Running out the clock: Week 11 edition

Here’s my recap of the game, a 37-17 defeat of the Syracuse Orange (5-5, 1-4) at the hands of the South Florida Bulls (5-4, 1-4). “Obviously we have lost our third straight. We were beat on all three phases,” Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone said after the game.

Despite the Orange’s skid, Alec Lemon has had a couple of successful weeks. He’s accumulated 336 yards over the last two games, the first time an Orange receiver accomplished that feat since 2007. This week, he finished with 10 receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns, the team's only TDs in the game.

Here’s another Lemon statistic, in honor of his most recent performances. He’s now third all-time in single-season receptions, with 57.

Speaking of pass-catchers, Nick Provo continues his rise to national prominence. Not only did Provo’s 43 receiving yards move him into second place all-time for receiving yards by a tight end in a single season, he was named as one of the eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award this week.

From throwing the ball to running it, Syracuse definitely tried to get the running game started this week. The Orange started the game with seven-straight rushing plays. 

Ryan Nassib’s known for his arm, but he did some damage with his legs this week. The senior quarterback finished with 30 yards on the ground, 13 more than his next highest total this season.

Nassib had an interesting day through the air. On one hand, his 50 percent completion percentage is the second lowest of the season. On the other hand, he threw for his second highest amount of yardage on the season, throwing for 297 yards against the South Florida secondary.

Your leader in tackles this week is Phillip Thomas, who finished with 14. In second place is Dan Vaughan, who finished with seven.

On the defensive side of the ball, Keon Lyn forced a fumble when he knocked the ball away from Victor Marc near the goal line, leading to a touchback. That turnover means Syracuse has forced a turnover in every game it has played this season.

On the other hand, Syracuse could not find an answer for USF quarterback B.J. Daniels. The junior showed how dangerous he is on the football field, as he threw for 254 yards, while rushing for 117 yards and a TD on the day.

Those 254 yards through the air were the result of a team effort by the Bulls. Eleven separate players recorded at least one reception against the Syracuse secondary.

Daniels also had some help from his backfield in this one. Running back Demetris Murray was extremely successful against the Orange, as he finished with 17 carries for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

It was a great day for South Florida on defense as well. Led by Mike Lanaris’ seven tackles, the team held the Orange to 108 yards on the ground and sacked Nassib three times.

Syracuse has some time before their next game, when they take on the Bearcats of the University of Cincinnati (7-2, 3-1 Big East) on November 26 in the Carrier Dome. Cincinnati is the current leader of the Big East and was led by quarterback Zach Collaros, who threw for 1854 yards and 14 touchdowns so far this season. Collaros, though, will not play due to a ankle injury suffered in last week’s loss to West Virginia. The game will be broadcast on ESPN 2 or the Big East Network.