Preview: Syracuse vs. Middle Tennessee

Syracuse (1-0, 0-0 ACC) vs. Middle Tennessee (0-1, 0-0 C-USA)
Game Details: Saturday, Sept. 9 | 3:30 p.m.
Location: Carrier Dome | Syracuse, N.Y.
Game Links: Tickets | Listen | Watch | Live Stats
Television: ACC Network Extra
Radio: Syracuse IMG Radio Network
Twitter: @CuseFootball | @Cuse
Syracuse Links: News | Roster | Schedule | Stats | Notes
Middle Tennessee Links: News | Roster | Schedule | Stats | Notes

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse (1-0) hosts Middle Tennessee (0-1) to the Carrier Dome Saturday, Sept. 9 for the first-ever matchup between the two programs. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. with the game airing on ACC Network Extra. Doug Sherman returns as the play-by-play announcer alongside color analyst and former Syracuse offensive lineman Adam Terry.

Saturday's game pits two of the top aerial attacks in college football against one another. Last season, the Blue Raiders ranked eighth nationally in passing offense, averaging 325.8 yards per game through the air. The Orange were not fair behind, ranking 11th in the country (321.3).

Orange starting quarterback Eric Dungey completed 28-of-36 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1 against Central Connecticut State. It marked his seventh 300+ yard passing performance, tying Ryan Nassib for the all-time Orange mark.

An improved Syracuse defense held Central Connecticut State to only eight first downs in the season opener. The Blue Devils were 1-of-15 on third down, including 0-for-8 to start the game. The Orange forced 12 punts and 12 three-and-outs on 16 CCSU possessions.

UNDEFEATED AND UNFORGOTTEN
Thirty years ago, the Syracuse football team made history finishing the regular season with an 11-0 record and tying Auburn in the Sugar Bowl to close with an 11-0-1 mark. The '87 Orange became the second 'Cuse gridiron squad to go undefeated, joining the 1959 national champions in that elite club. Syracuse University will celebrate the 30th anniversary of that historic season Saturday. Approximately 40 members of the '87 team are expected to be in attendance tomorrow and they will be recognized on the field at the end of the first quarter for their accomplishments.

OPPONENT CONNECTIONS
Middle Tennessee defensive coordinator Scott Shafer served as the Orange's head coach from 2013-16. Shafer posted a 14-23 overall record in his Syracuse tenure. Prior to his appointment as head coach, Shafer was the Orange's defensive coordinator from 2009-12.

Blue Raiders linebackers coach Siriki Diabate played for Syracuse from 2011-12, helping the Orange to a victory in the 2012 Pinstripe Bowl. Following his playing career, Diabate served as a graduate assistant at Syracuse in 2013 and 2014.

SCOUTING THE BLUE RAIDERS
Middle Tennessee is in its 12th season under head coach Rick Stockstill, who owns a 72-67 overall record during his tenure. He's guided the Blue Raiders to bowl appearances in three of the past four years.

Last season, Middle Tennessee finished the year with an 8-5 overall record and lost to Hawaii 52-35 in the 2016 Hawaii Bowl. In 2017, the Blue Raiders were predicted to finish in second place in the Conference USA East Division in a vote by the league's media.

Junior quarterback Brent Stockstill is the Middle Tennessee all-time leader in career touchdown passes, tossing 62 in just 25 games played. Stockstill was named to the 2017 Manning Award, Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch lists.

Redshirt junior wide receiver Richie James, a 2017 Preseason All-Conference USA First Team selection, enters Saturday's game with 223 career receptions, 16 shy of becoming the program's all-time leader.

SERIES HISTORY
Saturday's matchup is the first pairing between Syracuse and Middle Tennessee on the gridiron. Orange opponents are 25-38-1 all-time in their first trip to the Carrier Dome. Since 2009, Syracuse is 6-3 against teams making their first Dome appearance.

UP NEXT
Syracuse hosts Central Michigan for its third consecutive home game on Sept. 16 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are available online, by phone (888-DOMETIX), at Destiny USA kiosks and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B).

For complete coverage of Syracuse football, follow us on Twitter (@CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and like us on Facebook (Syracuse Football).

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Devon Clarke

Eric Dungey

Syracuse University Athletics