Syracuse Postgame Notes
Syracuse University Football
Syracuse vs. Illinois
Carrier Dome
Syracuse, N.Y.
Sept. 15, 2007
Game was televised live on ESPNU. Clay Matvick and former Miami (Fla.) head coach Larry Coker called the game.
Temperature at kickoff was 56 degrees.
Syracuse won the toss and deferred until the second half.
Jim McKenzie made his first career start at center in place of the injured Marvin McCall. Defensive back Mike Holmes also made his first career start as the Orange went with five defensive backs to start the game. Holmes made six tackles against the Illini, the first stops of his career.
A.J. Brown forced his first career fumble in the second quarter. The ball was recovered by Illinois.
Tony Fiammetta caught a career-high four passes for 18 yards. His first reception in the second quarter went for three yards and was his first career catch.
Da’Mon Merkerson caught his first career pass in the second quarter for a gain of 15 yards.
Curtis Brinkley registered a career-high 89 yards receiving, including a 62-yard reception, which is the longest of his career and represents the Orange’s longest play from scrimmage this year.
Jeremy Sellers scored his first career touchdown with a two-yard rush up the middle in the third quarter. Sellers also caught a 27-yard pass in the fourth quarter, the longest of his career.
Rob Long registered the longest punt of his career, a 58-yard boot in the third quarter.
Patrick Shadle tied Olindo Mare for 10th on the career field goal attempts list with 24 tries. Shadle now has 20 career field goals, one behind George Jakowenko for eighth on the all-time list.
Doug Hogue recorded his first career rushing attempts in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with three attempts for 13 yards.
Cameron Dantley threw his first career touchdown pass, an eight-yard toss to Jawad Nesheiwat.
Jake Flaherty registered a career-high seven tackles.
Andrew Robinson threw for a career-high 208 yards. He was 17-for-26 passing in the game.
There were no turnovers in the game on Saturday. It was the first time since SU played Virginia in 2004 that neither team had a miscue.
The Orange lost its third straight game Saturday to fall to 0-3. It is the first time since 1986 SU started the season with three straight losses.
