Posts Tagged ‘SU Football’

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The Orange football squad traveled west for the 10th session of Spring football today, holding practice at Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester before about 500 fans. Head coach Doug Marrone brought the team back for the second year to show appreciation for the Syracuse fan base in Rochester. The practice was presented by Summit Federal Credit Union.

“We have always had a great many fans from Rochester and also quite a few players from this area,” Marrone said. “These fans have done such a great job supporting us in coming to the Dome, going back to when I was a player here, so this is our way of saying thanks to the fans who make the drive to the Dome every game day.”

Fans enjoyed an 80-play controlled scrimmage featuring offense against defense. Running backs Jerome Smith and Prince-Tyson Gulley each scored touchdowns, as did receivers Marcus Sales and Jeremiah Kobena. This group of skill players, along with fullback Myles Davis, tight ends Beckett Wales and David Stevens, and receivers Adrian Flemming and Keenan Hale, are working to fill the void left by the graduation of Antwon Bailey, Nick Provo, Van Chew and Dorian Graham.

“I thought Jerome played very well,” Marrone said. “He has had a good Spring. He is much improved from last season. That is exciting. I give him credit. He has worked extremely hard. He has come back from multiple injuries early in his career. He is now looking to go beyond and become the type of playmaker we need. He made a couple of great runs today, which is consistent with what he has done throughout the Spring.”

Quarterback Ryan Nassib took most of the snaps during the scrimmage, with Charley Loeb, John Kinder and freshman Ashton Broyld also getting playing time under center.

“What we want to see from the quarterback position is leadership and you want to see him make everyone around him better. We are looking for that out of Ryan. We want him to take what the defense gives him and be who he is. We are looking for more running from that position, from every player in that position.”

The coaching staff is working Rochester native Broyld at quarterback and running back this Spring, his first on campus.

“Ashton has been great,” Marrone said. “It is very difficult for anyone to go through Spring football for the first time. He goes through his ups and downs, but we are very excited about him. We are dual training him as a quarterback and a running back because we know at the end of the day we’ve to find a way to get him on the field. He is a playmaker. He is a heck of a football player, but he is a better person.”

On defensive side of the ball, the Orange has to replace Chandler Jones, Mikhail Marinovich, Phillip Thomas, Kevyn Scott and Olando Fisher. The linebacker group returns intact, led by Dan Vaughan, Dyshawn Davis, Cameron Lynch and Siriki Diabate. Junior Marquis Spruill is out for Spring practice due to injury.

“I am excited about the linebackers. We have a good group there and they have been playing well. There is good competition there.”

Syracuse fans will have another opportunity to watch the Orange at the annual Spring game on Saturday, April 21 at the Carrier Dome.

“We have changed a lot of things offensively and defensively and on special teams. We wanted to try different things and see what our players grasped and what they could do and we did not want to give anyone a false impression of who we are going to be going into the season. We closed some practices, but everyone has an opportunity to see us this Spring, today and at the Spring game. It has helped our focus.”

Article source: http://www.suathletics.com/news/2012/4/7/FB_0407124033.aspx

Tomorrow — Wednesday, February 1 — is the first day of the NCAA’s National Letter of Intent signing period for football student-athletes. Follow SUathletics.com throughout the day to read about who will join the Orange football program and head coach Doug Marrone in 2012. Updates will be provided until the NLI class is complete. 

Marrone and assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Greg Adkins will host a press conference at 3:00 p.m. which will be streamed live on Orange All Access.

Fans can catch interviews with Marrone on the radio at 3:45 pm (ESPN Radio 97.7 FM) and on MSG Varsity’s Signing Day Special at 8:00 p.m.

The Orange already added a pair of student-athletes to the program with the enrollment of quarterback Ashton Broyld and linebacker Myles Davis in January.

SU’s annual Spring practice begins on March 20 and will conclude with the annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 21 at the Carrier Dome.

