has before. “Baby steps,” Lester called it.

It’s time to start making strides.

Of the 31 quarterbacks that have run the ball 59 times or more, only two have played in fewer games than Dungey. Twenty-six have played in more games than the SU quarterback. He’s one of the most likely QBs in FBS football to run the ball, but there are still 105 quarterbacks with higher yards per carry totals than his 3.8. Of the QB’s with more attempts, he would place 16th on that list.

He’s got the ability to run, but is far from elite status. He’s not TCU’s Trevone Boykin, a Heisman candidate averaging 5.7 yards per carry, and a player that Lester likened to Dungey when talking about football-first plays.

That doesn’t mean that Dungey should never play quarterback again to limit the risk. That play against CMU was a pass, and he never put himself in harm’s way. But time and again, even after coming back against USF, he has put himself in danger. The numerous hits to the head need to be a wakeup call for refocused priorities before he has no choice but to stop playing.

Scott Shafer said the line between being

see blum page 7

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Time Machine: Loss to Pitt leaves bowl hopes in question Editor’s note: The article below is a republished story from The Daily Orange’s Oct. 5, 2002 edition. Then-editor Eli Saslow wrote it on Syracuse’s bowl hopes after a 1-4 start.

It took Keeon Walker two deep breaths and a quick gasp. Then he fumbled for the words.

“I don’t know the reasons why, and I don’t have the answers,” Walker said. “This is the worst since I’ve been here. I’ve never seen anything like it here before.”

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Nobody on Syracuse’s football roster has.

Not even head coach Paul Pasqualoni — who’s been at SU for more than 11 years — has seen a season start this poorly.

No, it takes media guides and ancient statistic sheets to put Saturday’s 48-24 loss to Pittsburgh at the Carrier Dome on Saturday in perspective. A homecoming game that looked more like a Shakespearian comedy of errors, Saturday’s drubbing sends Syracuse to a 1-4 start, its worst since 1986.

“I’ve been through the dog days and some of the best times,” senior receiver David Tyree said. “But it can’t get much lower than this.”

With Big East powers Miami and Virginia Tech left on its 12-gamme schedule, Syracuse is in serious danger of finishing .500 or worse for the first time since that 1986. To be bowl eligible, Syracuse would have to finish the season at least 6-6, meaning it would need to close the year 5-2.

The scenario could have been even worse.

Before the season, the NCAA passed a provision allowing teams from conferences with bowl tie-ins to finish .500 and still make a bowl. In the past, SU would have needed at least six wins and a winning record to qualify.

Before Saturday, Syracuse hadn’t lost to Pittsburgh in 11 years. It hadn’t fell to the Panthers at home since 1982, when Dan Marino quarterbacked the Panthers.

“We’d always beaten Pitt,” tight end Joe Donnelly said. “The guys that have been here for a while, we didn’t want to leave with a loss to Pittsburgh. That makes it tough. We took pride in that streak. We really didn’t want that streak to end.”

Worse yet, the streak ended in embarrassment.

OCTOBER 21 Traditions Commission Trivia Night Free admission, free food, prizes 8 p.m., 304 Schine Student Center

OCTOBER 22 Department of Anthropology Speaker Series: Anita Fábos Clark University educator speaks about the “New ‘Bad Girls’ of Sudan” 4 p.m., 220 Eggers Hall Sports, SIDEARM, and the iSchool How the partnership brings IT, sports, and students together 5 p.m., 335 Hinds Hall Syracuse Homecoming Showcase Performances by talented student groups 8 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium

OCTOBER 23 Tree of 40 Fruit The story behind this unique work of art 9 a.m., 018 Hendricks Chapel The Current Status of Online Education at SU Panel discussion on competing in a global market 9 a.m., 307 University College

After causing an interception on Pitt’s opening possession— leading to a 28-yard field goal from Collin Barber — Syracuse surrendered 48 consecutive points.

Pittsburgh quarterback Rod Rutherford — who completed 10 of 15 for 279 yards and two touchdowns — chewed apart the Syracuse secondary early.

On the Panthers’ second drive, Rutherford twice found freshman wideout Larry Fitzgerald downfield. The first pass went for 36 yards.

The next went for 27 and a touchdown.

We’d always beaten Pitt. The guys that have been here for a while, we didn’t want to leave with a loss to Pittsburgh.

Joe Donnelly then-syracuse tight end

Rutherford also hit wideout Roosevelt Bynes for big plays. In the second quarter, Bynes found a 10-yard gap between cornerbacks Latroy Oliver and Will Hunter in the SU secondary. Rutherford found the gap, too, hitting Bynes for a 48-yard gain to the SU 1-yard line.

But Bynes’ most impressive play came in the third quarter, when he ended Pitt’s scoring on an 82-yard touchdown catch. Hunter fell down trying to cover Slade on the fly pattern, leaving the receiver open and free to jog into the end zone.

“Defensively, other than that first series of

Deans’ Panel: STEMming the Gap in Higher Education How SU is meeting the STEM challenge 2 p.m., 001 Life Sciences Complex James Rosenquist Gallery Tour Exhibition of works by a leader in the Pop Art movement 2 p.m., Shaffer Art Building Syracuse 8 Book Talk and Signing Featuring Leveling the Playing Field: The Story of the Syracuse 8 3 p.m., Huntington Hall Commons Tanner Lecture Features Clinton Foundation President and CEO Donna Shalala G’70, H’87 3 p.m., Maxwell Auditorium Arents Awards Dinner Honoring outstanding SU alumni 6 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium Stargazing at Holden Observatory Scan the skies through SU’s 1887 telescope 7:30 p.m., Holden Observatory Lip Sync Battle Lip sync battle...’nuff said 8 p.m., Schine Underground Generation Orange Celebration Free event for our youngest alums 9 p.m., Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center

the game, we never really got going,” Pasqualoni said. “We just were so off-balance. (Rutherford) just really did a great job throwing the ball. We were on our backs.”

