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Thread: Syracuse head coach Dino Babers is about to begin his only media availability of the week leading up to SU's season opener at North Carolina. No depth chart has been released yet. Will share updates here.
Babers said it'll be a "very, very difficult task" to defend UNC. You have to bring guys into the box to stop the run and that leads to coverages that favor the Tar Heels' top wideouts. Sounds like there'll be a lot of 1-on-1 matchups Saturday.
Babers asked about potential concerns for traveling to UNC. "We're going to really find out how good this protocol is." Said he and the rest of the ACC decision-makers believe it's a "fantastic plan."
Babers isn't getting into player availability. Said he'll answer those Qs after Week 1. I'd take that to mean we won't be getting a depth chart.
Babers added that he doesn't anticipate teams installing many new wrinkles. It's about building a base given the truncated offseason.
Babers added that he doesn't anticipate teams installing many new wrinkles. It's about building a base given the truncated offseason.
Babers on LB Mikel Jones: "He has been different. He has made a move." Said he can't point to a specific primary area of growth, but praised Jones for his ability to digest info over Zoom.
Jones implied that he's running as the first-team weak-side linebacker last week.
Jones implied that he's running as the first-team weak-side linebacker last week.
Babers is asked about what Jones has shown during preseason camp. Keeps it short. "He's been very consistent."
Babers is asked about an in-house opt-out deadline. "The team needs to know certain things... I think, for the most part, that time has passed." He notes that players are still allowed to return to leave, per NCAA rules, but "morally and spiritually" that time has passed.
Babers on his offensive line: "Scrappy, proudful guys. ... I don't think they read much (media-wise), but I think they have a real feel for what you guys think they are."
Babers admitted there are challenges to preparing for a team like UNC on a short clock, but the focus has been internal. This year is different than any other, he reiterates.
Babers said the SU D will have to take away the run or the pass against UNC and have to live with the rest: "If you let them do everything, you're probably not going to stop anything."
Implied earlier that they'll try to stop the run. Common sense given SU's secondary.
Implied earlier that they'll try to stop the run. Common sense given SU's secondary.
Babers is asked about WRs. Said Ed Hendrix and Anthony Queeley have had strong camps, and that there's still movement toward the bottom of the rotation.
Sharod Johnson, Courtney Jackson and "the freshmen" also mentioned as good performers.
Sharod Johnson, Courtney Jackson and "the freshmen" also mentioned as good performers.
Babers said the WR group as a whole has done "much better" than last year's unit during preseason camp.
