Can Syracuse go unconventional to get a better defense?
The Syracuse Orange defense has had issues without their leader Marlowe Wax. With Wax back and practice and hopefully back in the line-up next week, what should Elijah Robinson do?
The Orange defensive coordinator moved Justin Barron to linebacker to help with defending mobile quarterbacks and the senior had his best game against NC State, earning ACC Linebacker of the Week honors. Robinson could slide Wax back next to Derek McDonald and return Barron to the secondary.
However Barron’s move also allowed Syracuse to move Devin Grant to the “Star” position in the secondary, a move that has allowed Grant to match up more in the slot and with an interception and forced fumble, he’s shown the ability to create turnovers.
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Why doesn’t Grant need to go back to corner? Well, Wax isn’t the only defender hoping to return as corner Marcellus Barnes might be back next week to join Jayden Bellamy and Clarence Lewis on the outside. Grant played safety last year at Buffalo and he gives the Orange a better coverage option on slot receivers. So if you don’t shift Barron back, what’s the plan?
Maybe Barron could stay next to Wax and instead of a 4-2-5, Syracuse goes back to a 3-3-5? Derek McDonald has been a steady presence on defense and having him on the field could allow the Orange to use Isaiah Hastings, Maraad Watson, and Rashard Perry in a rotation at the nose with Denis Jaquez, Chase Simmons, and KingJoseph Edwards to split snaps at the defensive end opposite Fadil Diggs.
Injuries up front are a concern, so getting Wax back next week could allow Elijah Robinson to tinker his line-up a bit more knowing he’s got his defensive quarterback out there.