Excitement Abounds For Bowl-Bound SU
12/14/2010 12:21:41 PM | Football
Excitement was in the air as the Syracuse football team continued its preparation for the inaugural New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Syracuse will face Kansas State in the bowl game in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, the hometown of head coach Doug Marrone, on December 30 (3:20 p.m., ESPN).
“It is the first time for us practicing in December, it feels good,” said junior quarterback Ryan Nassib. “We're getting a lot of extra work in and the young guys are starting to get more reps. Anytime we get to play football it is always fun. It is key for us. We're getting back to the basics and getting extra reps we wouldn't be able to get otherwise. There is still an opportunity to get better this season.”
Tickets for the New Era Pinstripe Bowl are available online. A variety of attractive fan packages are available. Packages include various combinations of tickets, travel options, hotel accommodations and access to pre-game activities. To purchase any tickets in sections with Syracuse fans and book travel packages, click here or call 866-832-6746.
The squad makes the 255 mile trip to New York City on Sunday, December 26. Though 24 student-athletes on the Syracuse roster hail from New York, for some the New Era Pinstripe Bowl will mark their first New York City experience.
“(I'm looking forward to) just being in the city, seeing what all the talk is about,” said junior running back Antwon Bailey. “We have a lot of people on the team from New York City and all they do is brag about how great their city is and how much there is to do. I'm going to put them to the test and see what they have for me. I want to see the big Christmas tree (in Rockefellar Center). I saw it on Home Alone so I want to see that.”
For the 26 seniors on the roster, qualifying for postseason play for the first time since 2004 is just one of the goals the team set forth that has been accomplished. The squad is looking for its second-consecutive bowl victory against Kansas State, after defeating the Wildcats, 26-3, in the 2001 Insight.com Bowl.
“It feels good, it is something that is new for me,” said senior running back Delone Carter. “I can't wait to get out there in New York City and get a win. It is extremely important. It is something I've been working toward since my freshman year and to go out there and get this win is all that is on my mind. Playing in Yankee Stadium is big.”
