football

Prodigal sons return
By Timothy R. Olsen
November 13, 2010 - 1:50pm
For a few members of SU's football team, Saturday's game at Rutgers will seem more like a homecoming.

For a select group of Syracuse Orange, Saturday’s football game at Rutgers is more than just a clash with a conference rival – it is a homecoming. Da’Mon Merkerson, Zack Chibane, Marquis Spruill and Ross Krautman highlight a growing contingent of New Jersey natives who leave the “Garden State” to play for the Orange.

Party crashers
By Jonathan Marshall
November 6, 2010 - 7:40pm
Louisville shocked SU, ruining the party and making the Orange wait another week to clinch bowl eligibility.

There was a celebration Saturday afternoon on the Carrier Dome's Legends Field, but it was not being performed by the Syracuse University football players or the 40,735 fans in attendance. Both saw the first attempt at securing bowl eligibility slip through their fingers as Louisville ran onto the field in victory at the conclusion of a game marred by missed opportunities and penalties.

Bearcats buried
By Timothy R. Olsen
October 30, 2010 - 5:08pm
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.

Top of the mountain
By Timothy R. Olsen
October 23, 2010 - 7:53pm
It did not look pretty, but for the first time since 2001, SU beat West Virginia.

One week removed from giving up a season-high 45 points at home, the Syracuse defense shut down the vaunted West Virginia offense and the Orange knocked off the No. 20 Mountaineers, 19-14, for the first time since 2001.

West Virginia (5-2, 2-1) held the edge in the majority of statistical categories, including time of possession, total yards and total first downs. However, the Orange (5-2, 2-1) won the category that mattered most: turnovers. 

Orange looking to tame Black Bears
By Timothy R. Olsen
September 16, 2010 - 1:35pm
Syracuse hosts Maine in its home opener Saturday.

College football is experiencing an upheaval. It seems like every week, an upstart from the FCS is upsetting one of the big boys. Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Kansas and Minnesota have all been victims of this phenomenon. Saturday, Syracuse will try and avoid the upset trend as it hosts Maine in its home opener.

Hanging with the Huskies
By Timothy R. Olsen
September 9, 2010 - 7:16pm
SU puts its 1-0 record on the line as it travels Saturday to face Washington.

Syracuse knows all about Washington quarterback Jake Locker, after all, the Orange hosted his coming out party. In 2007 Locker made his first collegiate start and led the Huskies to a 42-12 rout of the Orange. Saturday, Syracuse is looking to get a little revenge.

Sophomore Chandler Jones remembers Locker's debut well as he was in the Dome cheering for his older brother Art – now a member of the Baltimore Ravens.

Zipping up Akron
By Timothy R. Olsen
September 5, 2010 - 12:43am
Behind a strong defensive performance and a balanced offense, SU beat Akron 29-3 Saturday in Ohio.

Ryan Nassib threw for two touchdowns and the Syracuse defense scored one of its own on a blocked field goal, as the Orange crushed Akron, 29-3, to open the season with a victory for the first time since 2003.

“That’s the way we wanted to open it up," senior running back Delone Carter said in a postgame interview. "Just set the stage and continue to work hard and do it every game. 

Setting the tone: Orange looking for a fast start in Ohio
By Timothy R. Olsen
September 3, 2010 - 7:07pm
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.”

Starting to be special
By Timothy R. Olsen
September 2, 2010 - 12:38pm
The SU football team will depend on its kickers, punter and returners to help make a difference.

In what was arguably the most memorable moment from the 2009 season, true freshman Ryan Lichtenstein booted a 41-yard field goal to beat Northwestern. Lichtenstein’s kick is just one example of the impact special teams can have on a game.  

Depending on the defense
By Timothy R. Olsen
September 1, 2010 - 8:32pm
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.”