5 keys for Syracuse to beat Central Michigan on Saturday
Syracuse's run game has been superior to CMU's in the first two games of the 2015 season. Chase Guttman | Asst. Photo Editor
Syracuse (2-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast) would be halfway to bowl eligibility with a win over Central Michigan (1-1) on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in the Carrier Dome. Last year, the Orange took down the Chippewas 40-3 on the road.
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1. Eric Dungey’s efficiency
Through two games, Dungey is the seventh-most efficient quarterback in Division I. The freshman has yet to throw an interception and has completed 60 percent of his passes. With offensive coordinator Tim Lester putting him in spots to succeed, Dungey could continue to strive against a mid-major opponent.
2. Brisly Estime’s explosiveness
Estime has only touched the ball nine times this season, yet he has scored two of SU’s most important touchdowns. His ability to break big plays out of nowhere is his best attribute, something the Orange couldn’t rely on in 2014 when he missed most of the season to injury. But now Estime is back and he’s proven it.
3. Setting the tempo on ground
Central Michigan has struggled so far on the ground, depending a lot on an improved quarterback Cooper Rush. While the Chippewas competed with Oklahoma State into the second half, eventually the Cowboys pulled away. Had CMU been able to establish a consistent rhythm on the ground, the result might have been different. Central Michigan averages just 103 rush yards per game compared to 231 for SU.
4. Defending three-, four- and five-receiver sets
One of the biggest changes that first-year head coach John Bonamego has made this year is the increase in wide receivers that CMU has used. So far, it has diversified the Chippewas’ offense and added unpredictability.
In two games, Syracuse’s defense has made at least three interceptions against multi-receiver sets. Corey Winfield’s pick-six against Rhode Island was against a four-receiver set. When facing Wake Forest, Parris Bennett’s interception was against a similar four-receiver set with pressure only coming from a few blitzers. Later, Wake Forest used three receivers and a tight end to run routes on the play Donnie Simmons made his interception.
5. Rushing Rush
Central Michigan has three sophomores on its offensive line and while the other two are seniors, there will be opportunities for Syracuse to exploit inexperience. Last year, the Orange sacked Rush five times in a dominant performance in which SU only allowed three points. In Week 1, against another Power-Five conference opponent, Rush was sacked four times. If Syracuse can disrupt Central Michigan’s passing game, SU should have a favorable chance to win.
