Slightly modifying Meatloaf’s famous song title, it was obvious today that two out of three units performing up to snuff was not enough to beat another ACC team. The defense played well for much of the game despite being left on the field far too long. Not only did special teams not have a miscue this week, they actually made a huge play blocking a punt to set the offense up with a short field. Except the offense couldn’t cash in. And in fact, the offense went backwards on that “drive” before kicking a field goal.

But the offense simply wasn’t there today. Zack Mahoney completed just 13 of 24 attempts, not good enough. More than 40 percent of his yards came on a single 81 yard pass to Amba Etta-Tawo that resulted in a touchdown. Dontae Strickland was unable to get anything going in the running game and that certainly didn’t help the Orange.

If nothing else, today proved just how important Eric Dungey is to this Syracuse offense. And it showed that this team is going to be hard pressed to win a game that Dungey is not playing, especially given the back ups. Zack Mahoney made himself a fan favorite for keeping the Orange in the game against both LSU and Clemson. But he also headed the offense in blowouts last year against Florida State and NC State. We have seen what Zack Mahoney is, and it isn’t a starter for a Power-5 school. He’s completed just 49% of his passes!

Today showed that while the defense can play well and the special teams can do exactly what you need it to do, you need an offense to come in, move the ball and punch it across the goal line. And that was something the Orange couldn’t do today.

Syracuse desperately needs Eric Dungey to get healthy and get back on the field. If not, as advocated for last week, I’d consider Austin Wilson. No, Wilson didn’t look great last week, but he completed more passes and throws a significantly crisper ball than Mahoney does. That counts for something. And when you have two games left and need to win both to guarantee a spot in a bowl game— or win one and hope for some help— you need to simply put your team in the best position to win games, and I believe that means Austin Wilson at quarterback if Eric Dungey cannot go.