Syracuse Football Chronology
1889
On Nov. 23, Syracuse traveled to Rochester for its first intercollegiate football game. Wearing pink and blue uniforms, SU lost 36-0 to finish the year 0-1.
1890
Orange was adopted as the school color and Syracuse’s athletic teams are henceforth known as “Orange” or “Orangemen.” Bobby Winston became the program’s first head coach. SU defeated the Syracuse Athletic Association 14-0 in the season opener for its first football victory en route to a 7-4 record.
1891
Stephen Crane, author of the Civil War classic “Red Badge of Courage,” was a member of an SU squad that went 4-7.
1892
The only season in SU football history with no wins when at least two games were played. The Orange went 0-8-1 under coach Jordan C. Wells.
1893
Without an official coach, the Orange finished the season with a 4-9-1 record. SU posted triumphs against Syracuse High School, Hamilton, Onondaga Academy and Cazenovia.
1894
In his only season as Syracuse’s head coach, George H. Bond led the Orange to a 6-5 record.
1895
The Orange secured their first real home field as SU went from playing in parks throughout the city of Syracuse to playing at The Oval, which was a space located behind the Hall of Languages. The Orange recorded their first victory against rival Colgate, winning by the score of 4-0.
1896
The Orange played their first opponent from outside New York state, losing to Williams College, 24-6.
1897
The Colgate “Hoodoo” was born when a newspaper reporter sympathetic to the Raiders’ cause tackled an SU player who was on his way to scoring the winning touchdown. The game ended in a 6-6 tie.
1898
The Orange posted an 8-2-1 record, outscoring its opponents 192-69 under the direction of head coach Frank E. Wade.
1899
SU finished 4-4 in the final season of head coach Frank E. Wade’s three-year tenure.
1900
Edwin Sweetland, a Cornell grad, was hired as head football coach and to start the crew program. He guided the Orange to a 7-2-1 record, including six shutouts. Sweetland later coached against SU as the head coach at Colgate.
1901
Success builds for the football program as the Orange closed the season with a 7-1 record. The lone loss came against Lafayette, 5-0.
1902
A 23-0 shutout of rival Colgate was an important win for the Orange as they cruised to a 6-2-1 season. Other big victories were against the Onondaga Indians, Amherst, and Williams.
1903
The football program gained momentum as its budget increased to $5,500. Jason B. Parish and Ancil D. Brown served as co-coaches and led the Orange to a 5-4 record.
1904
In Dr. Charles P. Hutchins first season as head coach, SU finished 6-3. In a victory against Manhattan, the Orange put 144 points on the board, a team record that still stands.
1905
The Orange recorded six shutouts and finished the season with an overall record of 8-3 in Dr. Charles P. Hutchins’ second and final year at the helm.
1906
Head coach Frank J. (Buck) O’Neill was hired and piloted the Orange to a 6-3 record in the team’s final season playing at The Oval. On Nov. 17, the Orange handed Lafayette its only loss of the season, 12-4.
1907
The Orange opened Archbold Stadium, a 20,000-seat facility, with a 28-0 victory against Hobart. The stadium provided the Orange with one of the finest facilities of its time. Once called “the eighth wonder of the world,” Archbold was just the third concrete stadium built in the United States. A 22-0 win against Hamilton on Oct. 26 was the program’s 100th win. Marquis (Bill) Horr became the the program’s first All-American when he was named to Walter Camp’s All-America Second Team.
1908
Howard H. Jones was hired as head coach. The Orange posted a 6-3-1 record and along the way played their first Western Conference (now Big Ten) opponent, beating Michigan 28-4. Marquis (Bill) Horr is the first Syracuse player to be named a first-team All-American when he is recognized by Walter Camp for the second year in a row.
1909
SU went 4-5-1 during the first of two seasons for head coach T.A. Dwight Jones.
1910
In its 22nd season of intercollegiate football, SU finished 5-4-1. T.A. Dwight Jones completed his two-year tenure as head coach with a 9-9-2 overall mark.
1911
First-year head coach C. DeForest Cummings led the Orange to a 5-3-2 season, including a 6-0 shutout of Ohio State, and a 12-11 upset of Pop Warner’s Carlisle team that featured the legendary Jim Thorpe. End A. Harry Kallett earned Walter Camp Third Team All-America honors.
1912
After opening the season with a 12-0 victory against in-state rival Hobart, SU finished with a 4-5 record in C. DeForest Cummings’ last season as head coach. Rudolph “Rudy” Probst made Walter Camp’s All-America Second Team.
1913
Frank O’Neill returned to coach the Orange after leading the program to a winning season in 1907. He guided SU to six wins, its top total since 1908.
1914
The Orange opened the year 2-0 and posted a 5-3-2 overall record. Among the victories was an 81-0 rout of Hamilton, the third-largest margin of victory in program history.
1915
SU’s first powerhouse team finished 9-1-2, recording seven shutouts and outscoring the opposition, 331-16. SU was invited to the Rose Bowl to play Washington, but declined because an earlier West Coast trip (the first by an Eastern school) to Oregon State had used up the the school’s travel budget. Guards Christopher Schlacter and Harold White were both named All-Americans.
1916
In his only season as head coach, William Hollenback led SU to a 5-4 record. The Orange scored more than 50 points in three of their five victories, including a 73-0 shutout of Ohio University.
1917
All-America tackle Alfred Cobb captained the Orange squad to an 8-1-1 record. Syracuse closed the year with six consecutive wins.
1918
The Orange were 5-1 with four shutouts in Frank O’Neill’s penultimate season as head coach. Joe Alexander earned his first of three consecutive first-team All-America honors. Louis Usher and Willard Ackley also received All-America recognition.
1919
All-American Joe Alexander and the Orange finished 8-3 in the last year of Frank O’Neill’s tenure as head coach. O’Neill was the sideline leader for a total of eight years (1906-07, 1913-15, 1917-19).
1920
Team captain Joe Alexander received All-America honors for the third straight year. He and first-year head coach John Meehan led the Orange to a 6-2-1 record. Alexander was enshrined in the Collge Football Hall of Fame in 1954. Tackle Bertrand Gulick also earned All-America recognition.
1921
SU records its ninth straight winning season by going 7-2. Gifford Zimmerman was the first player in team history to wear the fabled No. 44. The number remained in circulation until the 2005 season, when it was retired.
1922
Third-year coach John Meehan led the Orange to an 6-1-2 record. The team’s only loss was a 21-14 decision to Pittsburgh. The season saw the beginning of the Penn State series, which started with a scoreless tie in a game played at the Polo Grounds in New York City. Roy Simmons Sr. was the squad’s quarterback, marking the start of a relationship between the Simmons family and Syracuse University Athletics that continues today. After his playing career concluded in 1924, Simmons Sr. coached the Orange lacrosse and boxing squads, as well as served as an assistant football coach. Roy Simmons Jr. was SU’s men’s lacrosse coach from 1971 through 1998, taking the reins of the program from his father when he retired in 1970. Roy Simmons III is the men’s lacrosse team’s current director of operations. Future College Football Hall of Fame coach Lynn ‘Pappy’ Waldorf earned second-team All-America honors at tackle.
1923
All-America end Evander (Pete) MacRae was part of an Orange defense that allowed only 19 points and posted seven shutouts. Syracuse went 8-1 with its only loss a 16-7 defeat against rival Colgate.
1924
The Orange won eight games (8-2-1 overall) for the second consecutive year and defeated Boston College for the 200th victory in program history on Oct. 18. Lynn ‘Pappy’ Waldorf was named an All-American for the third time.
1925
Clarence Thomas became the first quarterback to wear the storied No. 44 jersey. He led the team to an 8-1-1 record in C.W.P. Reynolds’ first year as head coach. The defense posted a school-record six consectutive shutouts. Vic Hanson was an Associated Press Third Team All-American.
1926
Behind Vic Hanson, the Orange outscored their opponents 225-59 on their way to a 7-2-1 record. Hanson earned All-America honors in football again and captained the basketball team during the winter months. Hanson is the only athlete enshrined in both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
1927
In his first year as head coach, Lew Andreas led SU to four straight wins to start the season and a 5-3-2 overall record.
1928
After a 3-0 start, the Orange finished the year with a 4-4-1 record. The team scored a season-high 58 points in a win against Johns Hopkins on Oct. 13.
