Orangemen Prepare for Showdown at Virginia Tech
10/22/2001 3:31:00 PM | Football
For the third time this season, the Syracuse Orangemen will face a team ranked in the top 10 when they take on Virginia Tech on Saturday at Noon. For the first time since 1997, Syracuse has won six straight games, improving its record to 6-2. Ranked No. 5 by the Associated Press and No. 4 in the Coaches' Poll, Virginia Tech enters the game with an overall mark of 6-0. Both teams are 3-0 in BIG EAST play.
The Orange is coming off a 45-3 victory against Temple at the Carrier Dome. Two Orangemen earned BIG EAST honors for their contributions to the win over the Owls. Dwight Freeney earned the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week award after forcing two fumbles, and recording 2.5 sacks and four tackles. Mike Shafer is the conference's Special Teams Player of the Week. He averaged 45.6 yard on five punts and four touchbacks against the Owls.
Saturday's game against Virginia Tech will be televised by ESPN Regional at Noon. The game will also be broadcast on the Syracuse Radio Network. Dave Pasch will provide the play-by-play while Dick MacPherson will serve as the color analyst.
