5 Things to Know: Syracuse vs. Army
9/20/2023 12:04:00 PM | Football
Syracuse and Army square off in the JMA Dome on Saturday, on a day when legendary head coach Ben Schwartzwalder will be officially inducted into the Syracuse Ring of Honor.
Here's five things to know before you make your way to the JMA Dome or watch on ACC Network:
1. Seeking Perfection in the Non-Conference Slate
Saturday's game concludes the Orange's four-game non-conference slate to start the season and a win could add a program first. Since Syracuse first joined the BIG EAST in football in 1991, the team has never had a perfect sweep of its non-conference competition.
The closest came in 1993, when a 21-21 tie at Texas held the Orange to a 3-0-1 record out of conference. A win Saturday would make the Orange 4-0 out of conference.
Head Coach Dino Babers' teams have been particularly strong in handling business outside of the ACC, owning a 20-10 record to date vs. out-of-conference competition, including a 19-9 record in regular season non-conference play.
2. Halfway Home in the Dome
Syracuse will reach the halfway mark of its home slate on Saturday, meaning fans should take advantage of the opportunities that remain to see the Orange at home this season.
After Saturday, just three games in the JMA Dome remain.
Tickets are on sale at Cuse.com/Tickets. Both Partial plans and individual game tickets are now on sale. Fans can also purchase group tickets, hospitality packages and tailgate packages.
3. The Orange Stand Alone
There are 38 unbeaten teams remaining in FBS football, but just one can make the claim of having a top-5 scoring defense and a top-5 scoring offense.
Through the first quarter of the season, the 'Cuse offense ranks fifth nationally in scoring offense, averaging 49.3 points per game. USC, Oregon, Oklahoma and Ole Miss are the only four schools with a higher total through three weeks.
The Mob is allowing just 9.0 points per game, a mark that ranks fourth nationally, and have surrendered just four scoring drives (27 points) on the year. Three of the four teams in last year's College Football Playoff – Michigan, Georgia and Ohio State – are the lone teams with better marks this year.
4. Military Appreciation Day in the Dome
An annual highlight of the season, Saturday's game will be Military Appreciation Day in the Dome.
Ben Schwartzwalder, a war hero who earned a Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star for his actions in the service, in addition to his legendary coaching career will be inducted into the Syracuse Athletics Ring of Honor at halftime. Schwartzwalder led the Orange to the 1959 National Championship and coached some of the greatest players in football history – including the trio of backs Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little.
Prior to his time at Syracuse, Schwartzwalder parachuted onto Normandy Beach on D-Day, among the first wave of soldiers that jumped in 1944. Dropped far behind enemy lines and miles off target, Schwartzwalder, a Captain in Company G of the 507th, organized his men, established command, and a week later delivered a large group of prisoners to the Allied lines. He rose to the rank of major and was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, four battle stars and a Presidential Unit citation for his distinguished service. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.
He later coached Syracuse for 25 seasons, amassing a record of 153-91-3, produced 22-straight seasons without a losing record and finished in the top-15 of the final polls on eight occasions. Cemented by a 23-14 win over Texas in the Cotton Bowl to finish undefeated, Schwartzwalder's Orange claimed the only National Championship in program history. Two years later, his squad produced the lone Heisman Trophy winner in school history when Ernie Davis hoisted the trophy.
In addition to Schwartzwalder's recognition, a number of military recognitions will be held in-game. Pregame, Syracuse University will hold its annual Stars and Stripes tailgate event on the field adjacent to the Women's Building. In the Dome, there will be an enlistment ceremony where 23 Syracuse University Army ROTC cadets will take their initial oath of enlistment as future army officers, the color guard will accompany the band for the national anthem, the marching band will pay tribute to different branches of services with their song selections, plus celebration of a Hometown Hero, honorary military captains, an in-game military welcome and more.
In partnership with Broadview Federal Credit Union, 'Cuse for the troops offers an opportunity for Orange fans to thank active duty service members and veterans by providing them with complimentary tickets to Orange football games. Military members and veterans can claim their tickets at Cuse.com/Military and fans can use the same link to purchase tickets to sponsor a service member.
5. In 6 We Trust
Garrett Shrader enters the game ranked 12th in the nation in total offense, despite only playing one drive in the second half combined between the Orange's first two victories. He posted nearly 400 yards of total offense vs. Purdue, including 195 on the ground and a program record four rushing touchdowns by a QB.
He's got 28 rushing touchdowns in an Orange uniform – that number does not include his six at Mississippi State before transferring. His 34 collegiate rushing touchdowns is most among active FBS quarterbacks and second to only Michigan running back Blake Corum (37) for the most among active players regardless of position.
Shrader can continue to climb the Orange rushing touchdown list and pass some legends in the process. He enters the contest tied with Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis (28) and Dee Brown (28) for fifth in program history. James Mungro (29) is fourth, with Eric Dungey (35) and Floyd Little (35) up next after that.
