Adonis Ameen-Moore injury: Syracuse's 'tank' package in jeopardy

The Syracuse Orange football team will be without sophomore tailback Adonis Ameen-Moore Saturday when it faces the South Florida Bulls in a Big East Conference contest at Raymond James Stadium, the Syracuse Post-Standard's Dave Rahme is reporting.

According to a source of Rahme's, " (Ameen-Moore) suffered a lower-body injury that was not believed to be season ending but will take some time to heal." The 5'11, 239-pound sophomore is the Orange's short-yardage back who's used in an offensive formation called the "tank" package -- three tight ends, two backs, with linebacker Lewellyn Coker playing fullback.

That package has helped SU straighten out (not fix) its red zone troubles, as Ameen-Moore has scored a touchdown in the Orange's last three games. Overall, Ameen-Moore has just 11 carries for 17 yards.

The question now: Will the Orange abandon the "tank" package now that Ameen-Moore is out?

Currently, juniors Jerome Smith (6'0, 217) and Prince-Tyson Gulley (5'10, 192) handle a bulk of SU's carriers, however, neither seem as effective at running in short-yardage situations.

Saturday's game is schedule to begin at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on ESPN3.