Right now, Syracuse is a lower team ACC team. That isn’t a surprise. The Orange has won just two ACC games each of the last two years, and won just one the in 2014. Yesterday’s loss to Florida State proved the Orange has a long way to go to become a “top flight” team in the ACC.

I know Syracuse was playing backups on the offensive line, defensive line, quarterback and other places around the field. But that is kind of the point.

Look at Florida State or Clemson, or any of the top teams around the country. One player goes down and they’ve got another one, two or three players at that position to back him up. Of course there is a talent gap between the top teams in the country, but the biggest difference is truly having backups who can come in and produce.

SU-Clemson a few weeks ago, Deshaun Watson goes out with an injury. No worries for the Tigers because Nick Schuessler comes in and completes 11/17 for 177 and two touchdowns.

SU-Florida State last year, both Everett Golson and Dalvin Cook missed the game. Backup QB Sean Maguire threw for 348 yards and three touchdowns, while Jacques Patrick ran for three scores and 162 yards.

Top flight teams have talent, of course, but they also have backups who can come in and give you some legit production. Right now the Orange doesn’t have that where it needs it most.

For Syracuse to take the next step, first it needs to recruit the talent necessary at starters for every position. It could take a while, but it seems like steps are being taken towards the first part of that.

Chris Frederick looks like a solid player as a redshirt freshman in the defensive backfield. Collin Byrne has gotten invaluable experience as a redshirt freshman on the offensive line. Moe Neal is still just a true freshman, while Eric Dungey and Dontae Strickland are still just true sophomores.

There is young talent on this team, and there will be more to come in the first full recruiting cycle Dino Babers has at Syracuse, but if Saturday proved anything it’s that the Orange has a way to go.