Â
Â
Here's five things to know before you make your way to the JMA Dome or watch on ACC Network:
1. Seeking Perfection in the Non-Conference Slate
Saturday's game concludes the Orange's four-game non-conference slate to start the season and a win could add a program first. Since Syracuse first joined the BIG EAST in football in 1991, the team has never had a perfect sweep of its non-conference competition.
The closest came in 1993, when a 21-21 tie at Texas held the Orange to a 3-0-1 record out of conference. A win Saturday would make the Orange 4-0 out of conference.
Head Coach Dino Babers' teams have been particularly strong in handling business outside of the ACC, owning a 20-10 record to date vs. out-of-conference competition, including a 19-9 record in regular season non-conference play.
2. Halfway Home in the Dome
Syracuse will reach the halfway mark of its home slate on Saturday, meaning fans should take advantage of the opportunities that remain to see the Orange at home this season.
After Saturday, just three games in the JMA Dome remain.
Tickets are on sale at Cuse.com/Tickets. Both Partial plans and individual game tickets are now on sale. Fans can also purchase group tickets, hospitality packages and tailgate packages.
3. The Orange Stand Alone
There are 38 unbeaten teams remaining in FBS football, but just one can make the claim of having a top-5 scoring defense and a top-5 scoring offense.
Through the first quarter of the season, the 'Cuse offense ranks fifth nationally in scoring offense, averaging 49.3 points per game. USC, Oregon, Oklahoma and Ole Miss are the only four schools with a higher total through three weeks.
The Mob is allowing just 9.0 points per game, a mark that ranks fourth nationally, and have surrendered just four scoring drives (27 points) on the year. Three of the four teams in last year's College Football Playoff – Michigan, Georgia and Ohio State – are the lone teams with better marks this year.
4. Military Appreciation Day in the Dome
An annual highlight of the season, Saturday's game will be Military Appreciation Day in the Dome.
Ben Schwartzwalder, a war hero who earned a Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star for his actions in the service, in addition to his legendary coaching career will be inducted into the Syracuse Athletics Ring of Honor at halftime. Schwartzwalder led the Orange to the 1959 National Championship and coached some of the greatest players in football history – including the trio of backs Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little.
Prior to his time at Syracuse, Schwartzwalder parachuted onto Normandy Beach on D-Day, among the first wave of soldiers that jumped in 1944. Dropped far behind enemy lines and miles off target, Schwartzwalder, a Captain in Company G of the 507th, organized his men, established command, and a week later delivered a large group of prisoners to the Allied lines. He rose to the rank of major and was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, four battle stars and a Presidential Unit citation for his distinguished service. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.
He later coached Syracuse for 25 seasons, amassing a record of 153-91-3, produced 22-straight seasons without a losing record and finished in the top-15 of the final polls on eight occasions. Cemented by a 23-14 win over Texas in the Cotton Bowl to finish undefeated, Schwartzwalder's Orange claimed the only National Championship in program history. Two years later, his squad produced the lone Heisman Trophy winner in school history when Ernie Davis hoisted the trophy.
In addition to Schwartzwalder's recognition, a number of military recognitions will be held in-game. Pregame, Syracuse University will hold its annual Stars and Stripes tailgate event on the field adjacent to the Women's Building. In the Dome, there will be an enlistment ceremony where 23 Syracuse University Army ROTC cadets will take their initial oath of enlistment as future army officers, the color guard will accompany the band for the national anthem, the marching band will pay tribute to different branches of services with their song selections, plus celebration of a Hometown Hero, honorary military captains, an in-game military welcome and more.
In partnership with Broadview Federal Credit Union, 'Cuse for the troops offers an opportunity for Orange fans to thank active duty service members and veterans by providing them with complimentary tickets to Orange football games. Military members and veterans can claim their tickets at Cuse.com/Military and fans can use the same link to purchase tickets to sponsor a service member.
5. In 6 We Trust
Garrett Shrader enters the game ranked 12th in the nation in total offense, despite only playing one drive in the second half combined between the Orange's first two victories. He posted nearly 400 yards of total offense vs. Purdue, including 195 on the ground and a program record four rushing touchdowns by a QB.
He's got 28 rushing touchdowns in an Orange uniform – that number does not include his six at Mississippi State before transferring. His 34 collegiate rushing touchdowns is most among active FBS quarterbacks and second to only Michigan running back Blake Corum (37) for the most among active players regardless of position.
Shrader can continue to climb the Orange rushing touchdown list and pass some legends in the process. He enters the contest tied with Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis (28) and Dee Brown (28) for fifth in program history. James Mungro (29) is fourth, with Eric Dungey (35) and Floyd Little (35) up next after that.
Â
Â
Players Mentioned
QB
/ FootballFran Brown Press Conference | SMU Week
Monday, September 29
Fran Brown Press Conference
Monday, September 29
Syracuse Football Postgame Press Conference
Saturday, September 27
Players Postgame Press Conference vs. Duke
Saturday, September 27
