Ryan LaCasse is tied for sixth in the nation in sacks with 1.33.
SU Takes On #6/7 Florida State In First Road Contest
9/28/2005 9:14:09 AM | Football
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Syracuse Orange heads to Tallahassee, Fla. for just the second time in history to take on #6/7 Florida State on Saturday afternoon. Senior Ryan LaCasse leads a nationally-ranked defense into the Sunshine State to battle a Seminole offense that averages 33.3 points per game. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 on ABC, with Mike Tirico and Tim Brant calling the action and Suzy Shuster reporting from the sidelines.
In its first-ever trip to Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium in 1991, a top-tanked Seminole team defeated SU, 46-14 in front of 61,231. Head coach Greg Robinson discussed playing in Tallahassee at his Tuesday press conference, saying, “It’s obviously a great venue. It has a lot of tradition. To me, it’s one of those places that it’s why you go on the road to play.” Read the entire transcript from Robinson’s press conference here.
The Orange currently has the best turnover ratio in the nation at +2.67. The defense also ranks in other statistical categories, including, pass efficiency defense (4th, 82.05), pass defense (6th, 128.3), turnovers (t-10, 10), scoring defense (19th, 14.0), interceptions (t-14th, 6), total defense (24th, 292.67), and third down conversion defense (25th, 29.17).
On both sides of the ball, individuals are ranked among the nation's best. LaCasse is tied for sixth in the nation with 1.33 sacks, and is tied for ninth in forced fumbles with 0.67. His 1.67 tackles for a loss is tied for 30th in the country. Against Virginia, he picked off his first pass in the end zone to stop a Cavalier red zone threat. In the game versus Buffalo, LaCasse recorded career-highs in sacks and tackles for a loss with 3.0.
Senior Damien Rhodes is averaging 120.3 rushing yards per game, which is good enough for 10th in the nation. His 10.0 scoring average is tied for 29th and also tied for 82nd in points responsible for, while his 137.3 all-purpose yards ranks 36th in the country.
SU is 12-3 all-time on Oct. 1, with its first five wins coming by way off shutout. The Orange has outscored its opponents 410-195 on that date.
Florida State is 3-0 entering the game, with wins over nationally ranked Miami in the season opener, and against Boston College. The Seminoles also defeated The Citadel.
ORANGE ON THE RADIO
The Syracuse Sports Network broadcast of the Florida State game will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. In this week's pre-game show, host Matt Park will talk with Greg Robinson and Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden. Brian Higgins interviews senior Joe Kowalewski in the Chase-Pitkin Building The Orange feature. In the Mobil ExpressMart Turn Back the Clock, the eighth-greatest football game in Dome history will be profiled. Finally, the show will bring Tallahassee to you in its new feature, "Postcard From ..." Junior Marcus Clayton takes part in that piece to discuss his hometown. Sign up for SU Audio Streaming Now!
ORANGE FRIENDZY EVENT
Join the Syracuse University Orange as it travels to Tallahassee for the first time since 1991 to take on the Florida State Seminoles this Saturday, October 1!!
The Orange Friendzy pre-game celebration will begin at 1:30 p.m. and will continue until kickoff at 3:30 p.m. EDT. The event will be held at a tent located on the grounds of Doak Campbell Stadium across from Gates K and L.
Click here for a map of FSU's campus including the stadium and where the tent will be located. Snacks will be available while supplies last.
Stop in to mingle, sign up for a chance to win a prize, and pick up our giveaways!
For directions to Doak Campbell Stadium, visit Florida State's website at http://seminoles.collegesports.com/facilities/fsu-trads-fac-campbell.html and scroll down to the bottom of the web page page (or see the directions at the end of this email).
In addition to the Office of Alumni Relations staff, representatives from the Syracuse University Alumni Club of First Coast and the Syracuse University Alumni Club of Atlanta will be on hand to greet you and share information with you about upcoming activities in their areas. Want to join one of the SU Alumni clubs? Applications will be available at the Orange Friendzy event! For more information about the club in Atlanta, visit their website at http://www.suacoa.com/pages/1/index.htm.
To find an alumni club in your area, please visit http://alumni.syr.edu/clubnews.html.
For more information on our remaining away and home Orange Friendzy events, please visit http://alumni.syr.edu/sports.html.
DIRECTIONS TO DOAK CAMPBELL STADIUM
FROM: Interstate 10
Take I-10 to Exit 209A. Go west on HWY 90 (Mahan Street which turns into Tennessee Street) to Monroe St. Make a left and go south on Monroe St. to Gaines St. Make a right and go west on Gaines St.
FROM: Airport
Go South on Capital Circle to Lake Bradford Rd. Make a left on Lake Bradford and follow to Stadium Drive.
FROM: HWY 90 West (QUINCY)
Go East on HWY 90 (Tennessee St.) to Ocala St. Make a right and take Ocala St. to Pensacola St. Make a left and go East on Pensacola St.
FROM: Route 319 (Thomasville Rd.)
Take Thomasville Rd. to Monroe St. Make a left and go South on Monroe St. to Gaines St. Make a right and go West on Gaines St.
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Regy Thorpe Postgame Press Conference vs. #4 Northwestern
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