Syracuse, Dino Babers using chain gang as a home-field advantage

Spring camp is a time for players to adjust to a new coaching staff's philosophies, standards, and playbook in preparation for the fall season, but at Syracuse this past spring, the chain crew was also put through its paces.

Head coach Dino Babers stated when he was hired in December, the Orange would produce "a game that's faster than you've ever seen on turf." In order to do that, Babers required more than just his players to be in shape.

"Think of a two-minute offense," 30-year Syracuse chain crew member Joe Sweet told Connor Grossman of SI. "And you're just doing the two-minute offense the entire game. That's the best way I can describe it.

"If nobody remembers us it's a great game."

After taking part in spring practice and running almost as much as the players, Sweet and his crew have been part of the offensive revolution in the Carrier Dome in 2016.

Syracuse averaged 60.8 plays at home last year under Scott Schafer, which ranked right at the bottom for teams in the FBS. Slow and methodical football does not put fans in seats, and neither does a 14-23 record over three seasons. This led to Schafer being fired and Babers bringing his whirlwind offense to New York. And thus far, the change has been night and day.

In four home games this season, Syracuse had averaged just over 96 plays at a snap rate of 19.95 seconds for every snap. On the road, those numbers drop to 68.3 snaps and 22.92 seconds for every snap, as Sweet and his crew only work home games.

"The biggest thing I wanted (the chain crew) to know was, 'Hey, you guys have to be in shape because there's going to be a lot of plays,'" Babers said. " ... I don't want those guys pulling a hamstring and going down.

"They do a heck of a job for us."

The Orange are 4-4 after eight weeks, already matching last year's win total. It may take a few seasons for Babers to get the players he needs to fill out his ideal roster, but he already has the chain crew recruited and on board.