Defense Comes Through

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – After losing both freshman quarterback Eric Dungey and sophomore wide receiver Steve Ishmael to injury in the first half, it was the Syracuse defense that stepped up in overtime, keeping Central Michigan out of the end zone, and helping the Orange start 3-0 for the first time in 24 years.

"I thought they did a good job with some things," Orange head coach Scott Shafer said. "They hung in there and continued to fight."

The Chippewas controlled possession throughout the game Saturday, holding the ball for more than 39 minutes. They ran 91 offensive plays to Syracuse's 47.

"We did bend. We bent a little too much, but found a way there at the end," Shafer said. "I'm just proud of those kids for finding a way to win that game."

Central Michigan had the ball on the Syracuse 1-yard line in overtime, looking to put six points on the board. On third down, the Chippewas gave the ball to running back Devon Spalding. He was stuffed by junior defensive end Ron Thompson for a loss of a yard.

Central Michigan settled for a field goal to take a 27-24 lead. The Orange then rode freshman running back Jordan Fredericks in overtime. Fredericks carried four times for 12 yards in the extra session, including the game-winning touchdown from four yards out.

Overall, the Syracuse defense held the Chippewas' rushing attack to 90 yards. It marked the third straight contest SU kept its opponent to less than 100 yards on the ground. The Orange has held its foes to an average of 46.7 rushing yards per game in 2015.

In addition, the Orange forced two fourth-quarter turnovers to thwart potential CMU scoring drives. Parris Bennett recovered a fumble at the SU 32-yard line in opening minute of the period, and Zaire Franklin picked off his first career pass with the Chippewas deep in Orange territory again later in the quarter.

"It was a great team effort on both sides of the ball," junior defensive end Luke Arciniega said. "Central Michigan played a tough game. In the end, it definitely feels good to go into this next game 3-0."

Syracuse wraps up a four-game Carrier Dome homestand against No. 13 LSU on Saturday, Sept. 26. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. The game will be presented by Tops Friendly Markets and air live on either ABC or ESPN.

Tickets are available online, by phone (1-888-DOMETIX) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B). In addition, discounted group tickets (20 or more) can be purchased by calling 315-443-3212.

For complete coverage of Syracuse and Syracuse football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange& Syracuse Football), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and watch exclusive video content on Cuse TV.

Syracuse University Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

Luke Arciniega

Parris Bennett

Eric Dungey

Zaire Franklin

Jordan Fredericks

Steve Ishmael

Ron Thompson

Related Videos