After a seven-game stretch with only three wins, Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry has faced criticism, particularly over the team’s underperforming offense. With Atlantic Coast Conference games starting in January, both fans and analysts are concerned that Syracuse’s offense is not meeting expectations.
Fans Lash Out Regarding Syracuse’s Recent Lackluster Offensive Display
After defeating Mercyhurst, a sub-.500 team, Syracuse improved to 7-4. However, with three games before their January 6 matchup against Georgia Tech, fans took to social media to express frustration over the offense’s production.
“Even Devo said at the end of the first half that the team had not successfully executed a single half-court offense…against Mercyhurst. That 14-point win was almost worse than the Hofstra loss.”
Even Devo said at the end of the first half that the team had not successfully executed a single half court offense….. against Mercyhurst. That 14 point win was almost worst than the Hofstra loss.
— Mr.Cuse (@Mrcuse1) December 18, 2025
Despite five players reaching double digits, some fans argue Syracuse relied on athleticism to beat a weaker team and failed to establish the half-court offense that needs more focus. The Hofstra loss, where the Orange managed just 32 points in the second half of a 70-69 defeat, remains a sore point.
Syracuse offense is ranked 15th out of 18 teams in the ACC
— Cardiac Cuse (@cardiac_cuse) December 18, 2025
“Syracuse offense is ranked 15th out of 18 teams in the ACC.”
After the Mercyhurst game, Syracuse’s offense dropped to 16th in the ACC, highlighting their struggles. Poor three-point shooting allows defenses to collapse inside, daring the Orange to hit outside shots they have yet to consistently make.
he’s gotta be trolling right
— noah (@Noah_NYG) December 18, 2025
“He’s gotta be trolling, right?”
This comment refers to Autry’s attempts to sidestep questions about the offense that doesn’t require excessive effort for quality shots.
According to College Basketball Reference, Syracuse ranks 283rd nationally with 72.9 points per game.
To be this tone deaf / naive is almost impressive. The next step will be for him to explain what a “motion” offense looks like. If they don’t get out in transition it’s similar to watching a modify team in the half court.
— Tyler Ross (@Tyler5Ross) December 18, 2025
“To be this tone-deaf/naive is almost impressive. The next step will be for him to explain what a “motion” offense looks like. If they don’t get out in transition, it’s similar to watching a modify team in the half court.”
Autry explained in his postgame presser that he did not believe the offense was a problem, despite contrary metrics.
Scored only 60 points on Hofstra and say this offense has no problems? Got beat in second half against Mercyherst with only 35 points. Red, this team does have offensive issues. I actually believe you have a lot of talent this year, yet performance doesn’t show it.
— BananaJoe (@HaplessCharlie) December 18, 2025
“Scored only 60 points on Hofstra and say this offense has no problems? Got beat in the second half against Mercyhurst with only 35 points. Red, this team does have offensive issues. I actually believe you have a lot of talent this year, yet performance doesn’t show it.”
Against mid-major teams like Hofstra and Mercyhurst, fans expected Syracuse to win convincingly, yet the Orange allowed both teams to stay competitive throughout.
This continuing pattern of underwhelming performances highlights the fanbase’s concern: unless Syracuse improves offensively, it may struggle as the season progresses. The main question is whether the Orange can resolve their offensive issues before ACC play begins.
