UPDATE: Syracuse head coach Fran Brown has confirmed that the team will proceed with a redshirt for freshman quarterback Luke Carney, following a crushing 70-7 defeat at the hands of No. 9 Notre Dame on Saturday. This decision makes it increasingly unlikely that Carney will see action in the upcoming season finale against Boston College, which has struggled with a record of 1-10 this season.
The announcement comes as Syracuse grapples with the aftermath of their worst loss since 1893. Brown stated unequivocally, “They won’t change,” when pressed on the redshirt strategy for Carney. Following the defeat on November 18, the team is now focused on determining its roster for next week’s game.
Carney, who was listed as Syracuse’s backup against Notre Dame, had limited opportunities to showcase his skills, attempting just four passes during his brief appearance. This comes after a season where he managed only seven pass attempts, completing five for a total of 22 yards. His only significant action prior to this game was a limited performance against Pittsburgh on October 18.
Despite expressing a willingness to play and forgo the redshirt, Carney’s chances have dwindled as Syracuse has turned to other quarterbacks throughout the season. The coaching staff opted for Joe Filardi after benching Rickie Collins, an LSU transfer, during crucial games. Collins returned as the starter against No. 13 Miami, leaving Carney sidelined.
As Syracuse heads into its season finale on November 24, fans and analysts are questioning the decision to redshirt Carney, especially given the team’s struggles. With the Orange currently sitting at 1-6 in the ACC, there is heightened interest in how the coaching staff will approach the final game of the season.
The decision to redshirt Carney has implications not just for his future but also for the team’s performance moving forward. Observers are eager to see if Syracuse will give Collins or another quarterback a chance to lead in what has been a tumultuous season.
As Syracuse prepares for its final game, the focus will be on how Brown and his coaching staff navigate the quarterback situation. Will Carney’s redshirt status lead to more significant changes for the team next season? Fans are anxious for answers as the team seeks to rebound from a historic loss.
