A Game to Remember

Read the Game Notes | Watch the Interview

This year's Orange senior's final game in the Carrier Dome will be something that will be remembered for years to come. Not only did the Orange hand No. 11/10 Louisville its first loss of the season, it defeated its first ranked opponent since a 49-23 victory against No. 11/14 West Virginia in 2011.

"Not only was it out last game in the Dome, it was against an undefeated team, a ranked team," said senior quarterback Ryan Nassib. "It was against a team that a lot of people thought we didn't have any business beating. Our team went out and we knew from Monday that we were going to go out and win that game. To be able to do what we did, that was definitely something special. It was something memorable."

Nassib is a part of a class of 15 student-athletes that are playing their final season in Orange. The exciting 45-26 victory was a great way to cap off their memorable careers. Check out Nassib's recap of his final game in the Carrier Dome here on Orange All-Access.

Against the Cardinals, Nassib completed 15 of 23 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns. He became the BIG EAST leader in career completions with 738. Nassib also moved into the second spot on Syracuse's career passing yards record list and is six yards shy of tying Marvin Graves (8,466 yards) for the Orange record.

"It was a lot of fun," Nassib said. "That game couldn't have ended as perfect as it did. You go out like that in front of fans, family and friends, that was definitely something special. With the team that we have, it was great to have."

In Syracuse's last three wins against No. 11/10 Louisville, at South Florida and against Connecticut, the Orange did not have any turnovers.

"I think a lot of it has to do with our focus on ball security," Nassib said. "Every time we go out on the field, we always talk about how every runner needs to hold on to that ball. Ball runners, including myself, we're not trying to be a hero and get those extra couple of yards where the balls are usually stripped. We're playing smart football in that aspect. I think when it comes to interceptions, I've been able make some good reads. Guys have been catching the balls and getting open."

The Orange offense this season led a balanced attack. Against the Cardinals, Syracuse rushed for 278 yards, while Nassib threw for 246 yards.

"Teams are having a tough time because they don't know whether to load the box or drop everybody," Nassib said. "Our balanced offense in the last couple of weeks has really kept defenses on their heels, not knowing what to do. I think Jerome (Smith) has done a great job in the run game. Prince-Tyson (Gulley) and Adonis (Ameen-Moore), they've been doing a great job of hitting holes."

The Orange travels to Missouri this Saturday, Nov. 17th at 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU). SU then rounds out BIG EAST play at Temple on Friday, Nov. 23rd (11 a.m.; ESPN2).

"Right now we're staying true to what we do all year," Nassib said. "We set a goal every week and that's just to win the game. Right now we don't have to do anything that we haven't done all year. We don't have to set more lofty goals for ourselves. We have to keep playing our game and keep playing consistent. If we keep doing that and we achieve our weekly goals, than our season goals will be accomplished as well."

Syracuse University Athletics

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