1929
Lew Andreas, who was SU’s basketball coach from 1924 through 1950, completed his three-year stint as the football coach by guiding the Orange to a 6-3 record. SU played the first night game in the East, beating Hobart 77-0.
1930
Vic Hanson returned to Syracuse to coach the team after playing briefly for a New York Yankees farm team, highlighting his multi-faceted athletic ability. The Orange went 5-2-2 in Hanson’s first year and end George Ellert was named an All-American.
1931
SU outscored its foes 238-56 en route to a 7-1-1 season that featured seven consectuve wins to start the year.
1932
A 4-4-1 season included the program’s 250th victory, a 27-6 win against Oglethorpe on Nov. 5.
1933
After a 3-0 start that included dominating wins against Clarkson and Ohio Wesleyan, SU closed the year with a 4-4 record for fourth-year head coach Vic Hanson.
1934
All-America tackle James Steen led the Orange to a 6-2 record. Syracuse’s six victories included back-to-back shutouts of Penn State and Michigan State.
1935
The Orange won six games for the second year in a row and finished the season 6-1-1. Senior guard Ed Jontos became Syracuse’s first pro football draft pick when he was selected 45th overall by the New York Giants in the 1936 draft.
1936
The Orange defeated Clarkson to start the season, but lost their final seven games. Vic Hanson concluded his Syracuse coaching tenure with a seven-year record of 33-21-5.
1937
Ossie Solem succeeded Vic Hanson as head coach and led the team to a 5-2-1 record. After starting 3-0, Syracuse made its first appearance in the Associated Press college football poll, debuting at No. 17 after defeating Cornell on Oct. 16.
1938
Wilmeth Sidat-Singh, one of the first African-American quarterbacks to play college football, led SU to a stunning 19-17 comeback win against Cornell and a 5-3 overall record. Among Sidat-Singh’s teammates were Olympic sprinter and legendary sports announcer Marty Glickman and the great Michigan State coach Hugh “Duffy” Daugherty. Sidat-Singh was also a star for the Orange on the hardwood and his basketball jersey was retired in February 2005.
1939
Syracuse went 3-3-2 and won its last two games. The defense set a team record, holding opponents to a 33.3 percent pass completion rate.
1940
The Orange beat NYU 47-13 on Oct. 12. The game was played in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx in front of 8,000 people. The victory was part of a 3-4-1 season for fourth-year coach Ossie Solem.
1941
The Orange posted a 5-2-1 record and returned to the AP rankings, checking in at No. 18 after a 27-20 triumph at Wisconsin. The Syracuse special teams unit set a school record for punt return yards (662).
1942
Winning the first five games of the season, the Orange were ranked as high as 15th in the AP poll and went on to finish with a 6-3 record.
1943
Syracuse University suspended intercollegiate sports due to World War II.
1944
The Orange concluded the year with a 2-4-1 record, including playing a game against Boston College at historic Fenway Park in Boston.
1945
Ossie Solom ended his eight-year SU coaching stint, guiding the Orange to a 1-6 record. He had a 30-27-6 overall coaching mark.
1946
Future College Football Hall of Fame coach Clarence L. “Biggie” Munn served as the Orange head coach and went 4-5 in his only year at the SU helm. Munn later went on to coach at Michigan State. The Orange program enjoyed its 300th win, a 28-7 victory against Temple.
1947
Reaves Baysinger became head coach and promptly changed the Orange’s uniform from a blue jersey with orange numbers to white to go along with khaki moleskin pants. He led SU to a 3-6 record.
1948
In the second and final year for head coach Reaves Baysinger, the Orange posted a 1-8 record. The team’s only win was a 13-9 season-opening victory against Niagara.
1949
Ben Schwartzwalder was hired as head coach following five consecutive losing seasons. Schwartwalder won four games in his first year, including a 35-7 triumph over rival Colgate.
1950
A 5-5 season featured a four-game winning streak in the middle of the year. Avatus Stone set the school record (since tied) with three interceptions in a 27-7 win versus Penn State.
1951
Syracuse enjoyed its first winning season since 1942, posting a 5-4 record. The SU defense forced a school-record nine turnovers against Lafayette. Off the field, Howard Jones and Frank J. (Buck) O’Neill were the first individuals associated with the program to be inducted into the College Football Hall Fame.
1952
Tackles Robert Fleck and William “Bill” Skyinskus earned All-America honors, leading Syracuse to a 7-2 record and its first bowl game. SU lost to Alabama 61-6 in the Orange Bowl. Future Pro Football Hall of Fame center Jim Ringo concluded his three-year Orange career.
1953
Robert Fleck moved to guard and earned his second consecutive All-America award as the Orange finished 5-3-1 during head coach Ben Schwartzwalder’s fifth season at the helm.
1954
A halfback from Long Island, well down on the preseason depth chart, was issued jersey No. 44. His name was Jim Brown. SU was 4-4 and won three of its last four games.
1955
The Syracuse defense shined, allowing 35 completions on 95 pass attempts – still records for the fewest completions and attempts by opponents in team history. Jim Brown earned All-America honors in his second season and the Orange finished with a 5-3 record. They were ranked as high as No. 18 in the AP poll.
1956
With a bowl bid on the line in the regular-season finale versus Colgate, Jim Brown scored a then-NCAA record 43 points in SU’s 61-7 victory. The Orange finished the regular season with a 7-1 record, earning an invitation to the Cotton Bowl, where it lost to TCU 28-27. Brown broke the SU single-season rushing record with 986 yards and earned first-team All-America honors. He went on to a Hall of Fame career with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns after he was the sixth overall selection by the Browns in the 1957 NFL Draft. In 1995, Brown was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
1957
All-America end Dick Lasse led Syracuse to a 5-3-1 record. The Orange recorded the 350th win in program history with a 26-9 victory against Nebraska.
1958
Tackle Ronald Luciano, a future Major League Baseball umpire, earned All-America honors, leading the Orange to an 8-2 record. The SU defense recorded four shutouts and allowed just 59 points during the year. SU lost to No. 5 Oklahoma 21-6 in the Orange Bowl.
1959
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Undefeated, untied, and national champions, the Orange capped an 11-0 season with their first bowl win, a 23-14 victory against Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Syracuse enjoyed its finest year on the gridiron, pulverizing foes both offensively and defensively. The defense allowed a mind-boggling 193 yards rushing in 10 games (19.3 ypg). On offense, the Orange averaged 451 yards a game. The team featured three All-Americans, including guard Roger Davis, who was the seventh overall selection by the Chicago Bears in the 1960 NFL Draft.
1960
Ernie Davis earned the first of his two first-team All-America citations playing halfback for the 7-2 Orange. The Orange spent two weeks ranked No. 1 in the UPI poll and won their first five games to extend their school-record winning streak to 16 before a home loss to Pittsburgh. The Philadelphia Eagles selected fullback Art Baker with the 14th overall pick in the 1961 NFL Draft.
1961
Ernie Davis won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first African American to receive college football’s most prestigious award. Along the way, he broke Jim Brown’s SU career rushing record and led the Orange to an 8-3 record and Liberty Bowl win against Miami (Fla.). Davis, who was later enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, was the top pick in the 1962 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins (who traded his rights to Cleveland) and in the 1962 AFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He died of leukemia less than two years later.
1962
The Orange began the year 1-3, but recovered to post a 5-5 season. End Walt Sweeney was a first-round selection by the AFL’s San Diego Chargers in the 1963 draft.
1963
The Orange won seven of their last eight contests to finish 12th in the UPI poll with an 8-2 record. John Mackey began his NFL career as a tight end for the Baltimore Colts, where he eventually played in two Super Bowls. In 1992, Mackey was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
1964
Sophomore halfback Floyd Little, who was recruited to Syracuse by 1961 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis, earned All-America honors in his first season. Center Patrick Killorin also received All-America accolades. The team went 7-4 and made an appearance in the Sugar Bowl, losing to LSU 13-10. The program celebrated its 400th win — a 38-6 victory against Kansas on Sept. 26.
1965
All-Americans Floyd Little (halfback), Charles Brown (defensive halfback) and Patrick Killorin (center) led the Orange to a 7-3 record. SU was 19th in the final UPI rankings and won five of their last six games.
