Staying honest on defense

Syracuse takes over on their own 13.

Hogue slices through the heart of the Cats' defense for a 10 yard gain. Kwateng, Phillips shut him down on the next play for a gain of two. Phillips has been active early in coming up to stop the run.

Robinson overthrows Turner Hansen, setting up 3rd and 8 deep in the Cuse's own territory.

And with the pass struggling, Hogue and the Orange convert with a draw up the middle for eight yards.

1st and 10 - John Gill's replacement, sophomore Corbin Bryant, stops Hogue for no gain. Brendan Smith comes up on the next play to make a great tackle for no gain. Sets up 3rd and 11, forcing the 'Cuse into a timeout.

Thoughts: Unlike last season, the eight-yard cushion that the defensive backs were giving the receivers is gone, and that's a positive sign.

Syracuse has 62 rushing yards and we're not even through the first quarter. Is that a sign of poor defense? Or is it an issue of staying honest in making the first defensive reads of the season?

And Pam Ward just mispronounced the Ba'Hai Temple. Bai-Hai worldwide leader in sports.