Marrone Discusses Louisville

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It's going to be an exciting day at the Carrier Dome on Saturday. Not only is the Syracuse football team hosting undefeated No. 11/10 Louisville (12 p.m.; ABC) but its Senior Day. It is also Syracuse University's Orange Central Weekend. Head coach Doug Marrone previewed the upcoming game against Louisville during his weekly press conference. Check out the video of the press conference here.

"It's very difficult with frustration coming off of the Cincinnati game," Marrone said. "It's pretty much been that way from the games that we have lost this year. We made critical errors in different phases of the game that we have not been able to overcome. Early on in the week we have addressed that with our players and we are working on it and trying to get this thing where we don't commit those errors and we have the ability to play four quarters in all three phases. That's what we are 110% committed to."

Yesterday Marrone announced the four captains of the Syracuse football team. Linebacker Siriki Diabate, quarterback Ryan Nassib, offensive tackle Justin Pugh and safety Shamarko Thomas were named the captains for 2012.

"We didn't want to put that pressure on those players early on in the year where they can focus and concentrate as a team on being good leaders for each other and obviously on their play," Marrone said. "The four captains, Ryan Nassib, Justin Pugh, Shamarko Thomas and Siriki Diabate are kids that have really been great leaders throughout the entire season, throughout spring and preseason. They have obviously done a good job managing this team during a lot of frustration. It's a challenge now for those players to get us over the top as we go into these three games."

For 15 seniors on the Syracuse football team, this Saturday's game will be their final one played in the Carrier Dome. The group of seniors has been a part of memorable wins, such as the exciting 36-34 victory against Kansas State in the 2010 New Era Pinstripe Bowl and a 49-23 win against No. 11/14 West Virginia in 2011.

"We have 15 seniors that are going to be experiencing their last home experience," Marrone said. "I'm proud of the players that will be out there today. Not only have they taken on the challenges of being a great student, but they have also put in the work to be the best athlete they can be. A lot of them have some individual accomplishments that they have done an outstanding job with. The thing that I am the most proud of is what they have given back to this community, outside of Syracuse University. I think that's an important trait and one that these players will carry. I think they will influence many people around them for the rest of their lives. That's what I'm proud of."

Louisville leads the series against Syracuse, 6-5 and holds a 3-2 record while playing at the Carrier Dome. The Cardinals are currently 9-0 and 4-0 in the BIG EAST.

"We have a very, very good football team coming in here," Marrone said. "They are a 9-0 team. A team that is undefeated. They are a team that is led by an outstanding quarterback. It's a great challenge for our program. We are excited to be in that position. Our players have shown a resiliency through these critical times which is tough to do. It's easy to get down. It's easy to feel sorry for yourself. At the same time, the mistakes that are being made are the mistakes that we can control."

For the game against Louisville, tickets are available online, in person at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B), or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.

Syracuse University Athletics

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