Can someone explain to me why Syracuse is #31? I genuinely do not understand why and would like to know
Ah, an invitation to talk about Syracuse. I appreciate it.
It's a shame what the last 15 years have done to the program and perception.
Syracuse is currently #23 all-time in wins in D1 with 701. That excludes 11 vacated wins from '04-'06. They were top 10 maybe 12 years ago. By comparison, GT is at #18 with 714. In other words, did anyone realize that basically 3 years ago, even after the worst decade in their history, Syracuse had more wins all-time than GT?
Did you know Syracuse went undefeated in 1987? Three years prior to GT's national title. And were often a top 25 team through the 90's and played in the Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Gator Bowl, etc.
Syracuse had the first black Heisman winner (Ernie Davis). They also pushed Jim Brown, Larry Csonka, and Floyd Little thru at RB. All NFL HOF. In terms of all-time RB, they are right up there near the top and in the discussion for best crop all-time.
They also pushed Art Monk, Marvin Harrison, Donovan McNabb and Dwight Freeney through, all of which happened in the late 90's/early 2000's save for Monk.
That's when the wheels fell off and they fired Pasqualoni. I am admittedly one of those who cherished the Champs Sports Bowl in 2004 vs. GT. That was the nail in Pasqualoni's coffin, and thankfully GT was the one to push it through. Then Syracuse hired Greg Robinson, oft ranked a top 10 worst hire all-time, given the where the program was and where they are today. Doug Marrone almost turned the corner again, and I'm hopeful Babers can do the same.