Article source: http://suathletics.syr.edu/news/2012/1/31/FB_0131121635.aspx

Breaking Barriers: Building Dreams, a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Ernie Davis’ historic Heisman Trophy victory will air on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout the coming weeks. The ninety-minute special will premiere on Thursday, January 19 at 7:30 pm on TWCS Channels 13 and 813.  Encore presentations of the program will air on Thursday, January 26 at noon, Friday, Feb. 3 at 10:00 am, Sunday, February 12 at 7:00 pm and Tuesday, February 14 at 9:00 pm.  The program is also available on Time Warner Cable Sports Video on Demand, channel 577.

Davis became the first African American recipient of the Heisman in 1961, following an iconic career at Syracuse, which included the 1959 national championship.  He was the top NFL draft pick in the spring of 1962, but contracted monocytic leukemia and died in May, 1963 at the age of 23.

The program was taped on December 9, 2011 at the New York Historical Society Museum in New York City.  It includes remarks by Vice President Joe Biden, a law school graduate of Syracuse University – and a panel discussion featuring an all-star cast.  Former USC running back Mike Garrett, the second African American Heisman recipient and acclaimed journalist Frank Deford join distinguished Syracuse alumni Floyd Little, Art Monk, Dave Bing and Billy Hunter on stage to discuss the significance of Davis’ landmark accomplishment.  Davis’ predecessor in the Syracuse backfield, Jim Brown and his close friend and roommate John Brown headline in a film tribute that is included in the program.  Syracuse University television sports broadcast alumni Marv Albert and Len Berman are featured as the master of ceremonies and panel moderator, respectively. 

Article source: http://suathletics.syr.edu/news/2012/1/19/FB_0119122816.aspx

Syracuse wide receiver Alec Lemon and cornerback Keon Lyn will miss 2012 Spring Football practice due to shoulder surgeries.

Lemon had successful surgery on his right shoulder in Annapolis, Md., while Lyn had successful surgery on his right shoulder in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Their status for the 2012 season will be evaluated throughout the rehabilitation process and announced prior to the start of pre-season camp.

Lemon led the 2011 Orange in receiving, catching an SU single-season record 68 passes for 834 yards and six touchdowns as a junior. Lyn recorded 23 tackles, including 22 solo and two for a loss of yards, had three pass breakups and one forced fumble in his sophomore season.

Article source: http://suathletics.com/news/2012/1/5/FB_0105120600.aspx

Following a season that saw several SU individual and team records set, 11 Orange football student-athletes have earned selection to the All-BIG EAST Teams of multiple media outlets. Junior offensive tackle Justin Pugh led the way for SU with four selections, including the CBSSports.com, ESPN.com, AthlonSports.com First Team and Phil Steele’s Second Team honors.

Senior defensive lineman Chandler Jones joined Pugh on the AthlonSports.com First Team, while senior running back Antwon Bailey, sophomore placekicker Ross Krautman, graduate student offensive guard Andrew Tiller, and junior free safety Phillip Thomas were named to the Second Team. Senior wide receiver Van Chew and sophomore linebacker Marquis Spruill were named to the Third Team. 

Senior tight end Nick Provo was named to the Phil Steele Postseason All-BIG EAST First Team and CBSSports.com Team, while junior wide receiver Alec Lemon earned Phil Steele Second Team honors. Freshman linebacker Dyshawn Davis was named to Phil Steele’s All-Freshman Team.

Pugh, who was named to the All-BIG EAST First Team last week, has started in all 25 games in his career, and has blocked for 1,000-yard rushers in 2010 and 2011, including Bailey this season.

Jones finished 2011 with 38 tackles (30 solo) in just seven games played, and was also named to the ESPN.com and Phil Steele’s Postseason All-BIG EAST Second Team. The All-BIG EAST First Team selection is ninth on both the SU record for career tackles by a down lineman (147) and career tackles for a loss (27.0). After missing five games with a lower body injury, Jones returned to the field against No. 11/14 West Virginia, and earned BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week honors with six solo tackles, including two sacks for a loss of 19 yards.

Bailey rushed for 1,051 yards this season, becoming the 15th player in SU history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. His 2,144 career yards on the ground ranks him 16th all-time at Syracuse, and he is one of two BIG EAST running backs with six 100-yard games this season. The Phil Steele’s All-BIG EAST Second Team and All-BIG EAST First Team member owns the record for career receptions by a running back (91) and career receiving yards by a running back (706).

