20 Reasons to be Excited for Syracuse Football - #9

As we move closer to the 2011 Syracuse football season, Lots of Pulp will be counting down the top 20 reasons to be excited for the new year.

Syracuse fans like to argue about pretty much anything. There's the outdoor stadium debate. There's the 'put the court in the middle of the Dome' debate. There's even a debate over who has the dreamiest eyes in SU lacrosse history ... wait, no one's actually debating that?

Well  here's one that gets discussed every single season.

#9 – THE ANNUAL 44 DEBATE

Here's the thing about the 44 debate. Both sides have a legitimate argument. 

The standard of 44 was set so ridiculously high by Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little, that the thought of another SU running back even approaching their accomplishments is laughable. 

That Jim Brown guy was
pretty good

Obviously, with players seeing action their freshman year now, and playing in 12 games (or 13) per year, they can approach the numbers. But if you really think Delone Carter is as good a running back as the holy trinity listed above, you need to do your homework.

Then again, the tradition of 44 was something that set Syracuse apart from other schools, particularly Northeast schools who compete with the Orange for recruits. No one could match that tradition and no one could offer a recruit something as historic as the chance to wear 44. 

While we may never see a 44 in Orange again, here are some things I predict we will see this season: 

Week 2: Adonis Ameen-Moore scores three touchdowns against Rhode Island, leading 44 proponents to proclaim he should be allowed to don the historic jersey. Right. Now.

Week 3: AAM fumbles twice in a loss at USC, leading 44 opponents to remind everyone that 44 is sacred and no one is ever worthy of wearing it.

Week 4: Toledo comes to town and Ameen-Moore knocks a dude over with a ferocious stiff-arm. 44 is back!

Week 5: AAM sees no time against Rutgers. No 44 for you!

Sensing a trend?

What do you think? Want to see 44 unretired? Or is it not worth tarnishing the memory of the legend? Let us know in the comments.


Click here to read all the 20 Reasons to be Excited for the upcoming season.

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