Entering the season, one of the big questions surrounding Syracuse was how offensive coordinator Tim Lester’s scheme would turn out. So far, the implementation of the hybrid position and other ways to get players the ball in space has been a success. Through four games, the Orange has averaged 32.8 points, 188.3 rushing yards and 350.8 yards total.

In SU’s 10-point loss to then-No.8 Louisiana State, Lester used a mix of options, play actions and direct snaps to change up the pace and keep the offense moving. Trailing by 17 in the fourth quarter, the Orange went pass heavy, but on its three other scoring possessions, SU used a variety of play types.

Here’s a look at Syracuse’s offense vs. LSU:

12 drives total

4 scoring drives

First drive — Punt

Two called passes, one run

Second drive — Punt

Two passes, one direct snap

Third drive — Punt

One pass, one run, one play action

Fourth drive — Turnover on downs
One pass, one run, one play action, one option

Fifth Drive — Field goal made
Play action
Direct snap
Option

Pass
Direct snap
Option

Pass
Run

Two passes, two options, two direct snaps, one run, one play action,

Sixth drive — Field goal missed

Option
Run
Reverse
Pass
Option

Pass
Direct snap

Direct snap

Play action

Fake field goal
Play action

Pass

Three passes, two play actions, two options, two direct snaps, one run, one reverse, one fake field goal

Seventh drive — Punt
two runs, one pass

Eighth drive — Touchdown

Option
Pass
Option

Play action

Two options, one pass, one play action

Ninth drive — Punt
Three passes, two options, one run

10th drive —  Touchdown
Pass
Pass
Play action
Option
Pass
Pass
Direct snap
Play action

Four passes, two play actions, one option, one direct snap

11th drive — Interception
Two passes, one option

12th drive — Touchdown

Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass

Pass

Option
Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass

Pass
Pass
Pass

Fourteen passes, one option

Published on September 30, 2015 at 7:58 pm

Contact Paul: pmschwed@syr.edu | @pschweds