The Syracuse Orange last began the season 3-2 in 2005-06, then went on a magical run through the Big East Tournament to get to the NCAAs that March. It worked then, but there’s a fine line between starting behind schedule and fully progressing into a slow season.
SU hasn’t done the latter yet despite two losses in New York City featuring sporadic offensive production and a slide right out of the rankings. But despite Frank Howard’s four-game absence, and all three point guards missing preseason preparation, there’s a disconcerting trend appearing: Many of Syracuse’s struggles were continuations of issues the Orange faced a year ago.