SU Ready to Get Back on the Field

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Under the direction of head coach Doug Marrone, the Syracuse football team has notched a 4-1 record in games following a bye week or time off. Senior quarterback Ryan Nassib has been at the helm of the Orange offense for three of those wins which include a 13-9 win at South Florida, the 2010 New Era Pinstripe Bowl against Kansas State, 36-34, and the 49-23 win against No. 11 West Virginia in 2011. The Orange hosts Pittsburgh following its bye weekend this Friday at 7 p.m. in its BIG EAST opener at the Carrier Dome (ESPN).

"We get a lot more time in the film room and a lot more time on the field having a bye week," Nassib said. "When you have a lot more time to prepare, you are going to play better. Hopefully we are able to continue that streak. We are anxious to get back on the field. Once you get to playing week after week, and then sitting home on a Saturday watching everyone else play, you want to get back there and play."

It's been over a week since the Syracuse football team has taken to the gridiron and the squad is more than ready to open up BIG EAST play. The game against Pittsburgh will also be during SU's family weekend. Tickets are available online, in person at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B), or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.

"We are making sure we put in our time and preparation for these guys and this is our first BIG EAST game," Nassib said. "It's a big one."

Nassib has garnered much national recognition this season and has recently been named a candidate for the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Award for his efforts in excelling in the classroom, climbing through the SU record book and staying involved in community service.

"Everything that I do through school and the community, a lot of it stems from the football field," Nassib said. "The team really gives me the structure that I need to manage my time right so I can get my academics done. They gave me the opportunities to go out into the community and volunteer and do a lot of that stuff that's life fulfilling. I do have a lot of fun in class and the team gives me a great chance to go out into the community and meet some great people. I'm thankful for that."

He is also one of 21 quarterbacks to be named to the Senior Bowl Watch List and is a candidate for the 2012 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, a prestigious award given to the top quarterback in the country. Vote for Nassib in the Davey O'Brien Fan Vote by clicking here.

On the field, Nassib's senior season has been nothing short of impressive. Nassib's 1,367 total yards (341.8 yards per game) puts him at 17th in the nation and number one in the BIG EAST. He currently ranks sixth nationally and leads the BIG EAST in total offense (360.0 yards/game). The West Chester, Pa. native set the SU all-time completions record in the beginning of the season and currently has 615 career completions. He has thrown 54 career touchdown passes which ranks second in SU history which is the most among current BIG EAST quarterbacks.

Syracuse University Athletics

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