Sharpe Sensational on National Stage

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Senior defensive end Brandon Sharpe knows that the BIG EAST is physical. So when the defense stepped out onto the gridiron against Pittsburgh, they knew they had to play hard. Sharpe helped secure Syracuse its first BIG EAST win of the season on Friday by notching a career-high seven tackles, including six for a loss of 45 yards and four sacks for a loss of 42 yards, against the Panthers.

"Playing physical is definitely the BIG EAST way," Sharpe said. "We play physical. Rutgers plays physical. Everybody plays physical. We know we have to be physical every week."

For his impressive performance in the 14-13 win, Sharpe was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week, the CFPA National Defensive Player of the Week and the CFPA National Defensive Lineman of the Week.

"It didn't hit me until way after the game because when I was playing the game I was playing so passionately that I was just in the groove of the game," Sharpe said. "I didn't realize I was making so many plays."

His 6.0 tackles for a loss of 45 yards ranks second for the most tackles for loss in a game. Sharpe's 4.0 sacks for a loss of 42 yards ties him at second for the most sacks in a game right behind one of Syracuse's all-time greats, Dwight Freeney.

"It means a lot but I still think I can't be compared to those guys like Dwight Freeney, because he's very talented," Sharpe said. "It is just an honor to be mentioned in the same category as them."

Sharpe is tied for 23rd in the nation for tackles for loss (1.6 avg/g) and tied for 12th in sacks (1.1 avg/g). He ranks second in sacks (1.10 avg/g) and third in tackles for loss (1.6 avg/g) in the BIG EAST. However, the Pittsburgh game wasn't the first time in his life that he had recorded four sacks.

"I did have four sacks in one game in high school," Sharpe said. "I got four sacks there and got the record at my high school."

The win over Pittsburgh was monumental for Sharpe and his fellow seniors. The seniors had not seen a win against the Panthers in their Orange career since SU hadn't won against Pittsburgh since 2004.

"Pitt always comes in physical," Sharpe said. "That was a fun game. We knew we had to play physical. We had to play fast. We had to play smart. All of the coaches reiterated to play fast and play smart. It is important that we got that that win against Pitt. I remember last year sitting in the locker room at Pitt and having a salty taste in my mouth because we didn't make a bowl game because they beat us. Before I played this game I was just amped up because I was so hurt last year."

Sharpe and his fellow senior leader on defense, Shamarko Thomas, have a special bond that has lasted back to their high school days. The two Virginia Beach, Va. natives attended played with each other at Ocean Lakes and had the unique opportunity of playing together for four years in college as well.

"It is awesome that we are still together from high school," Sharpe said. "We think that every day. We have been roommates ever since. We always talked about it and we always dreamed about it and now it's coming true."

The Orange continue BIG EAST play when they travel to No. 20 Rutgers this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 13th (12 p.m.; BIG EAST Network).

"Rutgers always comes in physical and fast," Sharpe said. "They are right down the road. We know what we have to do this week. It would feel awesome to get a road victory. We haven't had one in quite some time. "

The Orange return back to the Carrier Dome on Friday, Oct. 19th at 8 p.m. to face UConn. Tickets are available online, in person at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B), or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX for the Orange's game against UConn.

Syracuse University Athletics

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