The Daily Orange

Media Credit: David Krebs

Production: Stephen Dockery

Mike Williams had seen enough of last year. He and his Syracuse teammates were tired of watching film of last year's 2-10 campaign. Tired of rehashing the shortcomings and errors that doomed SU's 2007 season.

No wonder Wednesday must have seemed therapeutic, as the Orange opened its spring practice with an afternoon workout at the Carrier Dome.

"It was hurting just going to through (winter) practice and all these film works," Williams said. "Now it's just good to be back out there."

The five-week series of workouts will culminate in Syracuse's spring game at the Carrier Dome on April 19.

A lot has changed since the final whistle blew on Syracuse's season in December. The offensive and defensive coordinators have been removed and replaced, a noteworthy recruiting class has been signed and personnel groups have shifted.

But all who donned an Orange helmet on Wednesday agreed that getting back to work was better than any more reflection on last year.

"They're ready to get back out," said head coach Greg Robinson, who has compiled a 7-28 record in his three seasons at Syracuse. "I even sensed that through the winter program. I know they want to turn it around badly."

There's a lot to be corrected on both sides of the ball before that can happen.

On the offensive side, new offensive coordinator Mitch Browning spent Wednesday installing his new scheme.

"(We have) a new offense, so it's a little bit exciting and little nerve-wracking at the same time," junior quarterback Andrew Robinson said. "But it looked like a lot of guys knew their stuff out there."

Browning's biggest task will be improving an offensive line that was Syracuse's biggest weakness last year. The Orange ranked second to last in the country in both rushing and sacks allowed.

Continued...

Page 1 of 3 next >

Article Tools