First Look At The '09 Syracuse Orange Football Team

(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

From enemy territory:

I asked Brian Harrison, Orange::44 blogger, about the 2009 team. He was a bit more excited than I'd expected, but looking at this year's team, he makes a good point: "Nowhere to go but up."

"While Syracuse is most assuredly in a rebuilding year with a coach that can do the job, this season we take comfort in knowing actual improvement will be seen as there is a different guy with the headset on," Harrison said.

Yet, Harrison said Robinson's recruiting successes (or lack of) gives Marrone a lot of work to do, on and off the field.

"Syracuse is still just not as talented as they should be. They are getting better, but Syracuse is still burdened with the majority of poorly recruited players that [name redacted] left us," he told me.

And remember when Syracuse was known for "The Loud House?" Well, Harrison thinks with the eight home games coming this season and growing enthusiasm around Marrone, ticket sales should be up this season.

"This means that at least the hostile away crowd factor will not be a factor for the majority of Syracuse’s games," Harrison said about the schedule. "Syracuse could actually see some decent crowds during the bigger games this season as well. Season ticket holders have vastly dwindled the past few years, but they should increase this season for the first time in a while. Syracuse football fans, despite having bad seasons lately, are knowledgeable football fans and like supporting their team, especially the locals. The Carrier Dome, one of the best on-campus facilities in the nation, could again be friendly confines for the home team and become “The Loud House” again."

For more on the Syracuse Orange:

2009 Syracuse Schedule

Syracuse Spring Game Review

First Look '08: Syracuse Orange

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