Two weeks ago, the connection wasn’t there. Drew Allen’s still getting more comfortable with everyone, but less than a month ago he and Ashton Broyld didn’t quite have the chemistry in place.

But two weeks is a long time. On Saturday, in Syracuse’s 23-17 loss to Penn State in the New York’s College Classic, Broyld was Allen’s favorite target.

“It wasn’t that way early, and I think all the receivers are getting more and more comfortable as he goes,” Orange quarterbacks coach Tim Lester said. “And that will continue to develop over time.”

Allen targeted Broyld eight times, completing four passes for 46 yards including a 27-yard strike across the middle for Allen’s first chunk play of the game.

Broyld, who’s listed on the roster as a running back, on the depth chart as an H-back and primarily played in the slot, said Tuesday that he and Allen were developing a strong rapport.

He’s gaining a bit of extra comfort with a more clearly defined role in the offense and was on the field in most of Syracuse’s offensive packages at MetLife Stadium.

“I think he’s benefiting,” Orange head coach Scott Shafer said. “He had a couple opportunities, made a couple plays, had a couple missed assignments, but he’s young. We’ve got three more seasons with him, so we’ve just got to keep finding him ways to get the ball in space and that’s a good place to start.”

Broyld committed a personal foul and dropped some passes, but otherwise was an entirely different player than he was last season
.
In 2012, the only time he was a factor was in a win over Stony Brook. A year later, he’s a staple of the offense and not only SU’s most explosive receiving option, but perhaps also its most consistent.

He wasn’t only a factor in medium- and long-range passes, but he was also a popular check-down option for Allen, who needed one in his first-ever start. Wide receiver Jarrod
West had just 22 yards. Adrian Flemming had just 18.

“Unfortunately we didn’t make the plays that we needed to make to win the game,” Broyld said. “That’s where we fell short.”

After the game, Broyld deflected almost every question about his own play. He didn’t comment on his budding chemistry with Allen or how a new role may be benefitting him.
Instead, he talked about the team, about what the Orange needs to improve on going forward. There’s time to improve, but Broyld’s suddenly ahead of the curve.

“It’s a long season,” Broyld said. “We still have plenty of games left to play. Hopefully we just get better and better each day.”

Published on August 31, 2013 at 10:34 pm

Contact David: dbwilson@syr.edu | @DBWilson2