COACH: Doug Marrone — At Syracuse and overall: 17-20, 3 years
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Nathaniel Hackett
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Scott Shafer
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 2004, co-champs
LAST BOWL: 2010, Pinstripe
RETURNING STARTERS: 15; 5 offense, 8 defense, kicker, punter
PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Ryan Nassib, OT Justin Pugh, WR Alec Lemon, LB Marquis Spruill, LB Dyshawn Davis, CB Keon Lyn, SS Shamarko Thomas
PRIMARY STRENGTHS: The defense should be better than last year, as long as Spruill is ready in time following spring surgery. His return gives the Orange an active linebacking trio. Nassib has made major strides and has dependable wideouts to count on in Lemon and Marcus Sales.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: There’s no proven running game and a severe shortage of offensive playmakers, which means scoring will be an issue again. On defense, the Orange needs to develop more of a pass rush and desperately needs Spruill healthy in the middle. The schedule isn’t conducive to a winning season, either.