“It seemed like every time they wanted to, they just punched it in,” quarterback Troy Nunes said. “And when we wanted to, we couldn’t.”

During Pittsburgh’s 48-point run, Syracuse reached Panther territory twice. In a nine-series stretch, Syracuse fumbled four times and punted five.

Starting quarterback R.J. Anderson — who went 3-of-10 passing for 11 yards — left the game with a sprained throwing shoulder in the last five minutes of the first half. Backup Nunes met a similar fate.

Twice consecutively in the third quarter, Nunes fumbled deep in Syracuse territory. The Panthers capitalized with 10 points.

Syracuse later scored three meaningless touchdowns to close the scoring. But, at one point in the third quarter, Pittsburgh had 46 plays for 341 yards. SU had 34 plays for 13.

“Offensively, so many things went wrong,” Pasqualoni said. “Jeez, I can’t even remember all of the things that went wrong. Sometimes I don’t know how you explain it.”

The crowd of 39,947 — SU’s lowest attendance for a Big East home opener — didn’t know how to react either.

First it cheered. Then it booed. Then, when all seemed lost, some students threw T-shirts on the field.

“It’s just disbelief,” defensive end Josh Thomas said. “We know we’re not as bad as we played today. We’re very frustrated.”

OCTOBER 24 Orange Central Homecoming Tailgate Alumni, enjoy good food, giveaways, and more!

10 a.m., Shaw Quad The Football Game!

Syracuse takes on Pitt Noon, Carrier Dome UU and Traditions Commission Present Broad City Conversation with Comedy Central stars Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer 8 p.m., Goldstein Auditorium

OCTOBER 25 Parent Advocacy Resources for Alumni: Tips, Tools, and Trends Experts share resources for children with disabilities 10:30 a.m., Huntington Hall Commons

october 23-24, 2015 7

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from page 5

blum

aggressive and smart is a fine one. His high school tapes are littered with hurdle plays like the one he made Saturday.

Dungey might make plays like he’s invincible, but he’s not. And it’s on the coaching staff to make sure that’s clear.

When Lester calls for 32 passing plays, there should be more than 22 attempted. When the choice is to hurdle or slide, make the safer play,

even if it leaves him short of the goal line.

“It’s tough to take the aggression out of an aggressive person,” Shafer said. “That’s who Eric is and that’s what makes him.”

A leaping jump-turned touchdown may give reason to celebrate. That may be “who Eric is.” His grin was huge when the pile of teammates dispersed with him back to the Orange’s sideline. But the risks that accompany a play like that make it far less than worth the chance he’s taking. sblum@syr.edu |@SamBlum3

SCOTT SHAFER said it’s challenging to teach Eric Dungey not to take as many hits. The QB already missed time after being hit in the head. david salinitri staff photographer

POSTER SERIES

ERIC DUNGEY leaps over Virginia safety Quin Blanding for a 26-yard touchdown with eight seconds left in the first half. Syracuse blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead and went on to lose the game 44-38 in triple overtime on Oct. 17 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

jessica sheldon staff photographer

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Injury report: Junior hybrid Ben Lewis not playing vs. Pitt

By Matt Schneidman asst. sports editor

Junior hybrid Ben Lewis is out for Syracuse’s game against Pittsburgh with an upper-body injury, according to SU’s weekly injury report released Thursday night.

This season he’s caught 13 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown to go along with 12 rushing yards on five carries. He, along with freshman Dontae Strickland, helped fill in when starting hybrid Ervin Philips got injured in the first half of the Orange’s season-opener

4.5

Number of combined games Syracuse’s two most experienced hybrids will have missed after Ben Lewis sits out Saturday with an upper-body injury

against Rhode Island.

Lewis caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Zack Mahoney with 12:06 left in the game against then-No. 8 Louisiana State on Sept.

26. It brought the Orange within a touchdown, but the Tigers went on to score 10 points and eventually won, 34-24.

Last weekend against Virginia, he caught three passes from Eric Dungey for 40 yards, and played an integral role in Syracuse’s chunk-by-chunk offensive approach since the Cavaliers backed off the Orange’s wide receivers.

Also listed on the injury report was junior tight end Kendall Moore, who is doubtful with an upper-body injury. He has three receptions for 39 yards on the season, including the catch that set up Jordan Fredericks’ game-winning touchdown run against Central Michigan on Sept. 19.

Redshirt freshman safety Rodney Williams, who was doubtful last week, was upgraded to questionable with a lower-body injury. He has recorded 15 total tackles this season in the starting free safety role, including 11 solo tackles.

Freshman safety Daivon Ellison is also questionable with a lower-body injury. He has played in five games this season and recorded three total tackles.

SU (3-3, 1-1 Atlantic Coast) kicks off against No. 25 Pitt (5-1, 3-0) at noon on ESPNU on Saturday. The Orange is looking to snap its three-game losing streak after starting 3-0. mcschnei@syr.edu @matt_schneidman

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QADREE OLLISON stepped up for Pittsburgh following the season-ending injury of Panthers star James Conner. In his first game, he rushed for 207 yards on 16 carries, and now his 559 yards rank fourth in the ACC. The Panthers will face off against Syracuse on Saturday at noon in the Carrier Dome. courtesy of pittsburgh athletics

RB Ollison moves up depth chart to star for Pittsburgh

By Sam Fortier asst. web editor

Pittsburgh’s third-string running back, a redshirt freshman playing in his first real game in 22 months, stood in the backfield as the team’s primary rusher in a one-score game just three quarters into the Panthers’ season.

The regular starting running back and reigning Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year, James Conner, had come out with an injury. Though Conner flashed his parents a thumbs-up and remained on the sideline to cheer, he’d be diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury days later. Usual backup Chris James was also hurt.

