Greg Robinson hinted after Syracuse’s 17-3 loss to Cincinnati on Saturday that he would need to take the whole bye week to ponder how he wants to play his team the final three weeks of the season.

As it turns out, the SU football coach figured out the next day that he plans to give quarterback Andrew Robinson extra snaps during the bye week. But don’t expect him to play in place of Perry Patterson.

Greg Robinson chose not to redshirt Andrew Robinson this year, but he has seen limited time on the field. He took one snap against Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 23 and played a few series against West Virginia on Oct. 14.

‘I’d like to get Andrew some experience,’ Greg Robinson said. ‘At the same time, I don’t want to deliver the wrong message to our team that it’s all about next year. I still think we believe we just need to get on a roll and win some games and keep our bowl hopes alive. There’s a fine line in there. But I would like for him to get some work down the road.’

No changes in the O-line

Greg Robinson acknowledged that the Orange’s inexperienced offensive line has hindered progression in the offense.

His actions indicated that last week when he shuffled his line. Carroll Madison went to left tackle, Marvin McCall at right while Corey Chavers sat on the bench.

But the problems persisted.

It failed to open up holes for tailback Delone Carter. It failed to provide adequate protection for Patterson. And it continued to commit penalties. On a drive in the third quarter, the offensive line halted SU’s momentum due to a false start and a holding and personal foul penalty.

Although he wouldn’t cite specific examples, Robinson thought some positives came out of the Cincinnati game.

‘We have been working on trying to get the right combination of people on the field,’ Robinson said. ‘I think that this group has a chance as they play longer together to get more productive. That is where it as right now.

‘There are changes for a reason. You are trying to do the right things. Sometimes, as coaches, you aren’t always right either. (But) I think that the intent is right and good.’

Perry a pro?

Despite Patterson’s improved accuracy and decision making, some SU fans still show skepticism toward the SU quarterback.

But he’s developed so much that Robinson foresees the possibility of Patterson earning a draft pick in the NFL.

‘I’m going to do all I can to help,’ Robinson said. ‘I think really if he gets around the right people and can be in the system we run, he’s really helped himself. He’s had to play through adverse conditions and he’s improved his game.

‘Physically he’s a totally different guy. His throwing is much more accurate. His football smarts, you see a difference there. You also see confidence developed through hard work. I think Perry has abilities that are untapped. In the right situation where he has time to learn, grow and develop some more, you never know.’

Published on October 30, 2006 at 12:00 pm