SYRACUSE — You can use a plethora of words to describe Andrew Robinson's season-opening performance last week at Northwestern.
Frustrating, inexcusable and deplorable are just a couple examples. Robinson, Syracuse University's starting quarterback, would likely agree with the analysis.
But Robinson refuses to dwell on one of his worst games in an Orange uniform. The Baltimore native vowed to be better starting Saturday when SU hosts Akron in its home opener.
"I'm still a little bit disappointed in the way I played," Robinson said. "There's an old saying in football that it's never as bad as you think it is, and it's never as good as you think it is."
The "bad" was difficult to stomach for Robinson. He connected on 14 of 28 passes for 103 yards. He was responsible for a safety on an intentional-grounding penalty in the second quarter. He also threaded a pass to Northwestern safety Brendan Smith, who promptly returned it 26 yards for a game-breaking touchdown in the third.
"There's going to be some days where you're just off," Robinson said. "I don't think there was one particular thing that I can point to. There were a few balls where I was off balance and threw off my back foot. That's just a weight issue, getting your body balanced and working on mechanics."
Syracuse rarely challenged the Wildcats' secondary by throwing downfield. Only three of Robinson's passes went for more than 10 yards. Robinson cited a lack of rhythm for the series of short passes and a conservative strategy.
"I think our receivers have the ability to stretch the field," Robinson said. "We, as quarterbacks, have the ability to get the ball down the field. It depends on the coverage you get."
Robinson said the team's corps of maturing receivers is no longer inexperienced with the first game behind it. With more practice time together, a greater chemistry should emerge.
"With any position, it's a growing process," Robinson said. "I think the thing you look forward to is getting better at each position."
BACKFIELD ROTATION TO CONTINUE
For the second straight week, the depth chart tells the story concerning the battle for the starting job at running back.
Once again, it reads: Curtis Brinkley or Delone Carter or Doug Hogue. Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson said practice will determine who gets the nod Saturday.
Brinkley started against Northwestern, produced 49 yards on nine carries and scored SU's lone touchdown. Carter added six carries for 45 yards, and Hogue chipped in 23 yards on six carries.
The Orange finished with 122 rushing yards. SU eclipsed that total in just two games last season. Expect a heavier dose of handoffs against Akron. The Zips surrendered 404 yards on the ground at Wisconsin last week.
"The one concern I didn't have was at the running back position," Robinson said. "I thought we had productivity. If it isn't broke, then don't fix it."
EXTRA POINTS ...
A.J. Brown'seffort against Northwestern was lost in a disappointing performance overall by the SU defense. The senior strong safety recorded a career- and team-high 11 tackles and an interception. The Big East selected Brown for its weekly honor roll. ... Junior linebackerMike Stencliksuffered a bruised foot in the opener, but he's listed on the depth chart and is expected to play Saturday. ... With his 49 rushing yards, Brinkley became the 29th player in school history to register 1,000 career rushing yards. ... For the second straight year, the Orange will have honorary captains for home games. Former defensive backJeff Mangramwill join SU's four team captains on the field before kickoff Saturday. ... Syracuse players, coaches, administrators and media members caught a special screening of "The Express" on Thursday. The movie, based on the life of former SU star Ernie Davis, will premiere in Syracuse on Sept. 12. A national theater release is slated for Oct. 10.
