Orange and blue, coming off a losing season, low home attendance … Syracuse and Virginia have a lot in common entering the 2015 season. Scott Shafer’s team posted a 3-9 record in 2014 and he has guided the Orange to a 10-15 record overall in his tenure. The question is whether Cuse can recapture the play that led it to a victory in the 2013 Texas Bowl. In fact, the Orange have won three bowl games in the past five years. Shafer has an experienced core to build around this season, but capturing fan interest may prove more difficult. The Orange are expecting approximately 30,000 in attendance for the season opener against Rhode Island.

Syracuse Peek

• Head Coach (record at school): Scott Shafer (10-15)
• 2014 Record: 3-9
• Offense 2014 Total Yards/Game (National ranking): 329.9 (116th)
• Offense 2014 Points/Game: 15.1 (121st – tie)
• Defense 2014 Total Yards/Game: 349.2 (27th)
• Defense 2014 Points/Game: 24.3 (37th – tie)

What To Expect On Game Day

Offense: In another similarity with Virginia, the offense caused the most issues for Syracuse in 2014. Despite having a scoring defense ranked in the top 40, an offense ranked among the nation’s bottom eight teams prevented much success in the win column.

The good news for the Orange is that a lot of experienced players are back on this side of the ball. That conversation starts with senior quarterback Terrel Hunt, who has piled up 3,413 yards of total offense in his career to date. He has thrown for 2,621 yards and 11 touchdowns and run for 792 yards and 13 touchdowns. In front of Hunt is an experienced offensive line. Four players, left tackle Ivan Foy, left guard Nick Robinson, center Rob Trudo, and right tackle Omari Palmer have combined for 86 career starts.

At the skill positions, keep an eye on two spots: receiver and hybrid back. Sophomore wideout Steve Ishmael led the team in receiving touchdowns (three) and was second in receptions (27) and receiving yards (415). The hybrid back position favors versatile speedsters that can line up in the backfield or as a receiver. Sophomore Ervin Philips (727 all-purpose yards in 2014) and junior Ben Lewis (24 catches, 275 yards at receiver in 2014) are the top candidates to fill that role.

...