1966
Halfback Floyd Little and fullback Larry Csonka, the greatest one-two running punch in the Orange annals, led the team to an 8-3 record and a Gator Bowl berth. Little set an SU bowl-game record with 216 yards and Csonka added 114 in the 18-12 loss to Tennessee. Little, Csonka and tackle Gary Bugenhagen earned All-America honors. Little was selected by the Denver Broncos with the sixth overall pick in the 1967 league draft.
1967
Larry Csonka earned All-America honors for the second year in a row after rushing for 1,127 yards and eight touchdowns to power Syracuse to an 8-2 record. The AFL’s Miami Dolphins selected Csonka, who went on to be enshrined in both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, with the eighth pick in the 1968 draft.
1968
The Orange rose to No. 10 in the national polls and finished with a 6-4 record. Defensive halfback Anthony Kyasky and defensive tackle Art Thoms earned All-America honors. Thoms was the 22nd overall selection by the Oakland Raiders in the 1969 AFL Draft.
1969
The Orange were 5-5 with back-to-back shutouts of Arizona and Navy in November. Against Penn State, Greg Allen set the single-game record for the most individual punt return yards with 172.
1970
Facing a boycott by a group of African-American student-athletes, Syracuse was outscored 100-29 in its first three games, but rebounded to win six of the next seven games. The ‘Syracuse Eight,’ as the group was named by the media, sat out the season calling for the equal treatment of student-athletes and a diverse coaching staff. On the field, All-America defensive tackle Joe Ehrmann led the Orange to a 6-4 record.
1971
All-America defensive back Tommy Myers intercepted an SU single-season record eight passes during a 5-5-1 campaign in which a 28-24 win against West Virginia gave the Orange program its 450th victory.
1972
The SU streak of 22 consecutive non-losing seasons came to an end. The Orange lost at West Virginia in the season finale to finish 5-6. Defensive tackle Joe Ehrmann was the 10th overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts.
1973
Ben Schwartzwalder retired after a 2-9 season. Schwartzwalder led the Orange to a 153-91-3 record in 25 years as head coach. He was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982. Guard Dave Lapham was voted an Associated Press Third Team All-American.
1974
SU began Frank Maloney’s seven-year coaching tenure with a 23-15 triumph against Oregon State in the season opener, but the Orange lost nine of their last 10 to close year 2-9.
1975
All-American Raymond Preston led the Orange to a 6-5 record and was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game. Preston enjoyed a nine-year (1976-84) NFL career as a linebacker for the San Diego Chargers.
1976
After a 3-8 campaign, five players were invited to play in the last American Bowl, a senior all-star game. Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American Tim Moresco was a member of the victorious North squad.
1977
Syracuse posted its second winning season under Frank Maloney, going 6-5, including four consecutive victories to end the year.
1978
Joe Morris set the school freshman rushing record with 1,001 yards. It was a performance that included a then-school season record four consecutive 100-yard games. In the final game in Archbold Stadium, Morris ran for 203 yards to power the Orange to a 20-17 victory against nationally-ranked Navy. SU bid farewell to Archbold having posted a 265-112-20 record all-time at the facility.
1979
With the razing of Archbold Stadium and the construction of the Carrier Dome, SU spent the entire season on the road, playing “home” games in the Meadowlands, Buffalo and Ithaca. Despite the obstacles, the Orange went 7-5 and defeated McNeese State in the Independence Bowl with future NFL players Joe Morris, Art Monk, Bill Hurley, Craig Wolfley, Gary Anderson and Jim Collins leading the way. Monk was the 18th overall selection in the 1980 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.
1980
Sept. 20 marked the beginning of a new era with the opening of the Carrier Dome. Joe Morris scored four touchdowns and racked up 300 all-purpose yards as the Orange christened their new home with a 36-24 win against Miami (Ohio). An all-time Syracuse record crowd of 50,564 witnessed the event. The Orange were 5-6 in Frank Maloney’s last year as head coach.
1981
Down-easterner Dick MacPherson arrived on the scene, replacing Frank Maloney as head coach. MacPherson guided the Orange to a 4-6-1 mark in his first year, including consecutive wins against Boston College and West Virginia to end the season. Running back Joe Morris concluded his career as SU’s all-time leading rusher. He and kicker Gary Anderson both earned All-America honors.
1982
The winningest coach in Syracuse football history, Ben Schwartzwalder was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. On the field, defensive tackle Michael Charles was named a first-team All-American for the 2-9 Orange.
1983
The Orange posted their first winning season since 1979, going 6-5 in Dick MacPherson’s third year as head coach. In addition, SU hit a program milestone by winning its 500th game with a 14-7 triumph against Navy.
1984
Syracuse native Tim Green earned the first of two consecutive first-team All-America certificates at defensive tackle. Green and his teammates grabbed the nation’s attention with a 17-9 victory against No. 1-ranked Nebraska in the Carrier Dome during a 6-5 season.
1985
SU began a run of seven bowl berths in eight years, earning a spot opposite Maryland in the Cherry Bowl. SU lost to the Terps 35-18 to finish the year with a 7-5 record. Defensive tackle Tim Green was named a first-team All-American for the second year in a row. Green, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001, was the 17th overall selection in the 1986 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
1986
After an 0-4 start, the Orange won five of their final seven games to set the stage for a remarkable 1987 season.
1987
SU finished the regular season with an undefeated 11-0 record and earned a trip to the Sugar Bowl, its first New Year’s Day bowl bid since 1965. Auburn’s Win Lyle kicked a last-second field goal to force a 16-16 tie, the first deadlock in Sugar Bowl history. Quarterback Don McPherson finished second in the Heisman race, but won several other player of the year awards and earned first-team All-America honors. Nose guard Ted Gregory was also named a first-team All-American. Dick MacPherson was the consensus pick for national coach of the year and the Orange finished No. 4 in both polls.
1988
SU put together consecutive double-figure win seasons for the first time, capping a 10-2 season with a decisive 23-10 victory against LSU in the Hall of Fame Bowl. Defensive back Markus Paul was named a first-team All-American by four selectors (AP, FWAA, Sporting News, Football News).
1989
Syracuse football observed its 100th birthday and earned a third straight bowl invitation. This time John Biskup hit a last-minute field goal to edge Georgia 19-18 in the Peach Bowl and cap an 8-4 season. Center John Flannery and wide receiver Rob Moore earned first-team All-America recognition. Moore entered his name in the 1990 NFL Supplemental Draft and was taken first overall by the New York Jets.
1990
The Orange finished the regular season with a 6-4-2 record and an invitation to the Aloha Bowl in Honolulu. SU put the finishing touches on its third straight bowl win by shutting out Arizona 28-0 behind freshman quarterback Marvin Graves. The Wildcats had not been blanked in 20 seasons (214 games), the second-longest streak in NCAA history at the time. Center John Flannery was named a first-team All-American for the second year in a row.
1991
Assistant coach Paul Pasqualoni replaced Dick MacPherson as head coach when MacPherson left to coach the NFL’s New England Patriots. The Orange also joined the BIG EAST Football Conference after years as an independent. Pasqualoni led the Orange to a 10-2 record, a perfect 5-0 BIG EAST mark, and a 24-17 win against Ohio State in the Hall of Fame Bowl on New Year’s Day. Qadry Ismail earned first-team All-America honors as a kick returner and became the school’s first two-sport All-American since Jim Brown. Ismail’s second honor was for track & field.
1992
Paul Pasqualoni and the Orange again won 10 games and made their second straight New Year’s Day bowl appearance, knocking off Colorado 26-22 at the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Ariz. It was the fifth straight bowl victory for Syracuse, the second-best streak in the country at the time behind Florida State. Tight end Chris Gedney was a unanimous All-America selection.
1993
Another year, another winning season. The Orange finished with a 6-4-1 overall record. Breaking records was a regular occurrence during the campaign. Marvin Graves set new marks in almost every passing and total offense category, while Shelby Hill, Pat O’Neill and Kevin Mitchell also etched their names in the Syracuse record books.
1994
In keeping with the tone of the recent past, the Orange recorded an eighth straight winning season, finishing 7-4 overall. The passing combination of Kevin Mason to Marvin Harrison was prominent throughout the year, while the return of linebacker Dan Conley for a sixth season of competition after numerous knee surgeries was a story of perseverance and dedication.
