One of the assistant coaching hires I was most excited about by Coach Wannstedt was getting Running Backs Coach David Walker from Syracuse. For Coach Wannstedt to go with a stronger, better running game a top flight coach to work with the running backs was essential and Walker has been doing an outstanding job in Syracuse for a number of years.
This week, of course, it also means players and coaches coming to Walker for more information about the Syracuse team.
Although Walker is trying to avoid talking about his past, his knowledge of the Orange has proven to be quite a resource for the Panthers’ coaching staff.
“I can provide a pretty good scouting report on the personnel that is there,” Walker said. “Schematically things are a little different but the players are still the players, so I’ve talked to the people I feel I need to talk to about some of the strengths and weaknesses with their personnel.”
The players and coaches have been coming to him since Sunday.
“It’s a big resource,” defensive end Chris McKillop said. “Coach Walker can tell us what’s good, what’s not good, how they’re going to prepare, how they’re going to come out, things like that. It’s always good to have someone on your side who can let you know little details about the other team.”
Among the first in line to talk to Walker was defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads.
“I think that’s just smart coaching,” Rhoads said. “We have a chance to get some first-hand knowledge of their personnel and we’ve certainly utilized that. You see things on film — height, size, speed, strength. He gives us a more specific scouting report because he was there, living with those kids for so long.”
Walker is able to offer a lot of insight on the Orange’s top offensive threat, senior tailback Damien Rhodes.
Rhodes is the 3rd leading rusher in the Big East, behind only Michael Bush, Louisville and Andre Hall, USF. He is averaging 93.2 yds/game and around another 25 yards with receptions. Roughly speaking, Rhodes accounts for about 44% of the Orange’s total offense.
From Syracuse, Greg Robinson had another press conference. On the topics regarding Pitt.
Robinson on coaching against Dave Wannstedt and if he thinks about the similarity between their seasons:
“No. Not at all. Dave ain’t feeling sorry for me and I didn’t feel sorry for Dave when he was going through his little turmoil. I know Dave. He is a great guy and we’ve known each other for a long time. He was at USC when I was at UCLA, the first time we came across each other back in 1982. We’ve known each other since. To be honest with you, I don’t think much about Dave right now.”
Robinson on Pittsburgh:
“I’m thinking about their players. I’m thinking about what (offensive coordinator Matt) Cavanaugh is thinking. That’s the name of the game right now, getting down to it.”
Robinson on Pittsburgh quarterback Tyler Palko:
“Who’s he? (laughing). I’m only kidding, c’mon. I like Palko. I like him. He is a competitor. He’s gifted. Walt Harris, who is a good friend of mine, has great respect for him and his family. He’s a Pitt guy. I think that says a lot about a kid. When a program sees him like that, that’s a good thing.”
Robinson on Pittsburgh‘s offensive turnaround:
“I was just saying Sunday, you throw a three-yard pass, it goes for 65 yards, that’s a wonderful thing. They’re getting it done. They’re getting it done on offense, defense, and the kicking game. They’re playing good ball right now.”
Not exactly giving away a lot of information as to what they will be doing on Saturday.
Some of what they will be doing — continue rotating QBs.
The two-headed quarterback monster continues to live at Syracuse. How much starting quarterback Perry Patterson gives way to backup Joe Fields remains a mystery.
Robinson offered last weekend that the Orange had created different systems to take advantage of each quarterback’s strengths. Tuesday, Robinson said the team needs one system for both quarterbacks.
“I think it has to stay our system and let them (the quarterbacks) play as opposed to building one or the other,” Robinson said. “That’s crazy.”
Fields got few snaps against Rutgers because he and starting tailback Damien Rhodes fumbled two basic handoffs on running plays.
Robinson was asked how different the play-selection would have been with Fields.
“Well, I’m not going to say,” Robinson said. “I’m not going to really say. We’re staying within our system, for both guys.”
Other things they definitely will be working on is not fumbling. They fumbled the ball 9 times against Rutgers this past weekend (losing 5). Their starting outside linebacker, Tommy Harris, is doubtful for the game with an abdominal injury. This will also be the game where more of their younger players will get a chance — not that he is giving up on the season, of course.
“I want to consider some young players that I see showing life and developing, maybe a play here or a play there,” Robinson said. “I’m not going to go into specifics right now because, to say who are they right now? I don’t know. I want to start to try to see if we can do that.
“In the receiving corps, that’s being done. Even in the running back corps, it’s being done to an extent. I just think, there are some of the young players, I think are starting to show some signs of maturity. That’s a good thing.”
The Orange starts six seniors on defense and five on offense. Robinson said it’s easier to play young players in the defensive line, who he added play in accordance to their ability and the players behind them. He said it’s more difficult for a skilled player like cornerback.
Coach Robinson never likes to go into specifics, does he?
