For the Syracuse University football team (5-6, 1-6 Big East), it was season that ended in disappointment. The team fell in its final game [6] to Pittsburgh, capping a five-game losing streak and missing bowl eligibility by one game. This came on the heels of a 2010 season, capped by a victory against Kansas State in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.
Individually, though, the Orange had some success. Today, the team saw seven of its players achieve All-Big East status.
On the defensive side of the ball, Chandler Jones [7] made the First-Team, despite missing five games this season. It was his second consecutive All-Big East honor. The defensive end finished with 38 tackles, four and a half sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Middle linebacker Marquis Spruill [8] made an appearance on the Second-Team, finishing with 62 tackles, three sacks and two fumble recoveries.
On the offensive side of the ball, Antwon Bailey [9] garnered a First-Team selection through his 1,051 rushing yards, 200 receiving yards and seven total touchdowns. Two of the men blocking in front of him, left tackle Justin Pugh [10] and right guard Andrew Tiller [11] also received First-Team accolades.
Two of Ryan Nassib’s [12] pass catchers also made an appearance on these teams. Tight end Nick Provo [13], a John Mackey Award semifinalist, made the First-Team with his 51 receptions, 537 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. On the Second-Team was Alec Lemon [14], as the wide receiver had 68 receptions for 834 yards and six touchdowns. Both also set the Syracuse record for single-season receptions for their respective positions.
Though these accolades come after a trying season, there’s good news for Orange fans. Of the recipients, only Tiller, Bailey and Provo will not return for the Orange next season, so 2012 remains bright for SU.
