Syracuse Game Notes vs. West Virginia (Oct. 10, 2009)
Syracuse Postgame Notes
Syracuse vs. West Virginia
October 10, 2009
Carrier Dome – Syracuse, N.Y.
Freshman Shamarko Thomas made the second start of his career, and the first at weakside linebacker. Thomas forced his first career fumble, finishing with four tackles, including two for a loss.
Senior Ryan Bartholomew made his first career start at center, filling in for the injured Jim McKenzie.
Senior Tucker Baumbach started at left guard, replacing Bartholomew while junior Andrew Tiller made his first career start on the offensive line, filling in Baumbach’s spot at right guard.
Junior Da’Mon Merkerson earned the start at cornerback, he had six tackles.
Sophomore running back Averin Collier had his first career carry on a 9-yard run up the middle in the first quarter. Collier had two carries for 10 yards on the day. He also posted a 44-yard kickoff return, the first of his career.
Sophomore Ryan Nassib threw his first career touchdown pass on a 50 yard strike to senior wide receiver Mike Williams. Nassib also posted his first career carry, a 3-yard run in the first quarter. Nassib finished the game 7-for-16 passing, with 120 yards through the air, two touchdowns, and 22 yards on eight carries.
Junior linebacker Doug Hogue had a career-high two tackles for a loss of 12 yards, including a sack for a loss of eight. He finished with seven total tackles.
Senior linebacker Derrell Smith matched his career-high with eight solo tackles. Smith also had a forced and recovered a fumble. The forced fumble was his fourth of the season, moving him into a tie for sixth on Syracuse’s career force fumbles list (5).
Senior wide receiver Donte Davis forced his fourth career fumble. Davis also had a reception, giving him at least one catch in every game this season.
Senior wide receiver Mike Williams scored Syracuse’s first touchdown on a 50-yard reception, tying Marvin Harrison on the SU career touchdown receptions list with 20. Rob Moore tops the Syracuse all-time touchdown receptions list with 22. Williams also moved into a tie for ninth on the single-season chart with seven touchdown catches this season. With his first reception of the game, Williams extended his streak of consecutive games with a reception to 26 games. He finished with four receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Senior running back Delone Carter is now tied for 31st on Syracuse’s career rushing list with 1,210 yards on the ground. Carter rushed for 33 yards on 12 carries against the Mountaineers.
Sophomore running back Antwon Bailey posted his 12th reception of the season, he has caught at least one pass in every game this season. He also had seven yards rushing on a pair carries.
Junior safety Max Suter led the defense with a career-best 12 total tackles including a career-high nine solo. His 12 solo tackles is a season-best for an SU defender.
Sophomore wide receiver Marcus Sales caught his second touchdown pass of the season, the third of his career, on his 24-yard reception from Nassib. He had two receptions for 30 yards and a touchdownon the day.
Senior nose tackle Arthur Jones posted two tackles for a loss of 13 yards, taking sole possession of fourth on SU’s career tackles for a loss list with 36.5.
