Syracuse’s first test against a Power Five opponent, playing on the road and under the lights, did not disappoint.
The ACC/Big Ten match-up was what you would expect with a battle of the run game; What was unexpected, however, was the runs came more from quarterbacks than it did from running backs.
Garrett Shrader finished with a career-high record of four rushing touchdowns and combined for more rushing yards(195 yards) alone than if Syracuse back LeQuint Allen, and all of Purdue’s rushing yards were combined.
Syracuse Coach Dino Babers said the game plan heading in was for Shrader to use his legs more than usual, but even Shrader admitted that he may have used them a bit too much. Every time Shrader scrambles out of the pocket, Syracuse fans hold their breath knowing the he puts himself and the season in harm’s way.
Injury is no concern when the fake hand offs are so deceptive that Shrader can run into the end zone untouched. Babers said the naked boot leg play is something they practice all the time. The team tends to love working on the art of a fake handoff because if they can fool Babers’ who is standing directly behind the play. He must do a form of physical punishment and the team knows they have it good enough ready to go for a game.
The one area where Syracuse showed a need for improvement saturday night was in the passing game. There was a clear lack of connection between Shrader and his receivers. One thing to note is Babers said it was their first night game of the season. As a receiver, the challenge of having a different backdrop of the night sky and not the usual JMA Wireless Dome roof can be challenging, but make no mistake Babers still expects them to catch the ball. Even after the struggles, Shrader remains unfazed.
“I trust those guys,” said Shrader. “There was a lot of balls dropped that we should have had but we’ll get that fixed net week and make those plays.”
As for the defense, who came into this match-up only giving up 3.5 points per game, they showed how they can compete and win in high pressure situations. There were multiple times Purdue knocked on the door and gained momentum, bringing the score within one touchdown. In those moments is when Marlowe Wax, Josh Barron, Derek McDonald and the “mob” played big and forced a handful of turnovers and fumbles. Those plays would turn out to be the difference maker in the game.
A reason behind the defense’s success is their new leader, Coach Long, who continues to show the endless possibilities in the 3-3-5 defense. Wax shared how Coach Long drew up an entirely new play for the defense in two minutes at half time. The defensive team quickly bought in and was able to execute the play for the third and fourth quarter when it counted most.
The team traveled 655 miles back to Syracuse with an appreciation for what they did, but also a realization of where they need to grow. The team will now enter a two-week home stretch and put all eyes forward on their next opponent Army.