1995
A young Syracuse team posted a 9-3 record and a victory over Clemson in the Gator Bowl. The emergence of Donovan McNabb and his chemistry with receiver Marvin Harrison provided thrills and records, as Harrison established himself as one of the all-time great receivers and return men at Syracuse. Harrison was the 19th overall pick in 1996 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Defensively, cornerback Kevin Abrams earned first-team All-America honors.
1996
Despite an 0-2 start, the Orange won a share of the BIG EAST title and once again was among the nation’s elite. An eight-game winning streak in the middle of the season earned the Orange another bowl berth. The Orange beat Houston in the Liberty Bowl for its seventh consecutive bowl victory, which was the nation’s longest active bowl winning streak at the time. Cornerback Kevin Abrams received first-team All-America plaudits for the second year in a row.
1997
Syracuse won its first outright BIG EAST championship, clinching the crown with a 33-18 victory at Miami (Fla.). After starting the year 1-3, a 30-19 victory against Tulane ignited an eight-game winning streak. The Orange played the first overtime game in school history against North Carolina State in the Carrier Dome. A 35-18 loss to Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl did not detract from the fact that the Orange was one of six teams to receive a Bowl Alliance bid. Safety Donovin Darius was a first-team All-America selection.
1998
After a 34-33 home loss to eventual national champion Tennessee in the season opener, the Orange defeated defending national champion Michigan in Ann Arbor the following week. From there, SU went 7-3 to win its second outright BIG EAST title and third conference championship in a row. The Orange earned a Bowl Championship Series berth in the first year of the BCS and lost to Florida in the Orange Bowl in Donovan McNabb’s last game. McNabb was selected with the second overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1999 NFL Draft, the highest a Syracuse quarterback has ever been selected. Kick returner Kevin Johnson earned first-team All-America honors.
1999
Syracuse earned a bowl invitation for the fifth straight year and the 11th time in 13 season. The Orange were 7-5 in the final season of the millennium and closed the century with a 20-13 victory against Kentucky in the Music City Bowl. All-American linebacker Keith Bulluck was selected in the first round (30th overall) by the Tennessee Titans in the 2000 NFL Draft. The University recognized the program’s All-Century Team at the final home game.
2000
Syracuse ran its streak of consecutive winning seasons to 14 with a 6-5 record. Cornerback Will Allen was taken with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
2001
Syracuse continued its streak of winning seasons with its 15th in a row, posting a 10-3 record and topping Kansas State in the Insight.com Bowl for its 12th bowl victory. Consensus All-American Dwight Freeney was selected in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft, marking the fifth consecutive year that an SU player heard his name called in the opening round.
2002
The Orange string of winning seasons came to an end as SU finished 4-8. The team played in two triple-overtime games, including a 50-42 win against No. 8 Virginia Tech. Quarterback Troy Nunes ended his SU career ranked in the top five on 10 different school record lists, while linebacker Clifton Smith and punter Mike Shafer also concluded fine careers. In November, former quarterback Donovan McNabb was named to SU’s Board of Trustees.
2003
Running back Walter Reyes established the SU single-season records for rushing touchdowns (21) and total touchdowns (22) to lead the Orange to a 6-6 record. Receiver Johnnie Morant, defensive tackle Christian Ferrara, and offensive tackle Kevin Sampson entered the fraternity of SU players selected in the NFL Draft.
2004
Running back Walter Reyes concluded his college career as the program’s second all-time leading rusher with 3,424 yards. The Orange earned a bowl berth for the first time since 2001, losing to Georgia Tech in the Champs Sports Bowl 51-14 in Paul Pasqualoni’s last game as head coach. Offensive tackle Adam Terry was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
2005
Head coach Greg Robinson, who also served as defensive coordinator, took over the program and the pass defense jumped 69 spots in the NCAA statistical rankings from the previous year (90th to 21st), while the total defense went from 101st in 2004 to 57th in 2005. Free safety Anthony Smith led a group of four seniors who were selected in the 2006 NFL Draft when he was chosen in the third round by the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
2006
Delone Carter emerged as a capable running back in his freshman season. Carter ran for 713 yards, the second-best total for a freshman in school history. Tanard Jackson and Kelvin Smith were selected in the 2007 NFL Draft.
2007
The Orange went 2-10, but defeated nationally-ranked Louisville on the road in a 38-35 shootout. Receiver Mike Williams had a touchdown reception in nine straight games, while the kick return duo of Max Suter and Mike Holmes had a big year. The pair keyed an Orange unit that led the BIG EAST in average yards per kick return (24.8).
2008
The world premiere of “The Express,” the life story of Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis, was held in downtown Syracuse prior to SU’s game against Penn State. On the field, Syracuse went 3-9 in Greg Robinson’s final year as head coach. The team’s biggest win was a last-minute, 24-23 victory at Notre Dame. Running back Curtis Brinkley established an SU season record for consecutive 100-yard rushing games (5) and was one of four SU players to sign with an NFL team. Fullback Tony Fiammetta earned Pro Football Weekly All-America honors.
2009
Doug Marrone returned to his alma mater to serve as the program’s 28th head coach. Marrone brought in Syracuse native Greg Paulus to quarterback the Orange after a stellar four-year basketball career at Duke. Paulus led the Orange to 4-8 record in his only season. Punter Rob Long and defensive tackle Arthur Jones earned All-BIG EAST First Team honors. Jones was selected in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens after helping the Orange rank sixth nationally in sacks and 13th in rushing defense.
2010
In his second year at the helm, head coach Doug Marrone led Syracuse back to the postseason. The Orange went 8-5 and beat Kansas State in the inaugural New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Behind linebackers Doug Hogue and Derrell Smith, the Orange ranked seventh nationally in total defense. Running back Delone Carter led the Syracuse offense, rushing for 1,233 yards in his final season, including 198 against Kansas State to win Pinstripe Bowl MVP honors.
2011
The Orange got off to a 5-2 start, but lost its last five games to finish 5-7. Quarterback Ryan Nassib authored the best statistical passing season in school history to that point, establishing team records for completions (259), attempts (415), yards (2,685) and matching the record for touchdown passes (22). Defensive end Chandler Jones used a standout season to garner the attention of pro scouts. The younger brother of former SU star Arthur Jones was the first pick of the New England Patriots (21st overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft. Jones, Nick Provo, Andrew Tiller Antwon Bailey and Justin Pugh earned first-team All-BIG EAST honors.
2012
In its final year in the BIG EAST, Syracuse won a share of the conference championship and finished 8-5 overall. The Orange won its second Pinstripe Bowl title in three years, beating West Virginia 38-14. Quarterback Ryan Nassib surpassed his previous team records for completions (295) and attempts (415). Nassib also set new Syracuse records for passing yards (3,757) and touchdown passes (26). Alec Lemon eclipsed his own season record for most receptions (72). Lemon, offensive tackle Justin Pugh and safety Shamarko Thomas earned first-team All-BIG EAST honors, while Nassib was a Pro Football Weekly All-America selection. Pugh, Nassib and Thomas were all selected in the 2013 NFL Draft.
2013
Scott Shafer replaced Doug Marrone as head coach after Marrone was hired by the Buffalo Bills. Syracuse went 7-6, including a win against Minnesota in the Texas Bowl. In ACC play, the Orange were 4-4 in their first year as a member of the conference and tied Boston College for third place in the Atlantic Division. Six members of the Orange earned All-ACC honors, including Jay Bromley and Marquis Spruill who were both selected in the 2014 NFL Draft. Bromley was a third-round pick of the New Giants. Spruill went in the fifth round to the Atlanta Falcons.
2014
Syracuse opened the year with victories against Villanova and Central Michigan and finished the season 3-9 overall in Scott Shafer’s second year as head coach. The Orange was stout all season defensively, finishing 26th nationally in total defense. Linebacker Cameron Lynch (third team), offensive tackle Sean Hickey (third team) and punter Riley Dixon (honorable mention) received All-ACC honors.
2015
The Orange started the year 3-0 for the first time since 1991, but the team lost their next eight games. A 20-17 victory against Boston College in Scott Shafer’s last game as head coach ended the slide and resulted in a record of 4-8. Punter Riley Dixon became the first player in school history to earn All-ACC First Team honors and was drafted in the seventh round by the Denver Broncos.