Krautman, a Phil Steele All-BIG EAST Second Team honoree, hit 15-of-19 field goals and 34-of-35 extra points during his sophomore campaign. He leads the conference with a 78.9% field goal percentage and is tied for 34th in the nation with 1.25 field goals made per game.

Tiller, an All-BIG EAST First Team member, has started 25-of-35 career games at Syracuse, including all 12 this season. He has blocked for 1,000-yard rushers in each of the past two seasons, including Bailey this year. He was also named to the ESPN.com and Phil Steele All-BIG EAST First Team.

Thomas, a CBSSports.com selection in addition to his AthlonSports.com honor, led the team in tackles (82) and interceptions (six) this season. He is 12th on the SU record list for career tackles by a defensive back (203).

Provo (West Palm Beach, Fla.) had a career season for the Orange in 2011 with 51 catches for 537 yards and a BIG EAST leading seven touchdowns, earning All-BIG EAST First Team status. In the season finale at Pittsburgh, Provo passed Chris Gedney for the most career catches by a tight end (92), and also passed Gedney for receptions in a season by a tight end. He owns the Syracuse record for consecutive games with a catch by a tight end at 25, which is fifth all-time at SU.

Lemon (Crofton, Md.) set the single-season record for catches with 68 and his 834 yards in the ninth most in a season at SU. He ranks fifth in career receptions (129) and is 12th with 1,526 career yards. He led the team in receptions and in yards this season en route to a conference Second Team selection.

Spruill was fourth on the team with 62 tackles (43 solo) in 2011, earning conference Second Team status. The Hillside, N.J. native also had 8.5 tackles for a loss, including three sacks, this season. He was named to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll after leading the team with nine tackles and forced his first career fumble at Louisville.

Chew (Manassas, Va.) is 16th on the career receiving yards list at Syracuse with 1,204. His streak of 22 straight games with a catch is the sixth longest in SU history, and ranks fifth in the BIG EAST with 13.7 yards per catch.

Davis finished 2011 with 43 tackles, including a team-leading 10.5 for a loss of yards and four sacks. He is third on the SU freshman sacks record list, and is 20th in the BIG EAST and leads the Orange with 0.88 tackles or a loss per game. He was part of an Orange defense that is tied for 33rd in the nation with 6.67 tackles for loss per game and is tied for 28th with 2.33 sacks per game.

CBSSPorts.com All-BIG EAST Team:
Nick Provo, Justin Pugh and Phillip Thomas

ESPN.com All-BIG EAST Team:
Justin Pugh, Andrew Tiller and Chandler Jones

AthlonSports.com All-BIG EAST Team
First Team- Justin Pugh and Chandler Jones
Second Team- Antwon Bailey, Andrew Tiller, Phillip Thomas and Ross Krautman
Third Team- Van Chew and Marquis Spruill

Phil Steele’s Postseason All-BIG EAST Team:
First Team: Nick Provo and Andrew Tiller
Second Team: Antwon Bailey, Chandler Jones, Ross Krautman, Alec Lemon, Justin Pugh and Marquis Spruill

Phil Steele’s Postseason All-Freshman Team:
First Team: Dyshawn Davis

Article source: http://suathletics.syr.edu/news/2011/12/15/FB_1215111658.aspx

Box Score | Syracuse Post Game Notes
Photo Gallery
Head Coach Doug Marrone Press Conference Transcript
Syracuse Student-Athlete Quotes
USF Coach Skip Holtz’ Quotes
USF Student-Athlete Quotes

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Senior quarterback Ryan Nassib set the new mark for completions in a single-season with 217 in Syracuse’s 37-17 loss to USF at the Carrier Dome on Friday night. The Bulls improved their record to 5-4 (1-4 BIG EAST). Syracuse is now 5-5 and 1-4 in conference action.
 
Nassib was 23-of-46 for 297 yards and threw two touchdown passes. He broke his previous record of completions in a season which he set last year with 202. Junior wide receiver Alec Lemon set a career-high with 179 receiving yards on 10 catches against the Bulls. It was his second straight game with more than 150 yards receiving. Lemon had the second multi-touchdown game of his career with a 10-yard touchdown reception at the end of the second quarter and a 58-yard score with 3:41 remaining in the game. The 58-yard touchdown strike was the longest catch of his career.
 
