Only two starters return offensively making the Cuse one heckuva tough call. Numbers are not everything and things may not be as desolate as they appear. A trio of quarterbacks exists and any of the three could start on most any team. Junior R.J. Anderson worked his way into the starting position at the midway point of last year and still remains the number one option. His passing skills are maturing and he has the mobility needed to become one of the conference's best. Comparisons to Donovan McNabb have already started before he has even had a chance to prove his throwing ability. The world waits. The backup Troy Nunes has been a better passer and has seen his share of hard-hitting action, so the options for Coach Pasqualoni run deep. James Mungro has disappeared from the backfield leaving a gaping hole that looks to be filled a committee of candidates. Early reports claim the drop-off will be minimum. Although primarily a running team just last season, Syracuse doesn't fall short on receivers, which could give the 2002 version a little more passing flavor. The combination of Tyree, Morant, and Riddle running patterns will be a load for any defender to cover. The offensive line is the biggest concern. The experience factor is practically non-existent and isn't exactly the best way to start a new season. This group will be required to elevate its game far and large if Syracuse is to make any type of run.

Most viewers will not see a huge list of stars lining up in 2002, but enough exists to keep the Orangemen more than aloft. Obviously Dwight Freeney will be missed while taking his tackling and sacking skills up front with him. The holes are not that evident however and the line should be stronger than most give credit for. The closest stud resembling anything near Freeney will be senior middle linebacker Clifton Smith, possibly the best playmaker on either side of the ball. He is your star of the show and he can do it all. The gentlemen on the outside of the haystack are also quick and deep, giving the Orangemen one of the better-rated units in the Big East. This will be a more than solid unit for Syracuse. The defensive backfield also has a leader slash playmaker as Keeon Walker returns for his third starting year at strong safety. The loss of All American Quentin Harris at free safety will sting. There are not an exceedingly amount of spectacular athletes roaming in the secondary so just avoiding mistakes has to be a priority for the group to be efficient. Syracuse has a weapon in Ray Guy Award candidate Mike Shafer at punter, averaging 42.6 yards per boot in 2001, and will help aid the defense in field position strategy.