Syracuse Game Notes
Syracuse vs. Rutgers
Carrier Dome/Syracuse, N.Y.
October 13, 2007
For Starters
Freshman defensive back Mike Holmes made his second straight start Saturday. He replaced A.J. Brown in the Orange’s defensive backfield against Rutgers. Offensively, rookie receiver Da’Mon Merkerson started the first game of his career as the Orange went with a three wide receiver set against the Scarlet Knights.
Mad Max
Freshman Max Suter set the Orange single-game record for kickoff return yards Saturday. He also tied the school record for the most kickoffs returned in a game. Suter ran back seven kickoffs for 198 yards, eclipsing the previous record he set with 178 kick return yards against Washington in the 2007 season-opener. His seven returns tied him with Kirby Dar Dar, Damien Rhodes and Steve Gregory for the most in one game in SU history.
With his performance against Rutgers, Suter became the Orange’s all-time single-season leader in kick return yards (784). The previous record was 738 yards by Qadry Ismail in 1989. Suter is tied for third on SU’s season list for most kick returns (28).
Suter has keyed a unit that has totaled 1,051 kick return yards in 2007, the second-highest season total in school history.
Ben Maljovec – Johnny On The Spot
Junior linebacker Ben Maljovec made his first interception of the season, and the third of his career, in the opening quarter Saturday. He returned the pick 52-yards to set up SU’s first touchdown.
All He Does Is Catch Touchdowns
Sophomore receiver Mike Williams caught a 16-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to put the Orange in front, 7-0. He now has a touchdown in each of the last four games and five on the year to lead the team.
See Curtis Run
Junior tailback Curtis Brinkley hit paydirt for the second straight week. His 15-yard TD scamper in the first quarter was his second rushing touchdown of the season and the fourth of his career. The score gave the Orange a 14-0 advantage.
Brinkley carried 16 times for a season-best 98 yards in the contest. He had a 29-yard gain in the third quarter, the longest rush by an SU player this season.
Off To A Good Start
Syracuse scored 14 points on two first-quarter TDs Saturday, the most points it has tallied in an opening stanza this season. It marked the first time since Sept. 23, 2006 versus Miami (OH) the Orange struck for multiple first-quarter touchdowns.
Going Long
The Orange’s second scoring drive covered 84 yards on seven plays and gave the Orange a 14-0 lead with 6:22 left in the first quarter. It was the longest scoring drive in terms of yards for SU this season. The key play came when sophomore quarterback Andrew Robinson hit senior tight end Jawad Nesheiwat for 38 yards on the drive’s first play. The completion got the Orange out from inside its own 20-yard line.
Big Foot
Freshman punter Rob Long boomed a 64-yard punt in the second quarter. The ball caromed into the endzone for a touchback. The kick surpassed his previous long of 58 yards set against Illinois.
Among SU’s Elite
Senior defensive end Jameel McClain had five tackles Saturday and broke into SU’s top 10 for career stops by a down lineman. McClain is tied with classmate Tony Jenkins for ninth on that list with 145 total tackles.
Senior cornerback Dowayne Davis also moved into SU’s top 10 for tackles at his position against Rutgers. Davis had two tackles Saturday and has 185 for his career, which lists 10th on the school’s tackles by a defensive back chart. He passed Willie Ford, who previously held the 10th position with 184 stops from 1998-01.
Gilbeaux Brings ‘Em Down
Sophomore defensive end Brandon Gilbeaux established a career best with seven tackles against Rutgers. Gilbeaux had six solos and one assist in the contest.
