Greg Paulus used his final year of eligibility to return home to upstate New York and play quarterback for Syracuse University. What seemed like a good idea at the time for the former Duke point guard has suddenly turned into a debacle. The team is 3-5, Big East leading receiver Mike Williams quit the squad, and head coach Doug Marrone teared up while talking about fans booing Paulus Saturday.

“I put in a lot of time and thought … and I’d like to make a statement about Greg Paulus,” Marrone said as he began the press conference. “I took some time, yesterday, last evening and this morning and I really wanted to write some things down, so if I look down at the notes, I want to make sure I get it correct.

“I have never seen an athlete, at any level including the NFL, work as hard, mentally and physically, as Greg has worked since he’s joined us here at Syracuse. Really, what he’s accomplished is extraordinary. Maybe it can’t be fully appreciated because most don’t know just how difficult it is to play quarterback at a Division I program.

“In the era of video games, virtual reality, it’s easy to believe that throwing a pass, reading a defense, avoiding a sack is as easy as the push of a button, that any of us can do. The problem, it’s not that easy. We can’t do that.

“Despite the turnover and mistake that Greg made, as any quarterback makes, he’s exceeded expectations at every level. I think Greg is a victim of his own success. We’ve seen him make great plays and great decisions and we’ve come to expect that from him every time. But football is a team game. People don’t know when an offensive linemen misses a block or a receiver runs a wrong route. They only see the decisions that Greg makes.

“Calling for a backup quarterback and backup pitcher, backup point guard, I understand that’s just a part of sports. But Greg is one of us. He grew up here. He came back to do something that’s never been done before and he’s poured every once of his body and soul in that task.

“Let me say this again – it’s really been remarkable. If his performance and preparation and dedication drop off, then obviously it’s just like every other position, that he will not be a starter for a team.

“When he’s in the game, it’s because we believe that he gives us the best chance to win. And I truly, truly, truly thank him for being here. And I hope my kids grow up (tears begin filling his eyes) … to have the courage … and determination of a Greg Paulus. I get emotional when I talk about my family.”

Hard to blame Marrone for crying. Syracuse is on the road at #13 Pittsburgh this weekend, Mike Williams is gone, and Orange Dukie is still the quarterback. Don’t worry Orangemen and women, college basketball season is here.

Marrone makes tear-filled defense of Paulus, who was booed by SU fans on Saturday [Orange Football Blog]