5 Things to Know: Syracuse at UNLV
10/1/2024 5:33:00 PM | Football
Syracuse and UNLV square off Friday in Las Vegas for a primetime showdown on FS1. Here's five things to know about the matchup:
1. Ranked Test
UNLV checks in at No. 25 in this week's AP poll and No. 23 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. It's the first time in school history that the Rebels are ranked. The Orange already have one ranked win under their belts this season and Fran Brown is looking to do something that hasn't been done at SU since 2001.
Syracuse hasn't beaten multiple ranked teams in the same regular season (they did beat two ranked squads in 2018, including the Camping World Bowl), in 23 years. The 2001 season saw the Orange win on the road at then No. 5 Virginia Tech, and close the regular season with a win over No. 25 Boston College in the Dome.
2. Good on Good
The passing game will be something to watch for Syracuse on Friday night. The Orange ariel attack has ranked near the top of the FBS all season long in numerous statistical categories. Led by Kyle McCord, who leads the nation in completions per game (28.5) and yards per game (364.8), and also ranks fourth in the country with 14 passing touchdowns.
On the flip side, the Rebels are second in the country with nine interceptions this season. DB Jalen Catalon leads all players with four. Jonathan Baldwin also has two picks on the season.
3. Road Trippin'
The Orange hit the road for the first time this season. The game starts a 35-day stretch without a game in the JMA Wireless Dome. 'Cuse had a similar stretch last season as well, going 34 days without a home contest.
4. The Left Coast
Syracuse heads to the pacific time zone for the first of two games out west this season. The Orange will also play at Cal in November.
Prior to this season, the Orange had not played a game in the pacific or mountain time zones since 2011 vs. USC. Their last game outside of the eastern time zone was at LSU in 2017.
5. Friday Night Lights
This is Syracuse's second of three weeknight games this season, having previously hosted Stanford on a Friday night. The Orange will play at Pitt on a Thursday on Oct. 24. It's the sixth Friday night game in the past for seasons for SU, and the Orange have been victorious in seven of their last-12 Friday night games.
Playing Friday night on the road has been unusual for the Orange. Since 2010, 'Cuse has played 24 Friday night contests, but 19 of those have been at home. Of the five remaining, three have been bowl games.
The Orange are 17-13 in their last 30 weeknight games.
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1. Ranked Test
UNLV checks in at No. 25 in this week's AP poll and No. 23 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. It's the first time in school history that the Rebels are ranked. The Orange already have one ranked win under their belts this season and Fran Brown is looking to do something that hasn't been done at SU since 2001.
Syracuse hasn't beaten multiple ranked teams in the same regular season (they did beat two ranked squads in 2018, including the Camping World Bowl), in 23 years. The 2001 season saw the Orange win on the road at then No. 5 Virginia Tech, and close the regular season with a win over No. 25 Boston College in the Dome.
2. Good on Good
The passing game will be something to watch for Syracuse on Friday night. The Orange ariel attack has ranked near the top of the FBS all season long in numerous statistical categories. Led by Kyle McCord, who leads the nation in completions per game (28.5) and yards per game (364.8), and also ranks fourth in the country with 14 passing touchdowns.
On the flip side, the Rebels are second in the country with nine interceptions this season. DB Jalen Catalon leads all players with four. Jonathan Baldwin also has two picks on the season.
3. Road Trippin'
The Orange hit the road for the first time this season. The game starts a 35-day stretch without a game in the JMA Wireless Dome. 'Cuse had a similar stretch last season as well, going 34 days without a home contest.
4. The Left Coast
Syracuse heads to the pacific time zone for the first of two games out west this season. The Orange will also play at Cal in November.
Prior to this season, the Orange had not played a game in the pacific or mountain time zones since 2011 vs. USC. Their last game outside of the eastern time zone was at LSU in 2017.
5. Friday Night Lights
This is Syracuse's second of three weeknight games this season, having previously hosted Stanford on a Friday night. The Orange will play at Pitt on a Thursday on Oct. 24. It's the sixth Friday night game in the past for seasons for SU, and the Orange have been victorious in seven of their last-12 Friday night games.
Playing Friday night on the road has been unusual for the Orange. Since 2010, 'Cuse has played 24 Friday night contests, but 19 of those have been at home. Of the five remaining, three have been bowl games.
The Orange are 17-13 in their last 30 weeknight games.
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