On Nov. 23, Syracuse traveled to Rochester for its first intercollegiate football game. Wearing pink and blue uniforms, SU lost 36-0 to finish the year 0-1.
1890
Orange was adopted as the school color and Syracuse’s athletic teams are henceforth known as “Orange” or “Orangemen.” Bobby Winston became the program’s first head coach. SU defeated the Syracuse Athletic Association 14-0 in the season opener for its first football victory en route to a 7-4 record.
1891
Stephen Crane, author of the Civil War classic “Red Badge of Courage,” was a member of an SU squad that went 4-7.
1892
The only season in SU football history with no wins when at least two games were played. The Orange went 0-8-1 under coach Jordan C. Wells.
1893
Without an official coach, the Orange finished the season with a 4-9-1 record. SU posted triumphs against Syracuse High School, Hamilton, Onondaga Academy and Cazenovia.
1894
In his only season as Syracuse’s head coach, George H. Bond led the Orange to a 6-5 record.
1895
The Orange secured their first real home field as SU went from playing in parks throughout the city of Syracuse to playing at The Oval, which was a space located behind the Hall of Languages. The Orange recorded their first victory against rival Colgate, winning by the score of 4-0.
1896
The Orange played their first opponent from outside New York state, losing to Williams College, 24-6.
1897
The Colgate “Hoodoo” was born when a newspaper reporter sympathetic to the Raiders’ cause tackled an SU player who was on his way to scoring the winning touchdown. The game ended in a 6-6 tie.
1898
The Orange posted an 8-2-1 record, outscoring its opponents 192-69 under the direction of head coach Frank E. Wade.
1899
SU finished 4-4 in the final season of head coach Frank E. Wade’s three-year tenure.
1900
Edwin Sweetland, a Cornell grad, was hired as head football coach and to start the crew program. He guided the Orange to a 7-2-1 record, including six shutouts. Sweetland later coached against SU as the head coach at Colgate.
1901
Success builds for the football program as the Orange closed the season with a 7-1 record. The lone loss came against Lafayette, 5-0.
1902
A 23-0 shutout of rival Colgate was an important win for the Orange as they cruised to a 6-2-1 season. Other big victories were against the Onondaga Indians, Amherst, and Williams.
1903
The football program gained momentum as its budget increased to $5,500. Jason B. Parish and Ancil D. Brown served as co-coaches and led the Orange to a 5-4 record.
1904
In Dr. Charles P. Hutchins first season as head coach, SU finished 6-3. In a victory against Manhattan, the Orange put 144 points on the board, a team record that still stands.
1905
The Orange recorded six shutouts and finished the season with an overall record of 8-3 in Dr. Charles P. Hutchins’ second and final year at the helm.
1906
Head coach Frank J. (Buck) O’Neill was hired and piloted the Orange to a 6-3 record in the team’s final season playing at The Oval. On Nov. 17, the Orange handed Lafayette its only loss of the season, 12-4.
1907
The Orange opened Archbold Stadium, a 20,000-seat facility, with a 28-0 victory against Hobart. The stadium provided the Orange with one of the finest facilities of its time. Once called “the eighth wonder of the world,” Archbold was just the third concrete stadium built in the United States. A 22-0 win against Hamilton on Oct. 26 was the program’s 100th win. Marquis (Bill) Horr became the the program’s first All-American when he was named to Walter Camp’s All-America Second Team.
1908
Howard H. Jones was hired as head coach. The Orange posted a 6-3-1 record and along the way played their first Western Conference (now Big Ten) opponent, beating Michigan 28-4. Marquis (Bill) Horr is the first Syracuse player to be named a first-team All-American when he is recognized by Walter Camp for the second year in a row.
1909
SU went 4-5-1 during the first of two seasons for head coach T.A. Dwight Jones.
1910
In its 22nd season of intercollegiate football, SU finished 5-4-1. T.A. Dwight Jones completed his two-year tenure as head coach with a 9-9-2 overall mark.
1911
First-year head coach C. DeForest Cummings led the Orange to a 5-3-2 season, including a 6-0 shutout of Ohio State, and a 12-11 upset of Pop Warner’s Carlisle team that featured the legendary Jim Thorpe. End A. Harry Kallett earned Walter Camp Third Team All-America honors.
1912
After opening the season with a 12-0 victory against in-state rival Hobart, SU finished with a 4-5 record in C. DeForest Cummings’ last season as head coach. Rudolph “Rudy” Probst made Walter Camp’s All-America Second Team.
1913
Frank O’Neill returned to coach the Orange after leading the program to a winning season in 1907. He guided SU to six wins, its top total since 1908.
1914
The Orange opened the year 2-0 and posted a 5-3-2 overall record. Among the victories was an 81-0 rout of Hamilton, the third-largest margin of victory in program history.
1915
SU’s first powerhouse team finished 9-1-2, recording seven shutouts and outscoring the opposition, 331-16. SU was invited to the Rose Bowl to play Washington, but declined because an earlier West Coast trip (the first by an Eastern school) to Oregon State had used up the the school’s travel budget. Guards Christopher Schlacter and Harold White were both named All-Americans.
1916
In his only season as head coach, William Hollenback led SU to a 5-4 record. The Orange scored more than 50 points in three of their five victories, including a 73-0 shutout of Ohio University.
1917
All-America tackle Alfred Cobb captained the Orange squad to an 8-1-1 record. Syracuse closed the year with six consecutive wins.
1918
The Orange were 5-1 with four shutouts in Frank O’Neill’s penultimate season as head coach. Joe Alexander earned his first of three consecutive first-team All-America honors. Louis Usher and Willard Ackley also received All-America recognition.
1919
All-American Joe Alexander and the Orange finished 8-3 in the last year of Frank O’Neill’s tenure as head coach. O’Neill was the sideline leader for a total of eight years (1906-07, 1913-15, 1917-19).
1920
Team captain Joe Alexander received All-America honors for the third straight year. He and first-year head coach John Meehan led the Orange to a 6-2-1 record. Alexander was enshrined in the Collge Football Hall of Fame in 1954. Tackle Bertrand Gulick also earned All-America recognition.
1921
SU records its ninth straight winning season by going 7-2. Gifford Zimmerman was the first player in team history to wear the fabled No. 44. The number remained in circulation until the 2005 season, when it was retired.
1922
Third-year coach John Meehan led the Orange to an 6-1-2 record. The team’s only loss was a 21-14 decision to Pittsburgh. The season saw the beginning of the Penn State series, which started with a scoreless tie in a game played at the Polo Grounds in New York City. Roy Simmons Sr. was the squad’s quarterback, marking the start of a relationship between the Simmons family and Syracuse University Athletics that continues today. After his playing career concluded in 1924, Simmons Sr. coached the Orange lacrosse and boxing squads, as well as served as an assistant football coach. Roy Simmons Jr. was SU’s men’s lacrosse coach from 1971 through 1998, taking the reins of the program from his father when he retired in 1970. Roy Simmons III is the men’s lacrosse team’s current director of operations. Future College Football Hall of Fame coach Lynn ‘Pappy’ Waldorf earned second-team All-America honors at tackle.
1923
All-America end Evander (Pete) MacRae was part of an Orange defense that allowed only 19 points and posted seven shutouts. Syracuse went 8-1 with its only loss a 16-7 defeat against rival Colgate.
1924
The Orange won eight games (8-2-1 overall) for the second consecutive year and defeated Boston College for the 200th victory in program history on Oct. 18. Lynn ‘Pappy’ Waldorf was named an All-American for the third time.
1925
Clarence Thomas became the first quarterback to wear the storied No. 44 jersey. He led the team to an 8-1-1 record in C.W.P. Reynolds’ first year as head coach. The defense posted a school-record six consectutive shutouts. Vic Hanson was an Associated Press Third Team All-American.
1926
Behind Vic Hanson, the Orange outscored their opponents 225-59 on their way to a 7-2-1 record. Hanson earned All-America honors in football again and captained the basketball team during the winter months. Hanson is the only athlete enshrined in both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
1927
In his first year as head coach, Lew Andreas led SU to four straight wins to start the season and a 5-3-2 overall record.
1928
After a 3-0 start, the Orange finished the year with a 4-4-1 record. The team scored a season-high 58 points in a win against Johns Hopkins on Oct. 13.
