Running out the clock: Week 8 Edition

News and notes from Syracuse's upset win against West Virginia, 49-23.

Blog Picture Override:

My recap [6]of Syracuse's shocking victory at home against then-No. 11 West Virginia, 49-23. “We had a good victory tonight. It really means a lot," head coach Doug Marrone [7] said after the win.

The announced attendance for the game was 45,265. That’s the largest crowd at an SU home football game since the first game of Marrone’s tenure.

Speaking of Marrone, he apparently knows how to use the extra time off. The program is now 3-0 under the coach after a bye week.

Dorian Graham [8] topped his performance last week on one play, returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. It was the first Orange return for a touchdown since Mike Holmes ran one back against Pittsburgh in 2008.

You can put the punting competition to bed. Jonathan Fisher finished the game with an average of 44 yards on four punts, including a 57-yarder.

Antwon Bailey [9] had his fourth consecutive 100-yard game, finishing with 125 yards on the ground. That ties the second longest streak of 100-yard games in Syracuse history.

Ryan Nassib [10] had a day to remember. His 24 completions moved him past Troy Nunes and Don McPherson for fourth all-time at Syracuse. Nassib also finished with 229 yards through the air and five total touchdowns, including one on the ground.

It was a great day for two of the pass catchers. David Stevens [11], a senior tight end, received the first touchdown of his career against the Mountaineers and Alec Lemon [12], the junior wide receiver, moved into 10th on the all-time career catches list, with 95.

Nick Provo [13] had a day fitting of a Mackey Award candidate. He led the team in catches with six, had 61 yards receiving, and caught three touchdowns. Those three touchdowns are the most receiving touchdowns for any player in the Big East in a single game.

Your co-leaders in tackles are Siriki Diabate [14]and Phillip Thomas [15], who tied with seven. Following those two was Chandler Jones [16], with six.

Jones had an emphatic return to the Syracuse lineup. Jones finished with six unassisted tackles, two tackles for a loss, and two sacks.

Phillip Thomas intercepted his fourth pass of the season, tying for the lead in the Big East Conference in that category.

WVU quarterback Geno Smith [17]finished the game with 338 yards through the air and two touchdowns. His totals seem a bit deceptive, though, when one considers he threw two interceptions and was sacked on four plays.

Another game, another big receiving day against the Orange. Stedman Bailey [18] finished the game with seven receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown. Though, to be fair, 64 came on one play.

Dustin Garrison [19] finished with 58 yards on 11 carries. This matters because it marks the eighth consecutive game Syracuse has not allowed a 100-yard rusher.

Next week sees Syracuse take on the Louisville Cardinals [20] in Louisville, KY at 12 p.m. The Cardinals are led by senior linebacker Dexter Heyman [21], who has 51 tackles, seven and a half TFL’s, two sacks and two interceptions on the season. The game will be broadcast on the Big East Network.