BIG EAST Season on the Horizon for the Orange

Game Notes
Head Coach Greg Robinson Press Conference Transcript

The BIG EAST season begins for the 2008 Orange football squad this Saturday when the Pittsburgh Panthers visit the Carrier Dome (12:00 p.m., BIG EAST Network). Since the BIG EAST football league formed in 1991, the Orange is 11-6 in conference-opening games, including 7-4 record in league openers in the Carrier Dome.

“We're excited to get ready for the BIG EAST,” Robinson said. “I think it is motivation for our football team. The BIG EAST season is the beginning of what it's all about. That's why yesterday's game was so important to just go into that locker room and be fired up about winning a football game. This is the BiG EAST. We have Pitt coming to town. I think it's exciting for our team and for everybody.”

At halftime, Orange All-American and Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Monk will be presented with the Syracuse Eight Courage Award, which was established in 2006. It is presented annually to a current or former student-athlete who has overcome a socially, economically or otherwise disadvantaged background or serious injury and has demonstrated uncommon bravery or highly principled behavior in the face of adversity. Monk, who was named to the Syracuse University Board of Trustees in 2007 and is involved with the Orange athletics program, was instrumental in the recognition of the Syracuse Eight during the 2006 football season. Syracuse University honored members of the 1970 SU football squad for their extraordinary courage and commitment by calling for the equal treatment of student-athletes and a diverse coaching staff. These men stood up for the principles of fairness and equality.

In Syracuse’s win against Northeastern, the Orange offense gained 271 rushing yards, marking the second time this season the Orange rushed for more than 200 yards. It is the first time since 2004 that SU recorded two 200 yard rushing games in a season. The last 200-plus rushing game for the Orange was at Illinois on Sept. 16, 2006 (202 yards). The 271 yards on the ground for the Orange marked the 16th game in which the team has rushed or passed for more than 200 yards during head coach Greg Robinson’s tenure.

“To have two rushers over 100 yards is a credit to a lot of people,” Robinson said. “Not only the runners played well, but the line and the wide receivers did the best job blocking they've done all year. There were a number of times their blocks were very good down field for those runners to work off of. I thought we threw the ball very efficiently and if we can continue to do that, good things are going to happen. “

Pre-game activities on the Syracuse University Quad begin at 9:00 a.m. The 2008 Orange football team Quad Walk will begin at 9:50 a.m. followed by the Syracuse University Marching Band Drum Line performance in front of Hendricks Chapel and the Marching Band Pep Rally to gets fans geared up for kickoff.

Almostfest will be held on the Quad prior to the game. The FabCats and Storm Front will entertain the crowd. The FabCats are Syracuse, NY’s only SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music) Award-nominated Beatles band. The Fabs mix over 200 songs with a combined 125 years of performing experience to present a unique variety of songs and styles. A Billy Joel tribute band, Storm Front first hit the stage in the summer of 2007. The band, which is based in Albany, includes of six musicians who grew up loving and playing the music of Billy Joel.

In addition to the musical entertainment, there will be children’s games and food and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Coolers and/or alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Quad.

Syracuse University Athletics

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