Hope Springs Eternal: Why the Orange Could Begin Their Resurgence In 2009

(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

Williams will command a double-team from opposing defense, and it should help to open things up for the running game, as well as the other receivers on the field. 

Donte Davis emerged as a solid possession receiver last season and he was surrounded by other quality receivers like Lavar Lobdell and Marcus Sales, but the Orange desperately needed a big play threat. Mike Williams will fill that need and it could help Syracuse become much more dynamic on offense.

3. A solid stable of running backs:

Last season Curtis Brinkley emerged from a pack of quality backs and ran for over 1,000 yards for the Orange. In 2009, The Orange will be without Brinkley's services, but they still boast a considerable amount of talent at the running back position.

First on the pre-Spring depth chart is junior Delone Carter.

Carter is now two years removed from what could have been a devastating hip injury that he received during spring practice before his sophomore year. After sitting out the entire 2007 season, he returned to the field last year and played sparingly. 

The former Mr. Football of Ohio played well in his limited playing time, but he was once again derailed when he pulled his hamstring during a loss to Penn State. When he went down, Carter became an after-thought as Curtis Brinkley solidified his spot as the team's feature back. 

On the year, Carter managed 137 rushing yards on 23 carries for a respectable 6.0 yards a carry. 

As a freshman, Carter displayed right away what a dynamic runner he is. That season he lead the team in rushing with 713 yards on 156 carries (4.6 per) and four touchdowns while splitting the workload with Curtis Brinkley. His 713 yards was the second highest ever by a freshman at Syracuse, behind Joe Morris. Following his extremely successful freshman campaign, Carter was expected to become the next great running back for Syracuse but those expectations had to be put on hold when he dislocated his hip during the following spring practice.

Carter will be looking to get back on track in a big way this season and could shine in Doug Marrone's new offense.

Right behind Carter is true sophomore Antwon Bailey who came out of nowhere for Syracuse last season.

Bailey became the change of pace back behind Brinkley mid-way through last season and really impressed. He solidified his position as a contender for the starting job this year when he went off for 126 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries (7.9 per) in a win at Notre Dame in November. 

He finished the season with 221 rushing yards on 33 carries for 6.7 yards per carry and two touchdowns. 

Likely backing up Carter and Bailey will be Averin Collier, the highly touted prospect from Rochester who red-shirted last season. 

Collier was a four-star recruit and the 12th ranked back in the class of 2008 according to Scout.com. The talented underclassmen could push for serious playing time this season, particularly if Carter is unable to stay healthy. 

Doug Hogue, the team's second leading rusher in 2008 is likely switching to linebacker, but it's possible he could be called upon to run the ball if the need arises. 

4. Improving defense:

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