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The Minnesota Gophers have expectations. Those expectations run higher than "escape in overtime against downtrodden Syracuse."Syracuse has expectations, too. However, first-year head coach Doug Marrone has a lot of work to do before even a "bowl game" can be a serious thought for Orange fans. What happened Saturday at the Carrier Dome was a long-time coming for this one-time power. It was a step in the right direction, even though the Gophers won the game in overtime, 23-20.
When the Orange announced that one-time Duke basketball player Greg Paulus would be their starting quarterback, it left many to wonder what kind of team Marrone was expecting to field.
After all, programs like Syracuse, responsible for four straight years of generally non-competitive football, don't normally turn to fifth-year seniors who haven't played football in four years. The Orange did that, in part because they felt Paulus gave them the best chance to win this year. It wasn't about building something three years down the road.
Based on his performance Saturday, Paulus is fixing to make a genius out of Marrone this season. For the most part, a quarterback who hadn't played a game since high school was solid. He made pretty good decisions, threw the ball with some accuracy, and was able to evade the pass rush a few times.
Minnesota jumped to a 14-3 lead, thanks in part to the game's first play. Paulus was lined up in the shotgun, and the snap went at least a couple feet over his head. Minnesota recovered, and scored two plays later. The Orange rallied, thanks to a Paulus touchdown pass and a short Delone Carter touchdown run. Their 20-14 halftime lead evaporated in the second half, as the Orange stalled offensively.
The Gophers held Syracuse to 78 yards after halftime, and they were able to intercept Paulus in overtime. It was the one awful decision Paulus made all afternoon, trying to throw to the back of the end zone, even though Minnesota had three defenders in the area. An Eric Ellestad 35-yard field goal won it for Minnesota.For the game, Paulus threw for 167 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The Orange were outgained 360-257, but held the Minnesota ground game to just 3.5 yards per carry.
Minnesota heads home next weekend, as they'll host Air Force in the opening game at TCF Bank Stadium. Syracuse will play at Penn State.
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