One’s misfortune is another’s good fortune

Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson has to look on the bright side, but it’s hard given the situation.

Wide receiver Taj Smith is likely out for the year due to a collarbone injury. Robinson said the injury gives other receivers to a chance to step in and replace him.

Tight end Tom Ferron seemed to do just that on Saturday. He finished with five catches for 54 yards.

‘That definitely gives other guys a chance,’ Ferron said. ‘Maybe it’ll get the team to rely on the tight end a little bit more. I’m not sure. We are definitely getting a lot more action, though. It all depends on what kind of defense they play.’

Ferron had a 29-yard reception in the second quarter. Ferron was involved in a fumble recovery and fielding an onside kick.

‘I really liked his development,’ Robinson said. ‘A year ago at this time he was a different guy, very young. He’s grown up a lot. He’s gifted and I think he will continue to develop.’

Going for the gold

Defensive end Jameel McClain continued to claim his spot as the leader in sacks in the Big East when he recorded two on Saturday.

McClain has made getting to the quarterback a habit, even though this is his first time playing at defensive end. He played linebacker last year.

‘He’s going for the gold,’ senior linebacker Kelvin Smith said. ‘It works out. A sack, you can’t get that all the time. He’s pushing for us. You guys talk about everybody who left. What about the guy who came in? Jameel McClain is making a big difference. I’m very glad to have him.’

Late subs annoy Robinson

Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson joked he’ll find out he’s wrong later on.

After SU’s 34-14 victory over Miami (Ohio), Robinson expressed frustration at Miami’s late substitutions. Oftentimes, the Redhawks employed this tactic, not leaving enough time for SU to adjust with its own substitutions.

Robinson said Big East officials told him if teams have too many men on the field, the officials warn the respective team. But that didn’t seem to happen.

‘I don’t like to talk much about it but it must be different in the Mid-American Conference than a lot of other places about substitution,’ Robinson said. ‘In the Big East, Big 12 and some other places, when that happens the umpire stands over the ball and at least gives you a chance to sub in. That wasn’t happening and (the subbing) didn’t end. It kept going.’

Published on September 23, 2006 at 12:00 pm