Orange Release Depth Chart

With the season opener just four days away, the Orange has released its two-deep for the Villanova game.

The 'Cuse depth chart features a number of returning student-athletes who've seen significant playing time and plenty of seniors.

"We have a team with some experience," said head coach Scott Shafer. "There will be some guys at key positions that are younger guys who we're counting on, but the bulk of the unit is back. That's really a good thing going into the first game against a good opponent. Having some of that 'been there, done that' mindset is going to go a long way on Friday night."

The Orange offense features nine seniors in starting roles, with seven seniors listed as starters on defense.

Shafer hopes the experience will help the Orange against an experienced opponent in Villanova, that is led by quarterback John Robertson.

"He's a very good football player," Shafer said. "He's a bright kid with great feet. He's quick and throws the ball well but runs the ball really well. They're schemed such that we're going to see all different formations, jet sweeps, quarterback reads and quarterback inside-outside takes, so it'll be real interesting when we get into this thing because they like to push the pace.

"They like to up the tempo, especially against the BCS opponents. We're prepared to go against that, but I'm sure we're going to have some hills and valleys throughout the course of the game."