USF had three different players combine to rush for four touchdowns on the evening, and redshirt junior kicker Maikon Bonani added three field goals.
 
On their first possession of the game, the Bulls started on the Syracuse 40-yard line and drove to the Syracuse 12-yard line, but were held to a field goal. Bonani converted from 29 yards out to give the Bulls a 3-0 lead.
 
USF opened the second quarter by marching 62 yards in nine plays for the first touchdown of the game. Running back Marcus Shaw rushed up the middle for a three-yard touchdown.
 
After the Bulls touchdown, the teams exchanged possessions until Syracuse got on the board. Syracuse drove 52 yards in five plays to cut USF’s lead to 10-7. Nassib had two 20-yard completions on the drive and capped it off with a 10-yard touchdown strike to Lemon with 3:52 left in the first half.
 
On USF’s next possession, quarterback B.J. Daniels scored on a two-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls a 17-7 lead with 3:27 remaining in the first half.
 
Syracuse responded with a 28-yard field goal by sophomore Ross Krautman, cutting the deficit to seven, 17-10, with 1:21 remaining in the half. The Bulls extended the lead to 10 with a 46-yard field goal by Bonani as time expired.
 
Out of the halftime intermission, USF drove down to the Syracuse 18-yard line. For the second time in the game, the Orange held the Bulls to three points as Bonani made his third field of the game from 35 yards out.
 
After a USF fumble on the Syracuse goal line, the Orange drove down to the USF three yard line on the following possession.  After an incompletion on third down and goal, Syracuse elected to go for it on fourth down. Nassib’s pass for sophomore tight end Beckett Wales fell incomplete and USF took over on downs.
 
Syracuse forced a USF punt, then drove down to the USF 12-yard line. For the second straight possession, Syracuse elected to go for it on fourth down but did not convert.
 
With the score 30-10, Nassib connected with Lemon for the 58-yard touchdown, cutting the lead to 13 with 3:41 remaining. The Bulls responded with a touchdown of their own for the final score of the night.
 
Syracuse is off next weekend before hosting the Cincinnati Bearcats on November 26th. Tickets are available online, at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B) or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.
 

Article source: http://suathletics.com/news/2011/11/11/FB_1111114530.aspx

Game Day Central | Live Stats | Orange All Access
Read The Game Notes

Syracuse is on the road for the second straight week for a BIG EAST Conference showdown against Connecticut at Rentschler Field today (12:00 p.m., ESPNU). Both squads are looking to bounce back from league losses. The Orange lost its first BIG EAST road game since 2009 last week, 27-10, at Louisville. The Huskies were beaten, 35-20, at Pittsburgh on Oct. 26. In addition, the Orange will be going up against first-year UConn head coach Paul Pasqualoni, who was the linebackers coach for SU from 1987-90 and head coach from 1991-2004.

Fans can listen to the game on Syracuse ISP Sports Network (TK-99.5 FM in Syracuse), Orange All Access. For game highlights, head coach Doug Marrone’s postgame press conference and student-athlete interviews, sign on to Orange All Access following the game.

Inching Closer To Bowl Eligibility
Syracuse can become bowl eligible for the second year in row with a win Saturday at Connecticut. The Orange is 5-3 and needs one victory in its last five games to secure a spot in the postseason. Last year, the Orange earned a berth in the inaugural New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium and defeated Kansas State, 36-34. The last time the Orange reached bowl games in consecutive years was 1998 (Orange Bowl vs. Florida) and 1999 (Music City Bowl vs. Kentucky).

Syracuse-Connecticut Series
Connecticut leads the all-time series between the squads at 5-2, and has won all three meetings at Rentschler Field, including a 56-31 win when the Orange last visited in 2009. In the 2009 pairing, Greg Paulus concluded his one-year college football career by completing 24-of-32 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns. In the process, he set the SU single-season completions record (193), which has since been broken by current quarterback Ryan Nassib, and establishing the Orange season standard for completion percentage (.677).