Qadree Ollison took the left-side pitch and hit the hole. His father, Wayne Ollison, a former football coach, watched from the bleachers and prayed his son wouldn’t fumble his first collegiate carry. Two Youngstown State defenders collided with one another, and Ollison rumbled 46 yards.

“Obviously when the player of the year goes down, you go, ‘Oh my gosh,’” first-year Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said. “Everybody talks about that cliché: It’s next man up. It’s

tough to step up immediately, but … (Qadree) makes plays.”

Ollison finished the day with 16 carries for a touchdown and 207 yards, breaking current New England Patriot Dion Lewis’ record for rushing yards by Panthers freshman. Ollison hasn’t stopped running since. After learning valuable lessons in his redshirt year and taking advice from Conner, Ollison surpassed James on the depth chart and now ranks fourth in the ACC with 559 yards this season.

When the Niagara Falls, New York native and former Syracuse recruit runs into the Carrier Dome for SU-Pitt at noon on Saturday, he’ll be cheered on by 26 family members who made the two-hour drive. They won’t be the only ones focusing on Ollison.

“They’re going to run the ball on us,” Syracuse defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough said. “We have to be ready to run, run, run … It’s a good game plan. That’s what I would do too.”

Ollison’s success this season is a direct result of the year he spent on the sidelines learning, Wayne said, and that he might not have been ready last season. At practice as a redshirt, Ollison faced Pitt’s starting defense — No. 10 in total defense — and constantly

asked questions of Conner and then-sophomore running back Rachid Ibrahim. He also bulked up 15 pounds to 230.

Whenever Wayne called, his son usually said he was at Conner’s house or working out with him, seeing what it took to be elite in the ACC. Ollison had known Conner since his official visit, when Conner gave him a tour of the school and talked to his parents. Conner’s willingness to help train Ollison shocked Wayne.

They’re going to run the ball on us. We have to be ready to run, run, run … It’s a good game plan. That’s what I would do too.

Chuck Bullough su defensive coordinator

“It’s like you’re teaching someone to possibly take your job,” Wayne said. “But James never looked at it like that … A lot of people don’t know this, but when Qadree was doing

well (against Youngstown State), James was in his ear telling him, ‘This is what you need to look out for and this is what you need to do.’”

What Ollison has done to adjust to his starting role is added time in the film room, increased practice reps and more closely examined the playbook. He’s a “big, powerful, explosive” back who has earned trust throughout the season with his play-making abilities, Narduzzi said.

On Oct. 28, late in a tie game with Georgia Tech, backup running back Darrin Hall got stuffed for no gain on third-and-1 at midfield.

Narduzzi took a timeout and put in Ollison, whose 3-yard rush on the next play converted the fourth down on a drive that ended with a game-winning field goal.

Despite the success, Ollison doesn’t feel comfortable in the starting role. He knows Narduzzi likes competition, he said, and the moment he gets complacent is when a teammate outworks him.

“I just learned you got to grow up fast and be ready in (the moment),” Ollison said. “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” sjfortie@syr.edu — Asst. copy editor Paul Schwedelson contributed reporting to this story.

12 october 23-24, 2015

dailyorange.com sports@dailyorange.com

syracuse roster No. Name

Pos.

Ht.

Wt.

Cl.

Hometown (High School/Previous School/Club)

1

Julian Whigham

CB

6-1

200

Sr.

West Palm Beach, Fla./ Dwyer

2

Eric Dungey

QB

6-3

202

Fr.

Lake Oswego, Ore. / Lakeridge

2

Wayne Morgan

CB

5-11

190

Jr.

Brooklyn, N.Y. / Erasmus Hall

3

Ervin Philips

RB

5-11

181

So.

West Haven, Conn./West Haven

4

Zaire Franklin

LB

6-0

230

So.

Philadelphia, Pa./La Salle College

4

AJ Long

QB

6-0

181

So.

Bethlehem, Pa. / Friendship Christian (Tenn.)

5

Luke Arciniega

DE

6-4

243

Jr.

Sparks, Nev. / Spanish Springs

QB

6-3

217

So.

Camp Hill, Pa. / East Pennsboro

5 Austin Wilson 6

Rodney Williams

S

5-10

196

R-Fr.

Cherry Hill, N.J. / Cherry Hill West

7

Troy Green

WR

6-1

180

So.

Skaneateles, N.Y. / Skaneateles

7

Oliver Vigille

LB

6-2

235

Sr.

Miami, Fla. / Miami Central

8

Antwan Cordy

S

5-8

175

So.

Homestead, Fla. / South Dade

8

Steve Ishmael

WR

6-2

203

So.

Miami, Fla. / North MIami Beach

9

Brisly Estime

WR

5-9

178

Jr.

Delray Beach, Fla. / Atlantic Community

10

Sterling Hofrichter

K/P

5-9

178

Fr.

Valrico, Fla. / Armwood

10

Terrel Hunt

QB

6-3

238

Sr.

Rosedale, N.Y. / Christ the King

11

Trey Dunkelberger

TE

6-5

238

So.

Shillington, Pa. / Governor Mifflin

11

Corey Winfield

CB

6-1

181

So.

St. Louis, Mo. / Riverview Gardens

12

Ryan Norton

K

5-11

188

Sr.

Garden City, N.Y. / Garden City

13

Ron Thompson

DE

6-3

255

Jr.

Southfield, Mich. / Southfield

14

Kenterius Womack

WR

6-1

170

Fr.

Luverne, Ala. / Luverne

15

Juwan Dowels

CB

5-10

177

R-Fr.

Sunrise, Fla. / American Heritage School

16

Zack Mahoney

QB

6-2

192

So.

LaGrange, Ill. / Lyons Township

17

Jamal Custis

WR

6-5

224

So.

