Orange Defense is Forcing Turnovers at High Rate
9/10/2006 6:11:27 PM | Football
Head Coach Greg Robinson's Press Conference Transcript (Sept. 10, 2006)
Read the Game Notes
The Orange football squad has turned its attention to its game at Illinois, scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16 in Champaign, Ill. The contest will be televised nationally on ESPNU. In Syracuse's 20-13 double-overtime loss to #14/15 Iowa in the Carrier Dome on Saturday (Sept. 9), the Orange defense forced four turnovers. Senior cornerback Terrell Lemon had two interceptions in the third quarter.
“That (forcing turnovers) is the number one thing that we are thinking about on the defensive side of the ball," said head coach Greg Robinson. "We are thinking about finding ways to score on defense. We still haven’t done that, but turning the ball over back to the offense as quickly as you can is paramount. To have a one-play turnaround, that is a big plus. What it does for you is get that ball back to the offense, number one. Number two, there is a sense of excitement and a momentum builder when you get a turnover. Those are big plays in football games that can really generate positive things.”
Syracuse is tied for second nationally in turnover margin (+2.5 per game) tied for the second-best mark in Division I-A behind USC (+5.0). SU is one of 20 teams not to have thrown an interception and is one of five schools with at least six takeaways.
The Orange offense is taking care of the ball, as well. Against Iowa, Syracuse ran 82 plays (44 rush, 38 pass) without committing a turnover and had no special teams miscues. It was the first time since Sept. 25, 2004 against Virginia that SU played an entire game without a turnover. The Orange has lost one fumble this season and is one of 16 schools with one turnover this season.
After its game at Illinois, the Orange return to the Carrier Dome for a three-game homestand. Syracuse will host Miami (OH) on September 23 at 7:00 p.m. (ESPNU), Wyoming on September 30 and its BIG EAST-opener against Pittsburgh on October 7. Tickets are avaible at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX) and online (click here).
