'Cuse Spring Practice Report: Feb. 25

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Orange football team continued spring practice on Thursday, Feb. 25, holding its second workout this week at the Ensley Athletic Center. The defense had a productive day. Head coach Dino Babers praised coordinator Brian Ward's unit for forcing multiple turnovers during the two-hour session.

"I thought the defense had a heck of a day today," Babers said. "They had a lot of turnovers. Coach Ward and those guys are doing a fantastic job. I was really excited. I'd even say that maybe the offense won the first day (Tuesday), but the defense definitely won the day today. It was a nice effort by them."

Takeaways have been a hallmark of Ward's defenses wherever he's been. At Bowling Green last season, the Falcons finished 13th nationally in turnovers gained (27) and were eighth in interceptions (20). In nine games against MAC foes (including the conference title game), Bowling Green caused 22 turnovers, nearly 2.5 per contest.

Creating turnovers and Babers' up-tempo offense go hand-in-hand. The more times the defense gets the ball back or stops opponents on the third down, the more opportunities there are for the offense to put points on the board.

"We have a very aggressive style and we want to put our guys in position to make plays," Babers said. "If you have good players and put them in position to make those plays it can change the outcome of a game."

Thursday's practice format was similar to Day 1, with a healthy amount teaching and individual work. Wide receivers practiced beating press coverage off the line of the scrimmage. Linebackers focused on reading the quarterback's eyes in coverage. Offensive and defensive lineman spent the session working with their position coaches outside of team periods.

The Orange have 12 more practices leading up to their annual spring scrimmage on Saturday, April 2 at the Carrier Dome. Start time for the scrimmage is 11 a.m. and admission is free.

The 2016 season gets underway Friday, Sept. 2 at home against Colgate. The schedule features six home dates, including conference games against Louisville, Virginia Tech, NC State and Florida State.

Season ticket deposits for 2016 are now being accepted online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX). Fans are invited to place a $75 deposit for new season tickets and they will be eligible to select their seat location(s) prior to season tickets going on sale to the general public.

NOTES: Former Orange QB Terrel Hunt and LB Oliver Vigille watched practice this morning. Both players exhausted their eligibility after last season … Babers recognized LB Parris Bennett for his play Thursday by having him break the team down to end practice … Syracuse returns to the field Sunday for its third spring practice session and first in full pads.

Syracuse University Athletics

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