Orange set to battle Demon Deacons Saturday

It was a great start to the season for the Syracuse Orange and Wake Forest Demon Deacons; both teams collectively outscored their opponents by a score of 88-3. On Saturday afternoon in the Carrier Dome, a clash between the ACC teams will have both squads looking to make a statement in Week 2 of the young season.

Last week, the stage was set for Orange quarterback Terrel Hunt to rebound from an injury-plagued season that forced him to miss all but five games. Hunt and the Orange had its sight set on greener pastures in this 2015 campaign, but when he limped off the field in the first quarter in the season opener against Rhode Island, the “here we go again” feeling filled the air.

But to the rescue came freshman Eric Dungey, who led the Orange to a touchdown on his first-career drive that went for 60 yards. His first career touchdown pass went to sophomore back Ervin Phillips for 32 yards. Dungey went 10-for-17 in the game with 114 yards and threw for two touchdowns, leading his team to a 47-0 victory over the Rams.

Syracuse wide receivers only had 10 receptions for 114 yards, yet they won by 47 points. This was the product of an overall team effort and offensive and defensive dominance. Led by Jordan Frederick’s 103 rushing yards and one touchdown, five Orange players rushed for 20 or more yards, including Dungey (20 rushing yards on eight carries).

While the Syracuse Orange did its best to please their fans in blowout fashion, the Demon Deacons seemed to be on the same wavelength. Quarterback John Woldford finished the game 20-for-27 with 323 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 41-3 victory over the Elon Phoenix.

Wake Forest also had success running the football with four guys rushing for 28 or more yards, including Wolford who led them with 63 yards on just seven carries. His longest rush went for 70 yards. While they mirrored Syracuse in this area, the Wake Forest wide receivers had much more success in the air with 29 receptions for 388 yards.

If last week was any indication, we are primed for an offensive battle between two teams looking to rebound from 3-9 seasons a year ago (both went 1-7 in the ACC). The Orange started 2-0 last season before dropping nine of their last 10 contests.

Last year, the Orange won their first game in double overtime, then demolished Central Michigan in Week 2. Wake Forest lost their season opener and responded with a 23-7 win over the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs in the ensuing week.

Both teams corralled victories in the second week of the season last year, so something has to give this time around. Whether it becomes a shootout between both quarterbacks or a defensive showdown on the other end, this has the makings of an entertaining affair at the Carrier Dome.