High Noon Kickoff for the Orange
10/30/2009 3:52:56 PM | Football
Live Stats
Read the Game Notes (PDF)
The Orange football team will conclude its eight-game 'Dome-stand' when it hosts fifth-ranked Cincinnati on Saturday, Oct. 31 (12:00 p.m., ESPNU) for Fan Appreciation Day. It is the first time the Orange has welcomed a top-five team to the Carrier Dome since it hosted No. 1 Miami in 2002. Tickets for SU's game against Cincinnati are available online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOME-TIX).
To celebrate Halloween, fans are encouraged to dress in costume for the game for a chance to win a variety of prizes. Those who dress in costume can sign-up at Gate B before the end of the first quarter to be entered in the costume contest. Three adult finalists and three youth finalists will be selected. A winner will be chosen at halftime based on fan applause. Fans can also get started on trick-or-treating early with candy available after the game.
At 9:00 a.m., the Football Family Fun Zone will open on the Quad for pregame festivities with the SU Marching Band, cheerleaders, dance team and Otto the Orange. Other activities include jumpies for the kids, face painting by the dance team, a performance by the Chris Terra Band, and the pre-game radio broadcast. Fans are urged to get to their seats early, as one lucky fan will be selected to win $444 twenty minutes prior to the game.
Syracuse-Cincinnati Series
In a series dating back to 1993, Cincinnati has the 5-4 advantage. Syracuse won the first three games against the Bearcats in 1993, 1994 and 1998. In 1998, SU quarterback Donovan McNabb tied a Syracuse record with four touchdown passes and completed 83.3 percent of his attempts, helping the offense score 63 points – the most by either team in the series. Syracuse's last win was in 2004, the year before the Bearcats joined the BIG EAST Conference.
Williams is a Biletnikoff Semifinalist
Senior Mike Williams is a semifinalist for the 2009 Biletnikoff Award, which is presented to the nation's top wide receiver. Williams is fifth in the nation and first in the BIG EAST in receiving yards per game (118.7), while his 7.5 receptions per game is tied for seventh in the nation and second in the Conference. He has made a reception in 26 consecutive games for the Orange, which is fourth-best in school history. His 77.3 receiving yards per game is first on the SU record list, while his 20 touchdown catches ties for second.
Smith Heads Syracuse 'D'
Senior Derrell Smith has forced four fumbles through seven games in 2009, which ties for fourth on Syracuse's single-season record list. Smith is averaging 9.14 tackles per game, which ranks fourth among BIG EAST defenders and ties for 18th nationally. He ties for 32nd in the nation and second in the BIG EAST with 0.93 sacks per game.
Orange Stops the Run
The Orange defense gave up zero rushing yards against Akron, which was the best run-stop performance by an SU defense since 1991 when the Orange held the Florida Gators to minus 17 yards rushing. SU's 2009 run defense ties for sixth nationally, allowing just 83.43 yards per game, and ranks fifth in Syracuse history. It has held opponents to less than 100 rushing yards per game in four of its seven contests this season.
Orange Improvements
The 2009 Syracuse offense is the most productive it has been since 2004. SU is averaging 23.7 points per game this season, which is the highest since the 2004 squad averaged 24.0 points per game. The rush attack is averaging 110.9 ypg, the most since 2004 (178.8) and the offense is producing 316.9 ypg, the most since 2004 (349.0).
Scouting the Bearcats
The Bearcats are undefeated after beating Louisville, 41-10, last weekend. Quarterback Zach Collaros is 25-of-35 for 454 yards and five touchdowns through seven games after replacing injured starting quarterback Tony Pike following his injury in the South Florida game. Isaiah Pead leads the running backs with 368 yards on 57 carries, while Mardy Gilyard has 674 receiving yards on 47 catches.