Philadelphia, Pa. / Neumann-Goretti

18

Dontae Strickland

RB

5-11

194

Fr.

Dayton, N.J. / South Brunswick

19

Daivon Ellison

S

5-8

168

Fr.

Linden, N.J. / Don Bosco Prep

20

Cordell Hudson

CB

5-11

182

R-Fr.

Largo, Fla. / Largo

21

Chauncey Scissum

S

6-2

207

So.

West Henrietta, N.Y. / Rush-Henrietta

22

Jordan Fredericks

RB

5-10

208

Fr.

Inwood, N.Y. / Lawrence

23

Jonathan Thomas

LB

6-1

214

So.

Lawrenceville, Ga. / Collins Hill

24

Shyheim Cullen

LB

6-0

209

Fr.

Lowell, Mass. / Lowell

25

Kielan Whitner

S

6-0

196

Fr.

Lawrenceville, Ga. / Mountain View

26

Tyrone Perkins

HB

6-0

208

Fr.

Glen Head, N.Y. / Friends Academy

27

George Morris

RB

6-0

192

Jr.

Lawrenceville, Ga. / Central Gwinnett

28

Christopher Fredrick S

5-11

173

Fr.

Conley, Ga. / Cedar Grove

29

Devante McFarlane

RB

6-0

199

Jr.

Wheatley Heights, N.Y. / Half Hollow Hills West

30

Parris Bennett

LB

6-0

216

So.

Detroit, Mich. / University of Detroit Jesuit

31

Kyle Kleinberg

LB

6-0

223

Fr.

Armonk, N.Y. / Don Bosco Prep (N.J.)

33

Marqez Hodge

LB

5-11

221

Jr.

Miami, Fla. / Miami Central

34

Jacob Hill

RB

5-6

165

Fr.

Detroit, Mich. / Detroit County Day

35

Eric Jackson

CB

5-9

170

Sr.

Inglewood, Calif. / Pacific Palisades

37

Ted Taylor

LB

6-1

193

Jr.

Riviera Beach, Fla. / Dwyer/Dodge City Community College

39

Troy Henderson

LB

5-11

225

Fr.

Cleveland, Ohio / St. Edward

41

Eric Anthony

S

6-0

196

Jr.

Baldwinsville, N.Y. / C.W. Baker

42

Jacob Green

TE

6-1

250

Sr.

Seattle, Wash. / Seattle Prep

42

Joe Stanard

S

5-10

199

Jr.

Baldwinsville, N.Y. / C.W. Baker

43

Terrell Drayton

LB

5-11

215

So.

Rosedale, N.Y. / Townsend Harris

46

PJ Batten

TE

6-3

234

So.

Miami, Fla. / Dade Christian

47

Matt Keller

LS

5-11

217

Fr.

Willow Street, Pa. / Penn Manor

48

Cole Murphy

K

6-3

188

So.

Castaic, Calif. / Valencia

49

Alryk Perry

LB

6-1

221

So.

Columbus, Ala. / Glenwood School

50

John Raymon

DT

6-5

308

Sr.

Richboro, Pa. / Council Rock North

51

Donnie Simmons

DE

6-2

264

Sr.

White Plains, N.Y. / Archbishop Stepinac

52

Kayton Samuels

NT

6-0

300

R-Fr.

Ellenwood, Ga. / Arabia Mountain

53

Lucas Albrecht

DE

6-2

260

Sr.

Hudson Falls, N.Y. / Hudson Falls

53

Nathan Hines

LS

6-6

245

So.

Catonsville, Md. / Catonsville

54

Tyler Cross

DT

6-2

283

Fr.

Douglassville, Ga. / Northview

55

Rob Trudo

C

6-4

301

Sr.

Farrell, Pa. / Farrell

56

Kenny Carter

DE

6-4

257

Fr.

Plainfield, N.J. / Plainfield

57

Omari Palmer

OT

6-3

305

Jr.

Coram, N.Y. / Longwood

58

Donnie Foster

C

6-3

310

So.

Savannah, Ga. / IMG Academy (Fla.)

58

Hernz Laguerre

LB

6-1

230

Sr.

Spring Valley, N.Y. / Spring Valley

59

Aaron Roberts

OG

6-4

280

R-Fr.

Chicago, Ill. / De La Salle Institute

60

Cody Conway

OT

6-6

281

Fr.

Plainfield, Ill. / Plainfield North

61

Samuel Clausman

OG

6-3

317

Fr.

Pembroke Pines, Fla. / St. Thomas Aquinas

62

Andrejas Duerig

C

6-3

297

Fr.

Lowell, Ind. / Mount Carmel

63

Evan Adams

OG

6-6

314

Fr.

Norwalk, Conn. / Norwalk

63

Rony Charles

NT

6-2

312

Sr.

Medford, Mass. / St. Clement

64

Colin Byrne

OT

6-5

303

Fr.

Coral Springs, Fla. / St. Thomas Aquinas

65

Jamar McGloster

OT

6-7

319

So.

Hillside, N.J. / Saint Anthony

67

Michael Lasker

OT

6-5

295

Sr.

Corona, Calif. / Santiago

68

Nick Robinson

OG

6-6

302

Sr.

Baldwinsville, N.Y. / C.W. Baker

69

Keith Mitsuuchi

LS

5-10

223

Sr.

Torrance, Calif. / South Torrance

71

Alex Hayes

OG

6-2

279

So.

Ellenwood, Ga. / Tucker

72

Steven Clark

NT

6-2

303

Fr.

Arab, Ala. / Brindlee Mountain

72

Ivan Foy

OT

6-5

280

Sr.

Brooklyn, N.Y. / Fort Hamilton

73

Jon Burton

OT

6-8

304

So.

