Syracuse University
Akron
Carter Scores Three Touchdowns in 28-14 Victory Versus Akron
10/24/2009 4:10:56 PM | Football
Syracuse Postgame Notes
Head Coach Doug Marrone Press Conference Transcript
Akron Postgame Notes
Akron Quotes
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Senior running back Delone Carter rushed for a career-best 170 yards on 30 carries and three touchdowns in Syracuse's 28-14 victory versus Akron at the Carrier Dome on Saturday afternoon. Senior linebacker Derrell Smith also set a career-high with nine solo tackles, including one forced fumble and two sacks and one tackle for loss. The Orange defense dominated in the second half, holding Akron to 50 yards. The Zips were also held to zero yards rushing in the contest, the fewest rushing yards allowed since Florida rushed for -17 in 1991.
Akron went on the board at the 4:55 mark of the opening quarter via an 11-yard touchdown pass to Andre Jones. The scoring drive began on the Syracuse 13-yard line after an SU fumble.
The Orange defense held the Zips on its next possession, giving the ball back to Syracuse as time expired in the first quarter. Syracuse went 60 yards on seven plays, capped by a seven-yard rush by Carter to tie the game, 7-7, within the first three minutes of the second quarter. Carter accounted for 35 of Syracuse's 60 yards on the scoring drive.
Syracuse started on its own 34-yard line on its next possession, where Carter found the end zone for the second time to put the Orange up, 14-7, with 4:14 remaining in the half.
The Zips missed a field goal in the final seconds of the half to settle the score, 14-7, at the break.
Akron tied the game at 14 with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half.
The Orange capitalized on its next scoring opportunity, starting at the Akron 28-yard line after a six-yard punt return. Sophomore running back Mike Jones ran 12 yards on the drive to set up the 11-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver Marcus Sales to give the Orange the 21-14 advantage with less than seven minutes remaining in the quarter. Sales had a career-best six catches for a career-high 61 yards and one touchdown.
Carter registered a career-high 53-yard run on Syracuse's next possession, before taking the ball in for his third touchdown of the afternoon to increase the SU lead, 28-14, with 10:46 left on the clock.
Junior strong safety Max Suter forced his first career fumble, which was recovered by junior linebacker Doug Hogue, on Akron's next drive. The Orange took over at the Akron 49-yard line and allowed the clock to tick down in the final minute, settling the 28-14 victory.
Syracuse is back in action at the Carrier Dome next Saturday when it faces Cincinnati at noon. Tickets are available online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOME-TIX).
