Syracuse lost 38-10 at Virginia Tech for its fourth straight defeat. Here are five takeaways from the game.
1. Garrett Shrader
Shrader has not looked right since taking that hit against Clemson. In the last four games, Shrader is completing 57% of his passes, has three touchdowns to two interceptions, has been sacked 17 times and is averaging just 134 passing yards per game. On top of that, he has not looked like the same runner. The explosiveness and elusiveness are not there. He has zero total rushing yards over the last four games compared to 358 in the previous four. Something is off. I am not sure if it is an injury, him regressing, or some other factor, but it is not good right now.
2. Offensive Line
The offensive line had its worst performance of this four game stretch allowing eight sacks and blocking for zero total rushing yards. Virginia Tech came in as the best pass rushing team in the ACC and completely overwhelmed Syracuse. It has been an issue all season and seems to be getting worse, not better. Very concerning as the Orange moves forward. Without significant improvement, Syracuse's offense will continue to struggle mightily.
3. Run Defense
The most disappointing thing about the game Thursday night was Syracuse's run defense, or lack there of. Against a team averaging less than four yards per carry coming in, the Orange allowed 318 yards on the ground for six yards per attempt. Awful. Virginia Tech had not been an outside zone running team at all this season, but gashed Syracuse with it all night. That shows excellent game planning by the Hokies coaches, but Syracuse has to be able to adjust because teams will continue to do that in the final four games.
4. Penalties
Syracuse committed seven penalties for 42 yards. That on its face does not seem like a huge amount. However, many of them came early and put a struggling Syracuse offense well behind the chains. Derailing drives before they had a chance to get going. With Syracuse not starting fast most of this season, that made it almost impossible to do so. Especially coming off of a bye, having penalties on the first two plays is just inexcusable. We know penalties have been an issue all season, and frankly for years, but Syracuse cannot seem to get out of its own way in that aspect.
5. This One is Different
It is one thing to lose to Clemson, North Carolina and Florida State. Especially in blowout fashion. It is another to lose to Virginia Tech the same way. The Hokies, while playing better the last few games, are not on the same level as those other teams. The word used the most from fans and former players on social media was "embarrassing." This type of performance, especially after a bye, is baffling. There seemed to be no energy, no enthusiasm on the Syracuse side. Very concerning moving forward given the importance of the game, having extra time to prepare, etc.
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