Spring Game Pits Offense vs. Defense
4/16/2010 12:30:11 PM | Football
All Orange football fans are invited to the annual Spring game on Saturday, April 17 at the Carrier Dome. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. with the 'Select-A-Seat' program. The Spring game will begin at 1:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Fans should enter the Carrier Dome through the Dome's lower level gates (A,B,C,D,E and F). The event will be broadcast on 97.7 FM Syracuse.
The Spring game will feature the Syracuse offense against the Syracuse defense. The winner will be determined based on a scoring system that awards points to the offense for traditional scoring touchdowns (6 points), field goals (3), and one and two point conversions, in addition to first downs (1). The defense will score points for forcing a punt (1 point), recording a sack (2) or a tackle for loss (1), breaking up a pass (1), a missed field goal (3), a fourth down stop (2), stopping a 2-point conversion (2), forcing a three-and-out (3), creating a takeaway (3) and scoring a touchdown (6).
The 'Select-A-Seat' program provides fans an opportunity to experience different seating options first-hand prior to purchasing season tickets. Representatives of Syracuse University will be on hand to help fans choose the best seat for them and assist with the ticket transaction.
Prior to the game former SU football student-athlete and current San Diego Charger Steve Gregory, who will host his first 'SG Squad Charge for Fitness' program after the Spring game, will sign autographs in sections 108 and 109. Fans are also invited to visit the Dome concourse for face painting and visits with Otto, the SU Cheerleaders and Dance Team, who will be available for autographs and photos. In addition, EA Sports will be promote NCAA Football '10 for XBox 360 and FIFA '10 for PlayStation 3. Fans will have the opportunity to try EA Wii games and EA Sports will have tee shirts, Under Armour EA bags, hats and Battlefield Bad Company 2 stickers for fans.
At halftime, Otto and other local area mascots will play a game of touch football.
Following the game, the Orange football team will host an autograph session on the Carrier Dome field and the first 200 fans ages five to 12 are invited to participate in Gregory's 'SG Squad Charge for Fitness' program. Kids will have an opportunity to kick a field goal, tackle the tackle dummies, throw and run a passing route and run the 40 yard dash, while receiving input from Gregory. The first 100 kids to sign up will receive an 'SG Squad' tee shirt, a signed picture of Gregory and will participate in fitness with him. The program will be after the game, approximately at 3:30. Visit www.karma411.com/stevegregory to register.
At the conclusion of Spring practice, the coaching staff will evaluate the 15 practices to determine a post-spring depth chart, including one of the most highly competitive positions – quarterback.
"The quarterbacks are both playing well," Marrone said. "Ryan (Nassib) has done a nice job with his understanding of the offense and how he can get us in and out of plays and getting us into the best play. Charley (Loeb) has really stepped up in the scrimmages and has done well. I'm happy with both quarterbacks and where they are with the knowledge of it. We'll just see how it goes in the next couple of days and then go back and review all the tape and see who's developing and who gives us the best chance to win. That's not only at the quarterback position, but every position."
The 2010 Orange football season kicks off at Akron on September 4. SU's first home game is September 18 against Maine. Tickets are available online (click here) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOMETIX).