Spotsylvania, Va. / Courtland

74

Seamus Shanley

OG

6-1

281

Sr.

Syracuse, N.Y. / West Genesee

75

Denzel Ward

OT

6-8

325

R-Fr.

Chicago, Ill. / Neal F. Simeon

76

Keaton Darney

OT

6-3

280

R-Fr.

Los Angeles, Calif. / Loyola

78

Jason Emerich

C

6-3

273

Jr.

New Ringgold, Pa. / Blue Mountain

79

Anthony Giudice

DT

6-1

273

Fr.

Monroe Township, N.J. / Avon Old Farms (Conn.)

79

Taylor Hindy

OG

6-4

312

Jr.

West Hills, Calif. / Chaminade Prep

80

Tyler Provo

TE

6-2

223

So.

West Palm Beach, Fla. / American Heritage School

82

Alvin Cornelius

WR

6-1

183

Jr.

Staten Island, N.Y. / Tottenville

83

Sean Avant

WR

5-10

207

So.

Miramar, Fla. / Miramar

84

Ben Lewis

HB

6-2

213

Jr.

Middletown, Md. / Middletown

85

Nesean Crofford

WR

5-10

178

Fr.

Alpharetta, Ga. / Alpharetta

86

Adly Enoicy

WR

6-5

226

R-Fr.

Delray Beach, Fla. / Atlantic Community

87

Kendall Moore

TE

6-5

245

Jr.

Chicago, Ill. / Neal F. Simeon

88

Clay Austin

WR

5-9

164

So.

Montclair, N.J. / Seton Hall Prep

89

Josh Parris

TE

6-4

246

Jr.

Stone Mountain, Ga. / Stephenson

90

Cameron MacPherson TE

6-3

248

Jr.

Syracuse, N.Y. / Christian Brothers Academy

92

Riley Dixon

P

6-5

219

Sr.

Blossvale, N.Y. / Christian Brothers Academy

93

Qaadir Sheppard

DE

6-3

247

Fr.

Bronx, N.Y. / Iona Prep

95

Chris Slayton

DT

6-4

288

R-Fr.

University Park, Ill. / Crete Monee

97

Amir Ealey

DE

6-3

237

Fr.

Coatesville, Pa. / Coatesville

99

Jake Pickard

DE

6-5

244

Fr.

Short Hills, N.J. / Millburn

pittsburgh roster No. 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 11 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 29 30 31 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 43 43 44 45 45 46 47 48 48 49 50 50 51 52 53 53 54 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 66 67 68 69 70 70 71 72 74 75 76 77 78 80 81 82 83 85 86 87 88 91 92 93 94 95 96 97

Name Tre Tipton Terrish Webb Ben DiNucci Nicholas Grigsby Bam Bradley Nate Peterman Chris James Ejuan Price Lafayette Pitts Adam Bertke Jamal Davis II Dewayne Hendrix Manny Stocker Jordan Whitehead Quadree Henderson Nathan Bossory Dane Jackson Chris Blewitt Avonte Maddox Reggie Mitchell Chad Voytik Chris Wuestner Ryan Winslow Dontez Ford Dennis Briggs Malik Henderson Jameel Poteat Darrin Hall Tyler Boyd James Conner Pat Amara Jr. Jevonte Pitts Nico Lodovico Anthony McKee Elijah Zeise Rachid Ibrahim Oluwaseun Idowu Mike Caprara Jaymar Parrish Phillipie Motley Mark Bernsdorff George Aston Michael Dunn Qadree Ollison Ryan Lewis Saleem Brightwell Jaquaun Davidson James Folston Colton Lively Anthony Rippol Jalen Williams Joey Kerle Jay Stocker Matt Steinbeck Devon Edwards Nick Goldsmith Rimoni Dorsey Matt Galambos Kellen McAlone Zach Poker Alec Schuster Dom Cuono Mike Grimm Jim Medure Shakir Soto Dorian Johnson Brian Popp Tyrique Jarrett Justin Moody Artie Rowell Quintin Wirginis Tony Pilato Aaron Reese Pat Quirin John Guy Alex Officer Aaron Britton Mike Herndon David Murphy Kyle Benbrook Adam Bisnowaty Calvin Hamilton Brian O’Neill Gabe Roberts Carson Baker Alex Paulina Jaryd Jones-Smith Connor Dintino Alex Galiyas Alex Bookser Zach Challingsworth Tony Harper Rafael Araujo-Lopes Scott Orndoff Jester Weah J.P. Holtz Reggie Green Gentry Ivery Darryl Render Rori Blair Shane Roy Jeremiah Taleni Khaynin Mosley-Smith Allen Edwards Mark Scarpinato

Ht. 6-0 5-11 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-6 6-2 6-4 6-2 5-11 5-8 6-3 6-0 5-9 5-9 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-2 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-2 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-6 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-5 6-5 6-1 6-7 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-6 6-0 6-6 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-7 6-3 6-2 6-6 6-2 6-4 5-9 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-3

Wt. 170 190 190 220 230 225 210 250 195 235 225 275 220 185 170 240 165 190 170 190 215 210 210 215 190 185 215 215 200 240 195 200 215 200 215 195 185 230 270 180 185 240 235 230 195 195 205 240 240 230 205 235 185 210 270 210 190 240 200 235 185 235 325 220 265 300 225 335 280 310 240 315 315 225 310 335 280 305 220 295 300 315 290 300 325 300 335 310 270 310 200 225 190 265 205 250 230 195 300 240 245 295 305 235 285

Pos. WR DB QB LB LB QB RB DL DB QB LB DL WR DB WR TE DB PK DB DB QB WR P WR DB DB LB RB WR RB DB DB LB LB WR RB DB LB TE DB DB FB DL RB DB LB WR DL FB FB DB FB DB LB TE P DB LB WR DL PK LB OL LB DL OL LB DL DL OL LB OL OL LS OL OL OL OL LS OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL WR TE WR TE WR TE DL WR DL DL DL DL DL DL DL

Cl. Fr. Jr. Fr. R-Sr. R-Jr. R-Jr. So. R-Sr. R-Sr. R-Fr. R-Fr. So. R-Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. So. R-Jr. R-Jr. R-Jr. R-So. R-Jr. R-Fr. Fr. R-Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. R-Jr. R-So. Fr. R-Fr. Jr. R-Fr. R-Jr. Jr. R-Fr. So. R-Fr R-S0.