1929
Lew Andreas, who was SU’s basketball coach from 1924 through 1950, completed his three-year stint as the football coach by guiding the Orange to a 6-3 record. SU played the first night game in the East, beating Hobart 77-0.
1930
Vic Hanson returned to Syracuse to coach the team after playing briefly for a New York Yankees farm team, highlighting his multi-faceted athletic ability. The Orange went 5-2-2 in Hanson’s first year and end George Ellert was named an All-American.
1931
SU outscored its foes 238-56 en route to a 7-1-1 season that featured seven consectuve wins to start the year.
1932
A 4-4-1 season included the program’s 250th victory, a 27-6 win against Oglethorpe on Nov. 5.
1933
After a 3-0 start that included dominating wins against Clarkson and Ohio Wesleyan, SU closed the year with a 4-4 record for fourth-year head coach Vic Hanson.
1934
All-America tackle James Steen led the Orange to a 6-2 record. Syracuse’s six victories included back-to-back shutouts of Penn State and Michigan State.
1935
The Orange won six games for the second year in a row and finished the season 6-1-1. Senior guard Ed Jontos became Syracuse’s first pro football draft pick when he was selected 45th overall by the New York Giants in the 1936 draft.
1936
The Orange defeated Clarkson to start the season, but lost their final seven games. Vic Hanson concluded his Syracuse coaching tenure with a seven-year record of 33-21-5.
1937
Ossie Solem succeeded Vic Hanson as head coach and led the team to a 5-2-1 record. After starting 3-0, Syracuse made its first appearance in the Associated Press college football poll, debuting at No. 17 after defeating Cornell on Oct. 16.
1938
Wilmeth Sidat-Singh, one of the first African-American quarterbacks to play college football, led SU to a stunning 19-17 comeback win against Cornell and a 5-3 overall record. Among Sidat-Singh’s teammates were Olympic sprinter and legendary sports announcer Marty Glickman and the great Michigan State coach Hugh “Duffy” Daugherty. Sidat-Singh was also a star for the Orange on the hardwood and his basketball jersey was retired in February 2005.
1939
Syracuse went 3-3-2 and won its last two games. The defense set a team record, holding opponents to a 33.3 percent pass completion rate.
1940
The Orange beat NYU 47-13 on Oct. 12. The game was played in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx in front of 8,000 people. The victory was part of a 3-4-1 season for fourth-year coach Ossie Solem.
1941
The Orange posted a 5-2-1 record and returned to the AP rankings, checking in at No. 18 after a 27-20 triumph at Wisconsin. The Syracuse special teams unit set a school record for punt return yards (662).
1942
Winning the first five games of the season, the Orange were ranked as high as 15th in the AP poll and went on to finish with a 6-3 record.
1943
Syracuse University suspended intercollegiate sports due to World War II.
1944
The Orange concluded the year with a 2-4-1 record, including playing a game against Boston College at historic Fenway Park in Boston.
1945
Ossie Solom ended his eight-year SU coaching stint, guiding the Orange to a 1-6 record. He had a 30-27-6 overall coaching mark.
1946
Future College Football Hall of Fame coach Clarence L. “Biggie” Munn served as the Orange head coach and went 4-5 in his only year at the SU helm. Munn later went on to coach at Michigan State. The Orange program enjoyed its 300th win, a 28-7 victory against Temple.
1947
Reaves Baysinger became head coach and promptly changed the Orange’s uniform from a blue jersey with orange numbers to white to go along with khaki moleskin pants. He led SU to a 3-6 record.
1948
In the second and final year for head coach Reaves Baysinger, the Orange posted a 1-8 record. The team’s only win was a 13-9 season-opening victory against Niagara.
1949
Ben Schwartzwalder was hired as head coach following five consecutive losing seasons. Schwartwalder won four games in his first year, including a 35-7 triumph over rival Colgate.
1950
A 5-5 season featured a four-game winning streak in the middle of the year. Avatus Stone set the school record (since tied) with three interceptions in a 27-7 win versus Penn State.
1951
Syracuse enjoyed its first winning season since 1942, posting a 5-4 record. The SU defense forced a school-record nine turnovers against Lafayette. Off the field, Howard Jones and Frank J. (Buck) O’Neill were the first individuals associated with the program to be inducted into the College Football Hall Fame.
1952
Tackles Robert Fleck and William “Bill” Skyinskus earned All-America honors, leading Syracuse to a 7-2 record and its first bowl game. SU lost to Alabama 61-6 in the Orange Bowl. Future Pro Football Hall of Fame center Jim Ringo concluded his three-year Orange career.
1953
Robert Fleck moved to guard and earned his second consecutive All-America award as the Orange finished 5-3-1 during head coach Ben Schwartzwalder’s fifth season at the helm.
1954
A halfback from Long Island, well down on the preseason depth chart, was issued jersey No. 44. His name was Jim Brown. SU was 4-4 and won three of its last four games.
1955
The Syracuse defense shined, allowing 35 completions on 95 pass attempts – still records for the fewest completions and attempts by opponents in team history. Jim Brown earned All-America honors in his second season and the Orange finished with a 5-3 record. They were ranked as high as No. 18 in the AP poll.
1956
With a bowl bid on the line in the regular-season finale versus Colgate, Jim Brown scored a then-NCAA record 43 points in SU’s 61-7 victory. The Orange finished the regular season with a 7-1 record, earning an invitation to the Cotton Bowl, where it lost to TCU 28-27. Brown broke the SU single-season rushing record with 986 yards and earned first-team All-America honors. He went on to a Hall of Fame career with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns after he was the sixth overall selection by the Browns in the 1957 NFL Draft. In 1995, Brown was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
1957
All-America end Dick Lasse led Syracuse to a 5-3-1 record. The Orange recorded the 350th win in program history with a 26-9 victory against Nebraska.
1958
Tackle Ronald Luciano, a future Major League Baseball umpire, earned All-America honors, leading the Orange to an 8-2 record. The SU defense recorded four shutouts and allowed just 59 points during the year. SU lost to No. 5 Oklahoma 21-6 in the Orange Bowl.
1959
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Undefeated, untied, and national champions, the Orange capped an 11-0 season with their first bowl win, a 23-14 victory against Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Syracuse enjoyed its finest year on the gridiron, pulverizing foes both offensively and defensively. The defense allowed a mind-boggling 193 yards rushing in 10 games (19.3 ypg). On offense, the Orange averaged 451 yards a game. The team featured three All-Americans, including guard Roger Davis, who was the seventh overall selection by the Chicago Bears in the 1960 NFL Draft.
1960
Ernie Davis earned the first of his two first-team All-America citations playing halfback for the 7-2 Orange. The Orange spent two weeks ranked No. 1 in the UPI poll and won their first five games to extend their school-record winning streak to 16 before a home loss to Pittsburgh. The Philadelphia Eagles selected fullback Art Baker with the 14th overall pick in the 1961 NFL Draft.
1961
Ernie Davis won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first African American to receive college football’s most prestigious award. Along the way, he broke Jim Brown’s SU career rushing record and led the Orange to an 8-3 record and Liberty Bowl win against Miami (Fla.). Davis, who was later enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, was the top pick in the 1962 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins (who traded his rights to Cleveland) and in the 1962 AFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He died of leukemia less than two years later.
1962
The Orange began the year 1-3, but recovered to post a 5-5 season. End Walt Sweeney was a first-round selection by the AFL’s San Diego Chargers in the 1963 draft.
1963
The Orange won seven of their last eight contests to finish 12th in the UPI poll with an 8-2 record. John Mackey began his NFL career as a tight end for the Baltimore Colts, where he eventually played in two Super Bowls. In 1992, Mackey was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
1964
Sophomore halfback Floyd Little, who was recruited to Syracuse by 1961 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis, earned All-America honors in his first season. Center Patrick Killorin also received All-America accolades. The team went 7-4 and made an appearance in the Sugar Bowl, losing to LSU 13-10. The program celebrated its 400th win — a 38-6 victory against Kansas on Sept. 26.
1965
All-Americans Floyd Little (halfback), Charles Brown (defensive halfback) and Patrick Killorin (center) led the Orange to a 7-3 record. SU was 19th in the final UPI rankings and won five of their last six games.
