Our chat with Nunes Magician
The Q&A comes out for you at 2-0 for the first time in decades? That’s what it feels like, anyway. This week, the Yellow Jackets travel all the way up to Syracuse, New York to face the Fightin’ Orange. FTRS chatted with Dominic Chiappone of the ‘Cuse SBN Blog, Nunes Magician. Keep reading below for his thoughts on their new head coach, dynamic QB, and their chances as home underdogs this weekend.
1. I don’t know much about Fran Brown, other than he came from Georgia. What are first impressions like of him as a coach? I know he was a stud recruiter in Athens, but how much of that was the program selling itself? Has there been a recruiting uptick since his arrival?
There’s been PLENTY out of the gate to like with coach Fran Brown, but the big thing that encompasses it all: renewed optimism within the program and among the fans. Bringing a new energy to the table, having an understanding of the modern college football landscape, connecting strongly with the football alumni, building community. I could go on and on. Also as promised, he’s looked to reestablish Syracuse as a good option for recruits in the Northeast. For this season specifically, that high-level recruiting is how the Orange were able to land guys like Kyle McCord, Zeed Haynes, Jackson Meeks and Fadil Diggs. Just being in the conversation even with some SEC teams for recruit is something that’s pretty new for a lot of fans.
2. Kyle McCord put up strong numbers against Ohio last week. It also looked like he had ample time in the pocket to throw. Are you expecting more of the same this weekend? Or was a weak Ohio front 7 just overwhelmed in week 1 and you’re expecting drop off?
As with most years for Syracuse, the offensive line makes or breaks this team. Specifically, Syracuse’s O-line really excelled way more when the Orange opted to pass compared to when they tried to run (take a look at last week’s PFF grades, for context). I think you’ll see some regression on that front, but Syracuse also just a) has more quality receiving options to put on the field this year and b) boasts a QB who is pass-first over being run-first. Oronde Gadsden and Trebor Pena are two playmakers who could do a lot of damage in space.
3. I have to confess that I know nothing about Syracuse, NY. For Tech fans making the journey for this game, what would you recommend they see and do before and after the game?
If you’re purely sticking to just Syracuse, there are a lot of pretty awesome local restaurants in the area. The top two BBQ spots nearby are Dinosaur BBQ and Limp Lizard (Dino BBQ is more well-known among the students, but Limp Lizard is REALLY good). Other places I recommend include Funk ‘n Waffles, Pastabilities, Glazed & Confused and Guadalajara. The go-to answer for most is Varsity Pizza, which is legit right next door to campus. Friday is your best bet for this, but the campus itself is also fairly walkable especially when it’s not boiling outside.
If you’re staying for the weekend and like sightseeing, catching a sunset by Onondaga Lake is a popular option nearby. Traveling to nearby Ithaca gives you some great outdoor paths to walk and things along those lines. If you really have time on your hands, Niagara Falls is roughly a two and a half hour drive.
4. Who is The Orange’s biggest rival? What football team do you enjoy beating the most?
If we’re keeping this to mainly football, Boston College and (especially) Pittsburgh stand out as the rivalry games most known among pretty much anyone in the fanbase. Among the more long-time fans, Penn State was really a rival decades ago. Beating West Virginia is the team most fans (me included) are always happy to defeat.
5. On the defensive side, who are the standout players? Do the Orange have the DBs to keep up with the speedy GT wideouts?
Linebacker Marlowe Wax would’ve been the clear standout defender for the Orange, but an injury he got in Week 1 will sideline him for this one. Defensive back Justin Barron was an honorable mention for All-ACC last year. Defensive lineman Fadil Diggs, a transfer from Texas A&M, is someone to watch at the line of scrimmage. Other names to watch for include DT Tank Wilson, MLB James Heard, SS Alijah Clark and CBs Marcellus Barnes and Devin Grant.
Tackling and over-pursuing was the main concern for the Orange after the Ohio game. To be honest, I think Syracuse’s passing coverage is pretty decent everywhere except for the middle of the field. What is more scary is figuring out how the Orange will slow down the rushing attack of the Yellow Jackets.
6. And finally, how do you see this game going? Who wins and how?
Let’s be clear: this is going to be an absolute offensive battle between both teams. You’ve got two veteran QBs surrounded by multiple legit playmakers on offense. It’s going to be a fun one. The homer in me has the Orange winning, but I don’t see either team beating the other by more than 7 points. The Syracuse home environment is unique and should be pretty riled up for this matchup. A lot of the issues in Week 1 should happen less this time around (especially on defense, ideally). Among our staff, we’ve had this on our radar for a while: this game was going to be THE early-season test for the Orange. Both teams have a lot to play for. I’ve got Syracuse winning 31-27.
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Thanks again to Dominic and the team at Nunes Magician for chatting with us this week. Will the Jackets be 3-0 going into Week 4? It’s been a long time since we saw the Jackets play as a ranked team.
Game is at noon on Saturday. Go Jackets!