Scouting Syracuse: Offense

Quarterback Ryan Nassib.

The Syracuse offense is a balanced unit, running out of the power-I, but running some shotgun formations as well. The Orange have experienced receivers and a powerful running game that will challenge USF in the match-up.

Offensive line

The line is anchored by the two seniors on the right side. Senior right tackle Michael Hay (6-5 283-pounds) has senior right guard Andrew Tiller (6-5 334-pounds) help protect Ryan Nassib and do a superb job in opening up running lanes. Sophomore Macky Macpherson (6-2 269-pounds) is the starter at center and will have to make the proper calls in protection against the USF pass rush. Junior left guard Zack Chibane (6-5 293-pounds) and junior left tackle Justin Pugh (6-6 292-pounds) do a great job protecting Nassib's blind side, but will have to slow down the aggressive rush of Ryne Giddins on the corner.

Quarterback

SU is led by senior Ryan Nassib (6-2 229-pounds). Nassib is 199 out of 249 (64% completion) for 1960 yards. He has 18 touchdown passes and 6 interceptions. He has a solid arm and makes great decisions in the pocket. He is not a big running threat, but has great foot work and can read a defense quickly. His back-up is junior Charley Loeb (6-4 212-pounds). (note that Antwon Bailey and Van Chew have each attempted a few passes this season, so we could see a few trick plays in this game).

Running backs

Senior Antwon Bailey (5-7 201-pounds) is the main force in the running game. He has 177 carries for 835 yards, including 6 touchdowns. He is a small back, but being low to the ground, he is hard to tackle in space and has quick feet, allowing him to make his cuts quickly. His back-up is sophomore Jerome Smith (5-11 215-pounds) who has 18 carries for 54 yards on the season. The Orange also use a fullback in their power runs. Senior Adam Harris (6-2 248-pounds) has 2 carries for 10 yards on the season.

Receiving

SU is led by senior tight end Nick Provo (6-4 249-pounds) who has 39 receptions for 410 yards, including 6 touchdowns. His size makes for big time mismatches, especially in the redzone. His back-up is sophomore Beckett Wales (6-2 204-pounds) who has 2 receptions for 6 yards.

Senior wide receiver Van Chew (6-1 175-pounds) is one of the top targets for SU. He has 29 receptions for 379 yards, including 3 touchdowns. His back-up is senior Dorian Graham (5-10 185-pounds) who has 21 receptions for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns. Lining up at the other wide receiver spot is junior Alec Lemon (6-2 202-pounds). Lemon has 47 receptions for 531 yards (top downfield threat) and 4 touchdowns. Sophomore Jarrod West (6-2 204-pounds) has 12 receptions for 131 yards and one touchdown.