R-Fr. R-Jr. Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-So. R-Jr. R-Fr. R-Fr. Fr. R-Sr. R-So. R-Fr. Fr. Jr. R-Fr. R-So. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. R-Fr. Jr. R-So. R-Sr. So. Fr. R-So. R-Jr. R-Jr. R-So. Fr. R-Fr. R-Sr. Fr. R-Jr. Fr. R-Fr. R-Jr. R-So. Fr. R-So. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-So. R-So. So. Jr. R-So. Sr. R-So. Fr. Sr. So. R-Fr. R-So. R-Sr. Jr. R-Sr.

Hometown (High School/Previous School/Club) Apollo, Pa./Apollo-Ridge Clairton, Pa./Clairton Wexford, Pa./Pine-Richland Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood-Madison Dayton, Ohio/Trotwood-Madison Jacksonville, Fla./Tennessee Chicago, Ill./Notre Dame College Prep Rankin, Pa./Woodland Hills Duquesne, Pa./Woodland Hills Maria Stein, Ohio/Marion Local Canton, Ohio/Canton McKinley O’Fallon, Ill./Tennessee Coatesville, Pa./UT Martin Aliquippa, Pa./Central Valley Wilmington, Del./Alexis I. du Pont Chelsea, Mich./Air Force Coraopolis, Pa./Cornell (Quaker Valley) Alexandria, Va./West Potomac Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King Pittsburgh, Pa./Shady Side Academy Cleveland, Tenn./Cleveland Carlisle, Pa./Carlisle Maple Glen, Pa./La Salle College HS McKees Rocks, Pa./Sto-Rox Wilkinsburg, Pa./Shady Side Academy Plantation, Fla./Hallandale Harrisburg, Pa./Bishop McDevitt Youngstown, Ohio/Austintown Fitch Clairton, Pa./Clairton Erie, Pa./McDowell Philadelphia, Pa./West Catholic Forest Hills, Pa./Woodland Hills/Milford Academy (N.Y.) Murrysville, Pa./Kent State Columbus, Ohio/Marion-Franklin Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny Rockville, Md./Avalon Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny Turtle Creek, Pa./Woodland Hills Monroeville, Pa./Gateway Columbus, Ohio/Hilliard Davidson Sylvania, Ohio/Wheaton (Ill.) Stephens City, Va./Sherando Pittsburgh, Pa./Bishop Canevin Niagara Falls, N.Y./Canisius H.S. Seattle, Wash./Eastlake Paterson, N.J./Paramus Catholic Elizabeth, Pa./Elizabeth Forward Cocoa, Fla./Cocoa Lake Dallas, Texas/Lake Dallas McKees Rocks, Pa./Montour Newburgh, N.Y./Newburgh Free Academy Harrisburg, PA/Bishop McDevitt Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville Area Pittsburgh, Pa./Bucknell Columbus, Ohio/Eastmoor Academy Dyer, Ind./St. Rita of Cascia Richmond, Va./Trinity Episcopal School Collingdale, Pa./The Haverford School Dallas, Texas/Jesuit College Preparatory School Oconomowoc, Wis./Oconomowoc Matthews, N.C./Weddington Tampa, Fla./Carrollwood Day School Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park New Castle, Pa./Neshannock Wilkes-Barre, Pa./G.A.R. Memorial Belle Vernon, Pa./Belle Vernon Area Loveland, Ohio/Loveland Pittsburgh, Pa./Taylor Allderdice/Milford Academy (N.Y.) Philadelphia, Pa./George Washington Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield Area Chambersburg, Pa./Chambersburg Area Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic Somerville, Mass./New Hampton School (N.H.) Rochester, N.Y./Eastridge Washington, Pa./Trinity Greenville, Va./Riverheads Buffalo, N.Y./St. Francis Washington, N.J./Bethlehem Catholic (Pa.) Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel Philadelphia, Pa./Eastern Christian Academy (Md.) Wilmington, Del./Salesianum School New London, Wis./New London Fairborn, Ohio/Fairborn Canonsburg, Pa./Canon-McMillan Voorhees, N.J./West Catholic (Pa.) Mashpee, Mass./Choate Rosemary Hall (CT) Dexter, Mich./Detroit Catholic Central Pittsburgh, Pa./Mt. Lebanon McDonald, Pa./South Fayette Toledo, Ohio/St. John’s Jesuit Kissimmee, Fla./Reedley (Calif.)

Waynesburg, Pa./Seton-La Salle Madison, Wis./Madison Memorial Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area Cranford, N.J./Cranford Mansfield, Texas/Mansfield Legacy Cleveland, Ohio/St. Edward Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair Reading, Ohio/Reading Kaneohe, Hawaii/Kailua Pittsburgh, Pa./Woodland Hills/Milford Academy (N.Y.) Miami, Fla./Dean (MA) Milwaukee, Wis./Michigan St.

october 23-24, 2015 13

dailyorange.com sports@dailyorange.com

Syracuse has struggled against screens in recent weeks. Defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough said his young defense hasn’t recognized plays well enough.

Syracuse strives to improve defending screen passes Text by Paul Schwedelson asst. copy editor

Photos by Jessica Sheldon staff photographer

Julian Whigham was asked to explain what went wrong on Virginia’s 18-play, overtime-forcing final drive of regulation on Saturday. The answer was a simple one — screen passes — and then he repeated himself four times for emphasis.

