Orange Central Weekend: SU vs. USF
9/28/2009 6:42:02 PM | Football
Read the Game Notes (PDF)
Read Head Coach Doug Marrone's Press Conference Transcript
Orange Central hits Syracuse's campus this weekend. The Orange football squad will host the University of South Florida as part of the University's Homecoming and Reunion Weekend on Saturday, October 3 (12:00 p.m., BIG EAST Network). Head coach Doug Marrone will lead his alma mater for the first time in a BIG EAST Conference game. Syracuse will look to extend its two-game winning streak against a USF team that is receiving votes in the national polls.
"We're two-and-two and it's on to play a South Florida team," Marrone said. "South Florida, from watching them the past day and a half, they have great talent, they're playing with terrific effort, and it's a team we haven't beaten (in the four-game series), so it's a tremendous challenge for our football team. It's one that we're looking forward to. We are also looking forward to competing against the BIG EAST. It's my first game in the BIG EAST, and our first game together as a team in the league."
The Orange is coming off a 41-24 win against Maine, which improved its record to 2-2. With a 2-2 record, SU is .500 for the first time since 2006, when it started 2-2 and then beat Wyoming in double overtime to improve the record to 3-2. Syracuse's 41 points was the most the Orange has scored since it defeated Boston College in the regular-season finale, 43-17, on November 27, 2004. The last time the Orange scored more than 35 points in back-to-back games was 2004 (42-30 win against Connecticut and 38-31 2OT victory against Pittsburgh). South Florida is 4-0 after knocking off No. 18 Florida State, 17-7, last week.
"I think it's important to win than to be.500 going into the BIG EAST,” Marrone said. “That's more important. Is it important to be at 500? It would be more important to be 3-1. It would be great if we were 4-0. It's important for us to win and we've won a lot of different ways. We're always talking to our players and learning from the situation we're in. This is the first time at home that we went into halftime without the lead (against Maine). To come back and win that football game and keep our cool and have no one get out of control and stick to the plan and make some adjustments here and there, that's a big step for our football team. I'm very happy with where we are right now. I think it's terrific for the kids. The kids have done a great job. They have responded well. They're enthusiastic. They know we have a tremendous challenge. It's an exciting time to go out there and practice. I'm really looking forward to it."
The Syracuse defense ranks 13th nationally in rush defense, allowing 83.0 yards per game. The Orange has held opponents to less than 100 rushing yards per game in three of its four contests this season. The last time an SU defense played the run that well was 2003 when the Orange held six opponents to less than 100 yards on the ground. Syracuse finished the 2003 campaign ranked 42nd nationally in rush defense, allowing 138.17 yards per game.
Senior running back Delone Carter earned BIG EAST weekly honors after scoring four touchdowns against Maine, including three rushing and one receiving. He has 1,134 career rushing yards, which ranks 36th in school history. Senior wide receiver Mike Williams ranks 11th nationally, with 109.25 receiving yards per game. His 18 career receiving touchdowns ranks 18th among active FBS players and is the most by any active receiver in the BIG EAST.
Tickets are available online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOME-TIX). Family Packs are available for all home games when purchased in advance, with the exception of the Akron game. A $99 Family Pack, which is a $28 savings, includes two adult tickets, two youth tickets (12 and under), $5 concession coupon and a $10 parking pass. For further questions and details call the Carrier Dome Box Office during business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-888-DOMETIX.
