OFFENSE DEFENSE

The offense accomplished several nice things last season like averaging 4.2 yards a carry, 8.2 yards per pass attempt, six yards a play and only 13 turnovers. However, the Orange managed just 27.7 points a game, due in large part to converting 36.6 percent on third down. Quarterback Garrett Shrader posted impressive numbers: 2,640 yards passing, 274 rushing, 65 percent passing, but there were too many lapses as a unit. Oronde Gadsden II returns as one of the best receivers in the ACC. He looks to improve on 61 catches and 969 yards. Shrader expects Damien Alford to carry a larger load this season. LaQuint Allen and Juwaun Price form a formidable combo at running back. Dino Babers and his staff added depth to the offensive line through the portal, especially at tackle with Joe More (Richmond) and Dave Wohlabaugh (Kentucky).

DEPTH CHART

Long-time head coach Rocky Long joins the staff to run the defense and his system relies on athletic linebackers who can make plays all over the field. Marlowe Wax and Stefon Thompson fit that mold well. Thompson missed all but one game last season with a leg injury, so he’s itching to create some contact. Wax plays the run and pass equally well. Derek McDonald and Leon Lowery will share duties on the other side. Caleb Okechukwu can get pressure upfront, and the arrival of Braylen Ingraham from Alabama through the portal will help tremendously. Syracuse likes nose tackles that can move, and both Terry Lockett and Kevon Darton fit that bill. But both are undersized at around 270. Justin Barron is a hitting machine at safety. He teams well with Alijah Clark, who is still improving. Isaiah Johnson is the best cover corner.

Special Teams

Special Teams

2023 Schedule Newcomers

O.14 ........... at Florida State

O.26 at Virginia Tech

N.4 .............. Boston College N.11 Pittsburgh (Bronx)

Joe More, T — The transfer from Richmond should stabilize one side of the line.

David Wohlabaugh Jr., OL — The big lineman is a bit of a tweener with the size of a tackle and the skill set of an interior lineman. At any rate, he will provide badly needed depth along the line and will likely line up at several positions this fall.

Clemson O.7 .......... at North Carolina

N.18 .......... at Georgia Tech

N.25 ................. Wake Forest

Braylen Ingraham, DL — The Orange expects to improve production along the D-Line this season, and Ingraham will play a huge role in that improvement.

VIRGINIA Charlottesville, VA

HEAD COACH: Tony Elliott

OC: Des Kitchings

DC: John Rudzinski

2022 RECORD: 3-7 (1-6)

FOUNDED: 1819

STADIUM: Scott (61,500)