Walter Reyes is no dummy. While the senior running back for Syracuse (2-1) has put up astounding numbers over his three-plus year career -- 40 touchdowns, 11 100-yard rushing games and 2,830 rushing yards -- he's not one to daydream.
When asked if he still considered himself a Heisman trophy candidate, as some pre-season magazines had predicted, Reyes laughed, "It was great, but let's be honest -- I'm not gonna win that thing."
And he's right, he won't win it. In the long run, though, Reyes seems like he could care less.
"I just want to help the team win," Reyes said. "I want to go to a bowl game."
Going bowling is something the Orange have not done of late, going only once in Reyes' four-year career when they went to the Insight.com Bowl in the 2001 season. Since Donovan McNabb left six years ago, the once-storied program has spiraled into mediocrity, going only 35-28 since his departure.
But don't tell that to Walter Reyes. In the watered-down version of the Big East Conference, Syracuse, which was snubbed when the ACC raided the conference last year, will try to finally get its hands on the conference title, which should be more accessible now that nemesis Miami has left.
With that said, Syracuse still faces an uphill battle, one that starts this weekend against No. 12 Virginia (3-0, 1-0). Syracuse won't have the only noteworthy back on the field this Saturday. Virginia also happens to have some decent running backs, which have combined to average an astounding 304 rushing yards per game, running through opposing defenses at will.
The key difference between the Cavalier and Orange offenses is that Virginia has a veteran quarterback to direct its two-pronged running and passing attack, while Syracuse is dependent on Reyes and fellow fullback Damien Rhodes to gain most of the yardage on the ground. Reyes might be the belle of the ball at Syracuse, but he knows who makes it all possible.
"Sometimes the offensive line gets overlooked when the running backs are doing everything well", Reyes said. "All the records and all the touchdowns, I just give credit to guys who block for me."
Joe Fields, a true freshman quarterback, started for the Orange during their first three games but was erratic at best. Last Saturday, sophomore QB Perry Patterson replaced Fields midway through the first quarter and went on to direct the team to a 19-7 win over Cincinnati, throwing for 156 yards and one touchdown. Syracuse's dependency on the run has allowed opposing defenses to stack the box and focus solely on stopping the run, which they've done.
This was evident in the season opener against Purdue, when Reyes ran for only 40 yards. The end result was a disaster for Syracuse, as they lost 51-0. On the season, Reyes has rushed for 209 yards with one touchdown, with Rhodes adding 179 yards. If Syracuse can't establish a balanced offensive attack against Virginia on Saturday, Reyes will be in for another long day reminiscent of the one Syracuse spent in West Lafayette, Ind., earlier this season. Through three games, the vaunted Cavalier defense has allowed only 90 yards rushing per game, although Reyes will by far be the best running back to face the Cavs this season.
"It's definitely the most physical offense that we've played against," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "Reyes is a Wali Lundy built-type back ... [Reyes and Rhodes] both have good size and excellent speed."
Reyes knows all too well the task that faces his team this Saturday.
"We have to have a perfect game," Reyes said. "It will be a challenge for our offense to go up against a great defense."
A perfect game is likely about the only thing that can give Syracuse a chance against Virginia on Saturday. Reyes will have to be brilliant against a hungry Cavalier defense. Just like winning the Heisman, beating Virginia might be another daydream Walter Reyes will have to forgo.
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