This season, the Syracuse football team’s defense has faced – and been ripped apart by – a multitude of different offensive looks.

From the pro-style offense of Purdue to the great running back combo of Florida State and the scrambling quarterbacks of Virginia and West Virginia, SU has seen it all.

The Orange hasn’t fared particularly well against any offense this season. But scrambling quarterbacks seem to give Syracuse just a little more trouble than the rest.

Fortunately for SU, there won’t be a scrambling quarterback dodging helpless defenders Saturday in the Carrier Dome. Connecticut’s Dan Orlovsky is far from a scrambler. But his arm can do some major damage (likely millions of dollars worth come the NFL draft in April).

For now, though, the Orange defense will face yet another challenge when Orlovsky and the Huskies invade Syracuse tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.

‘He’s experienced and knows defenses,’ middle linebacker Jerry Mackey said. ‘He’s not much of a runner, so that makes it a little easier.’

After the Nov. 21 loss to WVU, SU has little room for error if it hopes to win the Big East title. In fact, Syracuse (3-4, 1-1 Big East) can’t lose again and must hope the Mountaineers lose twice.

For that to even matter, Orlovsky and the high-powered passing attack he leads must be stopped. UConn (5-2, 2-2) averages 277 yards per game through the air, second best in the Big East. Then again, some of those statistics may be exaggerated with wins over the likes of Murray State, Duke, Army and Temple.

The key to stopping Orlovsky may be to force him out of the pocket. He’s rushed for minus-19 yards this season and hasn’t had a gain for more than 10 yards. That’s good news for SU. This season, Syracuse’s defensive line hasn’t had much trouble forcing quarterbacks out of the pocket. But when a quarterback is in the open field, it dooms the Orange.

‘Our strength is staying in coverage with a pocket passer,’ cornerback Tanard Jackson said. ‘Running quarterbacks aren’t a weakness. It’s just something we need to work on.’

Last week, on a variety of options, draws and scrambles, WVU quarterback Rasheed Marshall victimized the SU defense for 87 yards on 14 carries. On Sept. 25 against Virginia, Marques Hagans ran for 81 yards on just six carries. He scored two rushing touchdowns, one of which went for 59 yards.

Several SU defenders said Orlovsky may be the best pocket passer Syracuse has seen all season, save Heisman candidate Kyle Orton. Purdue’s senior quarterback picked apart SU’s defense for 287 yards and four touchdowns.

SU will be in more trouble than usual this week, as starting cornerback DeAndre LaCaille will likely be limited, if he plays at all, because of a separated right shoulder. A slew of players will step in, including Thomas Whitfield, Terrell Lemon and Marcus Clayton.

One thing the defense knows is it can’t allow big plays to opposing quarterbacks. At least it won’t have to worry about Orlovsky running around outside the pocket.

‘Our priority is to shut them down,’ safety Troy Swittenburg said. ‘We’re not worried about anything else.’

Published on October 28, 2004 at 12:00 pm