Sunday Sidebar: Offense Starting to Click

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – After scoring 50 combined points in its first three contests, the Syracuse's offense got untracked yesterday versus Western Michigan. The Orange scored seven touchdowns and exploded for 52 points in its 52-33 victory against Western Michigan. It marked the seventh time in the last three seasons Syracuse scored at least 50 points. The Orange's seven 50+ point games over than span are tied for second among ACC teams. Only Clemson (8) has more.

Against Western Michigan, Syracuse racked up a season-high 545 yards of total offense and averaged 6.6 yards on 82 plays. The production was the result of a balanced attack. The Orange amassed 257 yards rushing on 47 attempts (5.5 avg.) and 287 yards passing on 35 throws (8.2 avg.).

Quarterback Tommy DeVito completed better than 70 percent of his passes for the second time this season, going 27-for-35 with a career-high four touchdowns and no interceptions. He also proved to be a threat with his legs, running for a personal-best 85 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter that put Syracuse in front, 21-0.

"I thought it was really cool that he started the game and finished the game with the same amount of interceptions," head coach Dino Babers said after the game. "I thought he had some growth today and I thought he did a nice job."

DeVito's skill set has frequently been compared to that of his predecessor Eric Dungey, who was known to take off and run when plays broke down.

"I'm definitely throw-first, but I can run if I have to," DeVito said. "Definitely had to use that today to help the offense move the ball."

That ability paid dividends immediately against the Broncos. DeVito dashed for 60 yards on Syracuse's second offensive snap to set up the game's first touchdown.

Babers also praised DeVito's mobility.

"Tommy could always run. I tried to tell you guys that he's fast, he can run, we just ask him to be very careful when he does it."

Receiver Trishton Jackson and tight end Aaron Hackett were DeVito's favorite targets in the passing game. Jackson tallied 148 receiving yards, while Hackett logged 48. Both players caught two touchdowns. Jackson's two scores came in the third quarter. The first one went for 59 yards and the second for 46. Hackett proved his effectiveness in the red zone, catching a 10-yard shovel pass from DeVito in the first quarter and making a 9-yard grab in the back of the end zone midway through the fourth quarter.

Hackett's touchdowns were his second and third as a member of the Orange, and they marked the first time he found the end zone in the Dome. Up until this point in his career, the junior has been used primarily as a blocker. However, he's always had the ability to be a receiving threat.

"It felt good to finally score my first touchdown in the Dome. That was awesome," Hackett said. "But the reason some of that stuff opened up was the O-line and how we were running the football, so I owe those guys everything."

Senior Moe Neal led the rushing attack, churning out 123 yards on the ground on 26 carries, including a pair of touchdowns. Neal tallied the game's first points as well as the last. He got the Orange on the scoreboard at the 13:23 mark of the first quarter with a 23-yard touchdown run. His 16-yard scoring jaunt last in the fourth quarter produced the final score.

Syracuse will look build on its momentum this Saturday when it hosts Holy Cross in the final game of a three-game homestand. Fans are invited to take advantage of a special offer for $15 tickets to watch the Orange and Crusaders. The offer is valid while supplies last or until Friday, Sept. 27. Start time for the game is noon on the ACC Network.

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

Syracuse University Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

Tommy DeVito

Eric Dungey

Aaron Hackett

Trishton Jackson

Moe Neal

Related Videos