Just two chances to see team in action
SU Football has a lot to work on this Spring according to Head Coach Doug Marrone, but very little of it will be seen by the fans or the media. The only two opportunities to witness the Orange at work were announced today, the first being Saturday, April 7 in Rochester, N.Y., and the only other time being the Spring game at the Carrier Dome later this month.
"The goal going into the Spring was to make sure we come out with a two-deep so you feel comfortable with where the players are, the next thing is becoming more physical and having a better understanding of what we are doing schematically and the third is team chemistry," says Marrone, "Going into spring practice, having made the changes that we have made in all three phases - offense, defense and special teams - I wanted to make sure we have a true understanding of it without any distractions from the outside, knowing there may be things we like and want to keep in the system and there may be some that our players aren't performing at the level we need to win and we take those out. I did not want someone to come in and give a false impression of who we are going to be to everyone on the outside. It has been a very good spring for us. I am extremely happy with the direction we are going."
The fans will get a chance to get up close and personal with the team at Saturday's event in Rochester as Marrone and the players will be available to sign autographs after practice. The practice at Sahlen's Stadium begins at 11:45 a.m. and according to an SU Athletics release will feature an intrasquad scrimmage as well as season ticket information, contests and prizes. Admission and parking are free.
"We are trying to get this team ready," Marrone said. "This has been the best spring that we have had. I feel comfortable with the direction we are going. They players and coaches have been outstanding. We are getting better right now. That is all you can ask for as a coach."
The annual Spring game begins at 11:00 a.m. On April 21st.
