Football Friday - Minnesota

You can maul us, if we mention Greg…

This is a Syracuse QB-free sports blog. 

(Unless the SU player wore #5).  I won’t name drop classmates here, except Will Dugan.  All references to the player will be "the Duece."

I Like Mike

There have been many Mike Williamses playing wide receiver.  I’ve ignored them all to this point, especially that USC version that got caught in draft-limbo.  The SU Mike Williams version is on a similar path as Halftime Snack:  return to school claim high level of achievement, seek employment at the pinnacle of chosen career.  We’re almost twins.  So Brother Mike, light up the turf!  Nine straight games with a touchdown catch?  I once ate 10 hot dogs at Veterans Stadium, in one game! 

Hail, Hail the Hillmen

The year 1959 is the one to remember, and to celebrate, the best Syracuse football team.  The Hillmen opened the season late (by today’s money-making standards), hosting the University of Kansas Jayhawks to Archibold Stadium on Sept. 26.  No domed roof, later start, colder weather, and the tough schedule — these Hillmen feared little.  SU won 35-21 that day, benefitting from Jayhawk fumbilitis in the backfield.  KU, a perennial challenger to mighty Oklahoma in the Big Eight Conference, looked for an advantage via field position, executing three “quick kicks” to the tune of a 69-yard average. 

Long Strange Trip

Thankfully, the 2009 SU squad has the same type of talent at punter:  senior captain Rob Long.  How great is that?  Backed up on fourth down, let’s kick it, Long!  He is tied for the longest punt in program history (73 yards vs. South Florida in 2007) and should have plenty of shots at breaking the mark, with seven home games with no weather factors and an inexperienced offense.

Slices

Predictions:  Texas wins BCS National Championship; Colt McKoy is Heisman Trophy winner, Dave Wannstedt and the Pitt Panthers win Big East; its all in the mustache

Orange Outlook: 5-7, 2-5 Big East: wins over Minnesota, Maine, Akron, Louisville, Rutgers

SU Game:  Syracuse 35, Minnesota 31;  Williams catches two TD in a game for first time in career

Game of the Week:  Virginia Tech tops Alabama in defensive contest. Special teams win another big game for Hokies

They Said What

A new radio feature show will kick off at 4:20 p.m. with a campus Top 10, “the real solid stuff,” said WAER program director Ted Koppel, The Daily Orange, Sept. 28, 1959.

Cash Advance

A two-bedroom apartment close to the SU campus in 1959 could be had for $15 a week ($60 a month).  I have a textbook that costs more than that.