Football Friday - West Virginia

Headed down hill in this six-game homestand, the Orange play WVU at high noon.

I LIKE MIKE: Last week Halftime Snack touted SU senior wide receiver Mike Williams as a Heisman Trophy candidate. Pressure bears no weight on M-Dubz’ shoulders! The top defense in the Big East Conference, the South Florida Bulls, employing two defensive backs, and the hometown quarterback under-throwing and overthrowing.  Williams responds with two high-flying catches for touchdowns while nearly breaking Art Monk’s catches record (14 set in 1977). 

ERNIE OVERLOAD:  SU athletics will again honor Heisman Trophy winning halfback Ernie Davis, bestowing the turf field with his name at halftime of the West Virginia game.  Jim Brown and Floyd Little have to be wondering, what about us?  A dorm, the Hollywood movie, and now the turf where 11 lacrosse national championships have been won goes to a football player (one national championship).

1959: Ditka.  That could be the name of this section.  A 6-2, 220 tight end, Mike Ditka was Pitt’s main offense that year.  Offense?  No team can score on the Hillmen in ’59.  First in total defense and first in rushing defense, SU was untouchable, topping the Pennsylvania boys, 35-0.  Coach Ben cancels practice twice due of the cold rain.  It’s Friday and Halftime Snack recommends the umbrella.

Photo: KYLE C. LEACH

SLICES:  

Game – West Virginia 31, Syracuse 17: Devine is free and loose.  Orange defensive backs do not match up with running backs in the open field.

National – Florida 17, LSU 13:  No confidence in this pick.  I don’t like to see an injured player play.  Let him sit another game. 

Nation Update – Torii Hunter is the new Hideki Matsui.  Always walk him, please Tito. I wish Bobby Abreu was on the Red Sox, patient hitting is an art.

Heisman Watch – Nothing here.  Mike Williams is pulling the Orange wagon.  Hear about his jumping abliity in The Post-Standard profile by Donnie Webb. 

THEY SAID IT:  “You have a hard time seeing how big the mountain is, when you up there standing on it,” Shen Wei, choreographer of the opening ceremonies at the Bejiing Olympics.