Drew Allen’s four-interception performance against Northwestern has some fans calling for Terrel Hunt to start against Wagner on Saturday.

While Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer said that two of Allen’s picks weren’t his fault, he admitted the Orange’s minus-three turnover ratio just two games into the season is distressing in an Orange All-Access interview on Monday.

“Our Achilles’ heel has really been the turnover ratio,” Shafer said.

Shafer cited Allen’s last interception, one tipped by a Wildcats defensive lineman before linebacker Chi Chi Ariguzo caught it, as one of the two that were not his fault. Allen’s low release has created a lot of batted balls though, providing more opportunities for interceptions.

Syracuse actually won the turnover battle against Penn State 4-3, but against Northwestern, Allen’s turnovers prevented the SU offense from gaining any momentum and keeping pace.

“You can’t do that and be a good football team,” Shafer said.

Especially against Big Ten contenders like Penn State and then-No. 19 Northwestern.

While the 0-2 mark certainly isn’t what Shafer hoped to have entering Week 3 against Wagner, he knows where his team is and where it needs to be.

“The good thing is you don’t have any false pretenses to where you are and where you aren’t,” Shafer said.

Published on September 10, 2013 at 1:42 am

Contact Stephen: sebail01@syr.edu | @Stephen_Bailey1