1966
Halfback Floyd Little and fullback Larry Csonka, the greatest one-two running punch in the Orange annals, led the team to an 8-3 record and a Gator Bowl berth. Little set an SU bowl-game record with 216 yards and Csonka added 114 in the 18-12 loss to Tennessee. Little, Csonka and tackle Gary Bugenhagen earned All-America honors. Little was selected by the Denver Broncos with the sixth overall pick in the 1967 league draft.
1967
Larry Csonka earned All-America honors for the second year in a row after rushing for 1,127 yards and eight touchdowns to power Syracuse to an 8-2 record. The AFL’s Miami Dolphins selected Csonka, who went on to be enshrined in both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, with the eighth pick in the 1968 draft.
1968
The Orange rose to No. 10 in the national polls and finished with a 6-4 record. Defensive halfback Anthony Kyasky and defensive tackle Art Thoms earned All-America honors. Thoms was the 22nd overall selection by the Oakland Raiders in the 1969 AFL Draft.
1969
The Orange were 5-5 with back-to-back shutouts of Arizona and Navy in November. Against Penn State, Greg Allen set the single-game record for the most individual punt return yards with 172.
1970
Facing a boycott by a group of African-American student-athletes, Syracuse was outscored 100-29 in its first three games, but rebounded to win six of the next seven games. The ‘Syracuse Eight,’ as the group was named by the media, sat out the season calling for the equal treatment of student-athletes and a diverse coaching staff. On the field, All-America defensive tackle Joe Ehrmann led the Orange to a 6-4 record.
1971
All-America defensive back Tommy Myers intercepted an SU single-season record eight passes during a 5-5-1 campaign in which a 28-24 win against West Virginia gave the Orange program its 450th victory.
1972
The SU streak of 22 consecutive non-losing seasons came to an end. The Orange lost at West Virginia in the season finale to finish 5-6. Defensive tackle Joe Ehrmann was the 10th overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts.
1973
Ben Schwartzwalder retired after a 2-9 season. Schwartzwalder led the Orange to a 153-91-3 record in 25 years as head coach. He was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982. Guard Dave Lapham was voted an Associated Press Third Team All-American.
1974
SU began Frank Maloney’s seven-year coaching tenure with a 23-15 triumph against Oregon State in the season opener, but the Orange lost nine of their last 10 to close year 2-9.
1975
All-American Raymond Preston led the Orange to a 6-5 record and was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game. Preston enjoyed a nine-year (1976-84) NFL career as a linebacker for the San Diego Chargers.
1976
After a 3-8 campaign, five players were invited to play in the last American Bowl, a senior all-star game. Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American Tim Moresco was a member of the victorious North squad.
1977
Syracuse posted its second winning season under Frank Maloney, going 6-5, including four consecutive victories to end the year.
1978
Joe Morris set the school freshman rushing record with 1,001 yards. It was a performance that included a then-school season record four consecutive 100-yard games. In the final game in Archbold Stadium, Morris ran for 203 yards to power the Orange to a 20-17 victory against nationally-ranked Navy. SU bid farewell to Archbold having posted a 265-112-20 record all-time at the facility.
1979
With the razing of Archbold Stadium and the construction of the Carrier Dome, SU spent the entire season on the road, playing “home” games in the Meadowlands, Buffalo and Ithaca. Despite the obstacles, the Orange went 7-5 and defeated McNeese State in the Independence Bowl with future NFL players Joe Morris, Art Monk, Bill Hurley, Craig Wolfley, Gary Anderson and Jim Collins leading the way. Monk was the 18th overall selection in the 1980 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.
1980
Sept. 20 marked the beginning of a new era with the opening of the Carrier Dome. Joe Morris scored four touchdowns and racked up 300 all-purpose yards as the Orange christened their new home with a 36-24 win against Miami (Ohio). An all-time Syracuse record crowd of 50,564 witnessed the event. The Orange were 5-6 in Frank Maloney’s last year as head coach.
1981
Down-easterner Dick MacPherson arrived on the scene, replacing Frank Maloney as head coach. MacPherson guided the Orange to a 4-6-1 mark in his first year, including consecutive wins against Boston College and West Virginia to end the season. Running back Joe Morris concluded his career as SU’s all-time leading rusher. He and kicker Gary Anderson both earned All-America honors.
1982
The winningest coach in Syracuse football history, Ben Schwartzwalder was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. On the field, defensive tackle Michael Charles was named a first-team All-American for the 2-9 Orange.
1983
The Orange posted their first winning season since 1979, going 6-5 in Dick MacPherson’s third year as head coach. In addition, SU hit a program milestone by winning its 500th game with a 14-7 triumph against Navy.
1984
Syracuse native Tim Green earned the first of two consecutive first-team All-America certificates at defensive tackle. Green and his teammates grabbed the nation’s attention with a 17-9 victory against No. 1-ranked Nebraska in the Carrier Dome during a 6-5 season.
1985
SU began a run of seven bowl berths in eight years, earning a spot opposite Maryland in the Cherry Bowl. SU lost to the Terps 35-18 to finish the year with a 7-5 record. Defensive tackle Tim Green was named a first-team All-American for the second year in a row. Green, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001, was the 17th overall selection in the 1986 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
1986
After an 0-4 start, the Orange won five of their final seven games to set the stage for a remarkable 1987 season.
1987
SU finished the regular season with an undefeated 11-0 record and earned a trip to the Sugar Bowl, its first New Year’s Day bowl bid since 1965. Auburn’s Win Lyle kicked a last-second field goal to force a 16-16 tie, the first deadlock in Sugar Bowl history. Quarterback Don McPherson finished second in the Heisman race, but won several other player of the year awards and earned first-team All-America honors. Nose guard Ted Gregory was also named a first-team All-American. Dick MacPherson was the consensus pick for national coach of the year and the Orange finished No. 4 in both polls.
1988
SU put together consecutive double-figure win seasons for the first time, capping a 10-2 season with a decisive 23-10 victory against LSU in the Hall of Fame Bowl. Defensive back Markus Paul was named a first-team All-American by four selectors (AP, FWAA, Sporting News, Football News).
1989
Syracuse football observed its 100th birthday and earned a third straight bowl invitation. This time John Biskup hit a last-minute field goal to edge Georgia 19-18 in the Peach Bowl and cap an 8-4 season. Center John Flannery and wide receiver Rob Moore earned first-team All-America recognition. Moore entered his name in the 1990 NFL Supplemental Draft and was taken first overall by the New York Jets.
1990
The Orange finished the regular season with a 6-4-2 record and an invitation to the Aloha Bowl in Honolulu. SU put the finishing touches on its third straight bowl win by shutting out Arizona 28-0 behind freshman quarterback Marvin Graves. The Wildcats had not been blanked in 20 seasons (214 games), the second-longest streak in NCAA history at the time. Center John Flannery was named a first-team All-American for the second year in a row.
1991
Assistant coach Paul Pasqualoni replaced Dick MacPherson as head coach when MacPherson left to coach the NFL’s New England Patriots. The Orange also joined the BIG EAST Football Conference after years as an independent. Pasqualoni led the Orange to a 10-2 record, a perfect 5-0 BIG EAST mark, and a 24-17 win against Ohio State in the Hall of Fame Bowl on New Year’s Day. Qadry Ismail earned first-team All-America honors as a kick returner and became the school’s first two-sport All-American since Jim Brown. Ismail’s second honor was for track & field.
1992
Paul Pasqualoni and the Orange again won 10 games and made their second straight New Year’s Day bowl appearance, knocking off Colorado 26-22 at the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Ariz. It was the fifth straight bowl victory for Syracuse, the second-best streak in the country at the time behind Florida State. Tight end Chris Gedney was a unanimous All-America selection.
1993
Another year, another winning season. The Orange finished with a 6-4-1 overall record. Breaking records was a regular occurrence during the campaign. Marvin Graves set new marks in almost every passing and total offense category, while Shelby Hill, Pat O’Neill and Kevin Mitchell also etched their names in the Syracuse record books.
1994
In keeping with the tone of the recent past, the Orange recorded an eighth straight winning season, finishing 7-4 overall. The passing combination of Kevin Mason to Marvin Harrison was prominent throughout the year, while the return of linebacker Dan Conley for a sixth season of competition after numerous knee surgeries was a story of perseverance and dedication.
