Football Travels To UConn For Friday Night Game
10/4/2005 3:24:29 PM | Football
Game Notes In PDF
Greg Robinson Press Conference Transcipt
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Orange plays its second road game of the season when it heads to Storrs, Conn. on Friday for an 8:00 p.m. contest against Connecticut at Rentschler Field. SU's defense ranks 41st in the nation, while UConn allows the fewest yards than any other team. The game will be aired on ESPN2 with Dave Pasch, Trevor Matich, and Rodney Gilmore calling the action and Stacy Dales-Schuman reporting from the sidelines.
UConn enters the game ranked first in the country in total defense (213.50), second in pass efficiency defense (81.75), and fifth in scoring defense (10.25).
"You can just look at it statistically, and they lead the BIG EAST in just about everything," said head coach Greg Robinson. "They have a well-balanced football team. I think that their offense has been very funtional for them. Their quarterback (Matt Bonislawski) has a strong arm. I like (Terry) Cauley the running back, and Bonislawski can run the ball. (Jason) Williams is a good receiver. I like the tight end (Dan) Murray. He's a good player. On the defensive side of the ball, they fly around. They do a good job. Their third down defense has sophistication. It creates problems." Read the rest of what Robinson had to say here.
Senior Damien Rhodes, who ranks 24th in the nation in rushing and third in the BIG EAST with 101.25 yards, looks to become the 17th player at SU to gain 2,000 yards in his career. He needs just 34 yards to do so, but will have to do it against a rush defense that ranks 12th in the country allowing 82.50 yards per game.
The Orange's defense will look to match the Huskies, as it is tied for eighth in turnovers (12), 10th in turnover margin (+1.5), 36th in scoring defense (20.0), and 41st in total defense (347.5).
Senior Ryan LaCasse enters the game ranked fourth in the nation in sacks with 1.50, tied for 15th in tackles for a loss (1.75), and tied for 16th in forced fumbles (0.5). Senior Anthony Smith is tied for 10th in passes defended in the nation (1.5), while he and senior Steve Gregoryare both tied for 22nd in interceptions (0.5).
Game Against Rutgers Set For 12:00 p.m. on ESPN Regional
For the fifth time in six games, SU football fans can watch the Orange on television. Syracuse's game against Rutgers on October 15 in the Carrier Dome will be televised by ESPN Regional. Kickoff time is set for 12:00 p.m. Fans attending the game in the Dome will be treated to a special halftime celebration of Syracuse football legends. Tickets are available online (click here) or at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX).
Syracuse’s remaining home games include Cincinnati (October 29) and South Florida (November 12). The Orange will play at Pittsburgh (October 22), at Notre Dame (November 19, NBC) and at Louisville (November 26).
For ticket information on all of SU's upcoming games, click here.