The prior week against South Florida, Syracuse was gashed in similar ways, most memorably on an 18-yard gain on third-and-14. In a onescore game at that point, it prolonged an eventual fourth-quarter touchdown drive.

For a defense that features 14 underclassmen on its two-deep depth chart, recognizing opponents’ plays is a challenge.

“What happens when you have a young team is they’re just trying to execute the defense,” defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough said.

“They’re not seeing the offense.”

Linemen getting leverage, linebackers pursuing the ball and defensive backs shedding blocks all need to get better. The three levels of SU’s (3-3, 1-1 Atlantic Coast) defense hope to improve its screen-

pass defense against No. 25 Pittsburgh (5-1, 3-0) on Saturday in the Carrier Dome at noon.

While other position groups have different responsibilities, cornerback Juwan Dowels said the secondary’s job is to attack the play. Dowels said the biggest challenge is when offensive linemen, who might weigh 100 pounds heavier, run full speed into open space.

“Definitely just being aware of it,” Dowels said of the most important aspect in stopping a screen. “It’s something in the game that really could change the game, could get a big first down off of it, you could score off of it.”

Once players recognize it, Dowels said the defensive backs try to “trick (offensive linemen) and beat them with quick steps,” in order to avoid being blocked. If they can’t make the tackle, they try to force the play back inside to where SU’s front seven could catch up and bring the ball-carrier down.

Late in the first quarter against South Florida, that didn’t happen. Quarterback Quinton Flowers faked a handoff, deviating from the standard development of a screen pass, and threw the ball near the line of scrimmage to wide receiver Tyre McCants. Fifty-seven yards later, he was brought

Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer said poor leverage and missed tackles has led to opponents’ success on screens through the first six games this season.

down on the Orange’s 2-yard line and two plays after that, USF scored a touchdown.

“It’s just a matter of actually catching the guy that catches the ball,” senior defensive end Donnie Simmons said. “It’s out on the perimeter so as long as we can contain him, we should be straight.”

The issue is Syracuse hasn’t always been able to do that. Simmons said as soon as he sees the offensive linemen take a couple steps, he recognizes the play. But not everyone else on the field might see it as well as the fourth-year veteran.

On the drive Whigham referred to, Virginia traveled 88 yards in six minutes, 52 seconds. Virginia faced a crucial fourth-and-3, that if SU stopped, it likely would have won the game. Instead, Taquan Mizzell caught a

pass 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage with two offensive linemen who opened up a lane near the sideline.

Three plays later, the Cavaliers ran another screen and again two linemen got out in front and paved the way for a 12-yard gain. It moved UVA from the 24-yard line to the 12-yard line and put the Cavaliers in prime position for a score.

After two losses in which Syracuse was close in the fourth quarter, the difference going forward for SU could come down to small details — and short passes.

“Guys that haven’t played before,” Bullough said of the players struggling with screens. “We just got to keep emphasizing it in practice and that’s the only thing you can do.” pmschwed@syr.edu | @pschweds

14 october 23-24, 2015

dailyorange.com sports@dailyorange.com

syracuse football schedule DATE

OPPONENT TIME

Saturday, Oct. 24

Pittsburgh Noon

Saturday, Oct. 31

at Florida State Noon

Saturday, Nov. 7

at Louisville TBA

Saturday, Nov. 14

Clemson TBA

Saturday, Nov. 21

at North Carolina State TBA

Saturday, Nov. 28

Boston College TBA

86

Destiny USA

october 23-24, 2015 15

dailyorange.com sports@dailyorange.com

Shane Wallen walks on OSU team as senior to honor mom

By Liam Sullivan staff writer

When Shane Wallen got word of his mother’s terminal cancer in 2011, his world stopped. Hours of offseason workouts going into his freshman year were nullified. Dreams of starting on Butte Junior College’s football team dissolved.

His immediate future was unclear, but he knew football wasn’t in it.

“Overall, it was a difficult decision,” Wallen said. “But what made it easier was knowing that I was going to spend my mom’s last few months with her by her bed side and making memories that can never be taken away.”

Wallen picked up two jobs — working as a restaurant waiter and personal trainer — to support himself and ensure he was available to take care of his mother, Vickie Wallen, for the 11 months she lived after diagnosis. He never played a down for Butte football, but kept the sport in his life by assisting the strength and conditioning coaches.

Combining his passion for fitness with the memory of his late mother, Wallen parlayed his two years as an assistant to Butte’s strength and conditioning coaches into a transfer to Oregon State to intern with its football team. After assisting the team in workouts last season, the senior’s now listed on the Beaver’s roster as a running back — achieving both his and his mom’s dream.

“When things get hard and I’m having a tough day, it makes it a lot easier to look up and know that she’s watching,” Wallen said. “It keeps me going and brought me to where I am now.”

Without any offers out of high school, Wallen enrolled in junior college powerhouse

Butte with the hopes of playing football and gaining strength and conditioning experience.

His mother’s illness temporarily derailed his plans, and a bulk of caretaking fell on him as his twin brother was enlisted in the Marines and his stepdad worked.

Wallen needed to be on call to run errands like going to the grocery store or taking his mom to appointments. He juggled caring for his mother with classes at Butte and working two jobs —still finding the time to volunteer in the weight room for the football team.

Nearly a year after receiving her terminal diagnosis, Vickie Wallen passed away in August 2012.

“It was pretty hard for him,” said his brother, Mitch Wallen. “She’d always been his biggest fan and one of biggest reasons he loved sports and was going to college.”

Wallen continued to work two jobs and advance his work with Butte’s strength and conditioning program. He needed to support himself and with his second and final year in junior college approaching, he wanted to transfer to a bigger school.

