Syracuse drops its season finale to finish off a dismal 2010 home season.
Syracuse capped off a lackluster home season Saturday as they fell to former conference rival Boston College, 16-7. The Orange offense sputtered most of the game and BC running back Andre Williams had a career day, as the Orange dropped their fourth straight in the Carrier Dome.
After jumping out to a 7-3 start and securing the school’s first bowl game since 2004, the Orange had a chance to compete for a BCS bowl. Instead, Syracuse sputtered down the stretch, dropping its final two games with uninspiring performances.
Syracuse forces three turnovers for the second consecutive game as the Orange move within a game of bowl eligibility.
For the second straight week, the Syracuse defense forced three turnovers and the Orange moved one step closer to bowl eligibility as they throttled Cincinnati Saturday, 31-7.
Syracuse (6-2, 3-1) turned three turnovers into 17 points and held the Bearcats scoreless for the entire second half – the fifth time the defense has accomplished that feat this season – en route to the victory.
SU opens the season with a trip to Ohio to face Akron Saturday.
No more two-a-days, line sprints or walkthroughs. After months of hard work and practice, Syracuse will open the season Saturday at Akron. Coming off a 4-8 season, the Orange are looking to make a statement early.
“This week we’re coming in with the mentality of a big win, not just a little three point score,” said defensive back Shamarko Thomas. “Our defense stop them every time they get on the field, and our offense score every time they get on the field.”
SU looks to the experience of its defense to become the backbone of this year's team.
Expectations are high for Syracuse’s defense this season with nine returning starters who significantly improved under defensive coordinator Scott Shafer’s system last season.
“The experience is there,” said senior free safety Mike Holmes who led the team in 2009 with three interceptions. “We’re definitely looking forward to going out there and bringing that experience.”
The Orange gets a boost from news that running back Delone Carter is returning this fall.
Head football coach Doug Marrone delivered more than just a blueprint of the upcoming season Monday during Syracuse’s annual media day.
“I recently just learned that Delone Carter will be reinstated back into school,” Marrone said. “We expect him to be traveling tomorrow (Tuesday) and do not know exactly what time he will arrive.”
As long as SU’s leading rusher arrives before the Sept. 4 season opener vs. Akron, teammates and Orange fans should be happy to see the running back on the field.