1995
A young Syracuse team posted a 9-3 record and a victory over Clemson in the Gator Bowl. The emergence of Donovan McNabb and his chemistry with receiver Marvin Harrison provided thrills and records, as Harrison established himself as one of the all-time great receivers and return men at Syracuse. Harrison was the 19th overall pick in 1996 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Defensively, cornerback Kevin Abrams earned first-team All-America honors.
1996
Despite an 0-2 start, the Orange won a share of the BIG EAST title and once again was among the nation’s elite. An eight-game winning streak in the middle of the season earned the Orange another bowl berth. The Orange beat Houston in the Liberty Bowl for its seventh consecutive bowl victory, which was the nation’s longest active bowl winning streak at the time. Cornerback Kevin Abrams received first-team All-America plaudits for the second year in a row.
1997
Syracuse won its first outright BIG EAST championship, clinching the crown with a 33-18 victory at Miami (Fla.). After starting the year 1-3, a 30-19 victory against Tulane ignited an eight-game winning streak. The Orange played the first overtime game in school history against North Carolina State in the Carrier Dome. A 35-18 loss to Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl did not detract from the fact that the Orange was one of six teams to receive a Bowl Alliance bid. Safety Donovin Darius was a first-team All-America selection.
1998
After a 34-33 home loss to eventual national champion Tennessee in the season opener, the Orange defeated defending national champion Michigan in Ann Arbor the following week. From there, SU went 7-3 to win its second outright BIG EAST title and third conference championship in a row. The Orange earned a Bowl Championship Series berth in the first year of the BCS and lost to Florida in the Orange Bowl in Donovan McNabb’s last game. McNabb was selected with the second overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1999 NFL Draft, the highest a Syracuse quarterback has ever been selected. Kick returner Kevin Johnson earned first-team All-America honors.
1999
Syracuse earned a bowl invitation for the fifth straight year and the 11th time in 13 season. The Orange were 7-5 in the final season of the millennium and closed the century with a 20-13 victory against Kentucky in the Music City Bowl. All-American linebacker Keith Bulluck was selected in the first round (30th overall) by the Tennessee Titans in the 2000 NFL Draft. The University recognized the program’s All-Century Team at the final home game.
2000
Syracuse ran its streak of consecutive winning seasons to 14 with a 6-5 record. Cornerback Will Allen was taken with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
2001
Syracuse continued its streak of winning seasons with its 15th in a row, posting a 10-3 record and topping Kansas State in the Insight.com Bowl for its 12th bowl victory. Consensus All-American Dwight Freeney was selected in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft, marking the fifth consecutive year that an SU player heard his name called in the opening round.
2002
The Orange string of winning seasons came to an end as SU finished 4-8. The team played in two triple-overtime games, including a 50-42 win against No. 8 Virginia Tech. Quarterback Troy Nunes ended his SU career ranked in the top five on 10 different school record lists, while linebacker Clifton Smith and punter Mike Shafer also concluded fine careers. In November, former quarterback Donovan McNabb was named to SU’s Board of Trustees.
2003
Running back Walter Reyes established the SU single-season records for rushing touchdowns (21) and total touchdowns (22) to lead the Orange to a 6-6 record. Receiver Johnnie Morant, defensive tackle Christian Ferrara, and offensive tackle Kevin Sampson entered the fraternity of SU players selected in the NFL Draft.
2004
Running back Walter Reyes concluded his college career as the program’s second all-time leading rusher with 3,424 yards. The Orange earned a bowl berth for the first time since 2001, losing to Georgia Tech in the Champs Sports Bowl 51-14 in Paul Pasqualoni’s last game as head coach. Offensive tackle Adam Terry was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
2005
Head coach Greg Robinson, who also served as defensive coordinator, took over the program and the pass defense jumped 69 spots in the NCAA statistical rankings from the previous year (90th to 21st), while the total defense went from 101st in 2004 to 57th in 2005. Free safety Anthony Smith led a group of four seniors who were selected in the 2006 NFL Draft when he was chosen in the third round by the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
2006
Delone Carter emerged as a capable running back in his freshman season. Carter ran for 713 yards, the second-best total for a freshman in school history. Tanard Jackson and Kelvin Smith were selected in the 2007 NFL Draft.
2007
The Orange went 2-10, but defeated nationally-ranked Louisville on the road in a 38-35 shootout. Receiver Mike Williams had a touchdown reception in nine straight games, while the kick return duo of Max Suter and Mike Holmes had a big year. The pair keyed an Orange unit that led the BIG EAST in average yards per kick return (24.8).
2008
The world premiere of “The Express,” the life story of Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis, was held in downtown Syracuse prior to SU’s game against Penn State. On the field, Syracuse went 3-9 in Greg Robinson’s final year as head coach. The team’s biggest win was a last-minute, 24-23 victory at Notre Dame. Running back Curtis Brinkley established an SU season record for consecutive 100-yard rushing games (5) and was one of four SU players to sign with an NFL team. Fullback Tony Fiammetta earned Pro Football Weekly All-America honors.
2009
Doug Marrone returned to his alma mater to serve as the program’s 28th head coach. Marrone brought in Syracuse native Greg Paulus to quarterback the Orange after a stellar four-year basketball career at Duke. Paulus led the Orange to 4-8 record in his only season. Punter Rob Long and defensive tackle Arthur Jones earned All-BIG EAST First Team honors. Jones was selected in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens after helping the Orange rank sixth nationally in sacks and 13th in rushing defense.
2010
In his second year at the helm, head coach Doug Marrone led Syracuse back to the postseason. The Orange went 8-5 and beat Kansas State in the inaugural New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Behind linebackers Doug Hogue and Derrell Smith, the Orange ranked seventh nationally in total defense. Running back Delone Carter led the Syracuse offense, rushing for 1,233 yards in his final season, including 198 against Kansas State to win Pinstripe Bowl MVP honors.
2011
The Orange got off to a 5-2 start, but lost its last five games to finish 5-7. Quarterback Ryan Nassib authored the best statistical passing season in school history to that point, establishing team records for completions (259), attempts (415), yards (2,685) and matching the record for touchdown passes (22). Defensive end Chandler Jones used a standout season to garner the attention of pro scouts. The younger brother of former SU star Arthur Jones was the first pick of the New England Patriots (21st overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft. Jones, Nick Provo, Andrew Tiller Antwon Bailey and Justin Pugh earned first-team All-BIG EAST honors.
2012
In its final year in the BIG EAST, Syracuse won a share of the conference championship and finished 8-5 overall. The Orange won its second Pinstripe Bowl title in three years, beating West Virginia 38-14. Quarterback Ryan Nassib surpassed his previous team records for completions (295) and attempts (415). Nassib also set new Syracuse records for passing yards (3,757) and touchdown passes (26). Alec Lemon eclipsed his own season record for most receptions (72). Lemon, offensive tackle Justin Pugh and safety Shamarko Thomas earned first-team All-BIG EAST honors, while Nassib was a Pro Football Weekly All-America selection. Pugh, Nassib and Thomas were all selected in the 2013 NFL Draft.
2013
Scott Shafer replaced Doug Marrone as head coach after Marrone was hired by the Buffalo Bills. Syracuse went 7-6, including a win against Minnesota in the Texas Bowl. In ACC play, the Orange were 4-4 in their first year as a member of the conference and tied Boston College for third place in the Atlantic Division. Six members of the Orange earned All-ACC honors, including Jay Bromley and Marquis Spruill who were both selected in the 2014 NFL Draft. Bromley was a third-round pick of the New Giants. Spruill went in the fifth round to the Atlanta Falcons.
2014
Syracuse opened the year with victories against Villanova and Central Michigan and finished the season 3-9 overall in Scott Shafer’s second year as head coach. The Orange was stout all season defensively, finishing 26th nationally in total defense. Linebacker Cameron Lynch (third team), offensive tackle Sean Hickey (third team) and punter Riley Dixon (honorable mention) received All-ACC honors.
2015
The Orange started the year 3-0 for the first time since 1991, but the team lost their next eight games. A 20-17 victory against Boston College in Scott Shafer’s last game as head coach ended the slide and resulted in a record of 4-8. Punter Riley Dixon became the first player in school history to earn All-ACC First Team honors and was drafted in the seventh round by the Denver Broncos.