Marcus Dorin, now the head strength and conditioning coach at Butte, saw Wallen’s passion and drive for the coaching field. Through all the adversity, Dorin said, Wallen had the two attributes of a great strength coach — passion and presence — and wanted to help his assistant out.

Dorin referred Wallen to a contact in Oregon State’s athletic department and Wallen drove over eight hours from his hometown of Chico, California to drop off his resume on campus. With Dorin opening the door, Wallen received the opportunity he coveted — accep-

tance to OSU in the 2014 school year paired with an internship in the athletic department’s strength and conditioning program.

After a season of working primarily with the football players, coaches were impressed enough by Wallen’s fitness and work ethic to offer him a tryout to walk-on. Four years removed from the last down he played, Wallen excelled in the tryout and joined the Beavers officially as a player in March.

“When he’d run sprints with the guys, he was beating these scholarship players every day,” Dorin said. “In the weight room, he was out-lifting these guys that are supposedly going to the league every day. Hell, why not give

that guy shot to walk-on?”

While he hasn’t seen the field this season, Wallen making the Beaver’s roster has big implications for his future. Having “walked the walk” and participated in the highest level of college football, Doris said Wallen’s legitimacy is bolstered as an aspiring strength and conditioning coach.

But for this season, the senior running back’s thrilled to play the sport he loves in honor of his late mother.

“There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about her and the time we spent together,” Wallen said. “Every time I step on this field, it’s just as much for me as it is for her.” lpsull01@syr.edu

16 october 23-24, 2015

dailyorange.com sports@dailyorange.com

PREGAME PLAYBOOK key players

beat writer predictions

they said it

SAM BLUM (4-2)

syracuse

pittsburgh 17, syracuse 14 ot

ANTWAN CORDY

JORDAN FREDERICKS

safe t y

running back

HT: 5’8” WGHT: 175 YEAR: SOPHOMORE

HT: 5’10” WGHT: 175 YEAR: FRESHMAN

We’re not a 3-3 team, but it’s our reality…

Whether you like it or not, you’ve got six more games to play.

Zaire Franklin

safety net

Coming off a fumble return for a touchdown against Virginia, Cordy has arguably been the most impressive member among the SU defensive backs. He leads the team in tackles for a loss (7), ranks second in total tackles (34) and has tacked on two sacks as well.

su linebacker

head of steam

The freshman running back scored his third rushing touchdown of the season against UVA, which put him into the team lead for times crossing the plane with four. He heads into his second start with 269 yards and 5.3 yards per carry to his name.

pittsburgh

They want me sliding and not taking any shots. It’s not really in my nature.

Eric Dungey

su quarterback

TYLER BOYD

QADREE OLLISON

wide receiver

running back

HT: 6’2” WGHT: 200 YEAR: JUNIOR

HT: 6’2” WGHT: 230 YEAR: FRESHMAN

fresh legs

Ollison, a redshirt freshman, replaced Heisman hopeful James Conner when the starter tore his right MCL in Pittsburgh’s season opener against Youngstown State.

Pitt brings a downhill rushing attack led by Ollison, who has run for 559 yards and five touchdowns in six games.

stats to know

catching on

Boyd leads the ACC in catches per game and receiving yards per game. His 396 yards and four touchdowns in five games should concern a Syracuse secondary that hasn’t quite been up to snuff this season. Oh, and he also has 29 more catches than anyone else on the team.

In the penultimate game of 2014, Syracuse was shut out in the first half and Ron Thompson ran the ball one yard for his first career touchdown. Pittsburgh QB Chad Voytik completed 14 of 20 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns.

syracuse offensive yards

nov. 22, 2014 freshmen 69.9%

PITT

pittsburgh 30 syracuse 7

SYRACUSE

OFFENSIVE YARDS

yards on the ground 21.5%

445 255

eric dungey’s total yards

FIRST DOWNS 28 other 78.5%

12

Scott Shafer

su head coach on pitt hc pat narduzzi

by the numbers

last time they played

other 30.1%

We started putting together some defensive thought and stole some ideas from some really good coaches.

56

Years since the Orange has scored 24 points in each of the first six games of the season

Eric Dungey is 23 yards shy of grabbing fifth place on the SU freshman single-season passing yards list

27

23

Number of penalties Syracuse has committed this season which is tied for second fewest in the ACC

Years since SU head coach Scott Shafer and Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi started coaching together at Rhode Island

22

Kitty has claws Syracuse is better than its record indicates, so the Orange will keep up with the surprisingly upstart Panthers. But as was the case last week against Virginia, shaky performance on both sides of the ball late push the Orange to 3-4, and even further past the realm of bowl contention.

JESSE DOUGHERTY (3-3) pittsburgh 24, syracuse 14

(Insert joke about reeling bowl hopes) At the start of the season, it didn’t seem like Syracuse would need to beat Pittsburgh at home to keep its bowl-eligibility hopes afloat. But after three straight losses — the last two to South Florida and Virginia — that’s exactly what the Orange needs to do, but won’t be able to accomplish in the Carrier Dome on Saturday.

MATT SCHNEIDMAN (5-1) pittsburgh 34, syracuse 17

Sex panther Just like Paul Rudd’s cologne in Anchorman 2, Pitt wide receiver Tyler Boyd will put the Syracuse secondary in a daze.

Having to face arguably the conference’s best receiver, in addition to facing a ranked team while coming off two consecutive losses to one-win teams doesn’t spell a win for Syracuse.

PAUL SCHWEDELSON (5-1) pittsburgh 27, syracuse 10

Steal city Pitt’s only loss this season came by three points to Iowa, a team with an inside shot at playing for a Big Ten championship.

Against a team with one of the best receivers in the nation in Boyd and a running back with the fourth most rushing yards in the ACC in Qadree Ollison, Syracuse is unable to steal a win.