In 2004, running back Walter Reyes became the first SU player to rush for 2,000 yards in the Carrier Dome with his 123 yards in the game. Also in 2004, James Wyche had four tackle for a loss, including three sacks. His four TFLs is tied for fifth on the individual game record list, while the three sacks in tied for seventh on the SU single-game record list.

On Record Pace
Eight games into 2011, Ryan Nassib is on track to have the most prolific passing season in the history of Syracuse football. Nassib is currently 170-of-260 for 1,685 yards and 16 touchdowns. He is on pace for 255 completions, 390 attempts and 24 touchdowns. All three numbers would be school records. He is on pace to finish second in yards and completion percentage and third in passing yards per game.

Bailey Tied For Most 100-Yard Games In The BIG EAST
Running back Antwon Bailey has five 100-yard rushing performances in 2011, tied with Connecticut’s Lyle McCombs for the most 100-yard rushing games by any BIG EAST back this season. Bailey recorded four straight 100-yard rushing games (Toledo, Rutgers, Tulane, West Virginia) earlier this year, one shy of the team record for consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts.

Orange Tied For 20th Nationally Against The Run
Syracuse is 20th in the country in run defense. The Orange is allowing 105.1 yards rushing per game this season overall and leads all BIG EAST teams in rushing defense in conference games (73.3 ypg). Against Rutgers on Oct. 1 at the Carrier Dome, SU surrendered a season-low five rushing yards. During defensive coordinator Scott Shafer’s three-year tenure, the defense has posted two of SU’s top five run defense since 1982 (101.9 ypg in 2009 and 105.1 ypg in 2011.)

Krautman Third In Active Field Goal Percentage
Sophomore Ross Krautman is third among FBS placekickers in field goal percentage. Krautman’s made 28 of his 32 career attempts (.875). He was 18-of-19 (.947) as a freshman in 2010, tying Gary Anderson’s single-season school record for makes and Anderson’s Orange record for consecutive field goals made (16). In 2011, Krautman is 10-of-13 (.769). Of his three misses this season, two were blocked.

Against Toledo, Krautman tied his career high with four field goals, including the game-winning 27-yarder in overtime. He added three extra points against the Rockets to finish with 15 points in the contest, the most point for a BIG EAST kicker in one game so far this season.

Article source: http://www.suathletics.com/news/2011/11/4/FB_1104114618.aspx

As tight end Nick Provo continues to haul in receptions during his senior season, the West Palm Beach, Fla. native is also catching the attention of the national media. Provo is one of 25 student candidates on the John Mackey Award Midseason Watch List, which is presented annually to the best collegiate tight end.

Provo, one of two BIG EAST tight ends of the list, is having a career season for the Orange in 2011. A Phil Steele All-BIG EAST First Team Midseason honoree, Provo has 22 catches for 265 yards and two touchdowns. He is currently second on the SU career receptions by a tight end (63) and career receiving yards by a tight end (755). He has caught at least one pass in each of the past 19 games, tying him for sixth all-time at Syracuse with wide receiver Van Chew.

The John Mackey Award midseason watch list is an update from the preseason watch list. The list is meant to draw attention to tight ends in contention for the annual award based on their performance in the first half of the active season.

The announcement of the 2011 Mackey semi-finalists will be on November 14, while the release of finalists for the award will be one week later on November 21. The 2011 John Mackey winner will be presented live at the Home Depot ESPN College Football Awards Red Carpet Show on December 8 on ESPNU.

John Mackey, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, is known as perhaps the greatest tight end of all-time. After playing for Syracuse from 1960-62, Mackey was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the second round of the 1963 NFL Draft. A five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-NFL Player, he played in two Super Bowls with the Colts. Mackey then became President of the NFL Players Association, where he fought to improve player free agency rights. During the 2007 season, Syracuse retired Mackey’s number “88″ jersey.

The Orange (4-2) will return to the Carrier Dome to battle rival West Virginia on Friday (8:00 p.m., ESPN) Tickets are available for the game online, at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B) and by phone (888-DOMETIX).

Article source: http://suathletics.com/news/2011/10/17/FB_1017111412.aspx

Orange football head coach Doug Marrone will head to PJ’s Pub and Grill on Monday to host his weekly lunch on Walton Street in Syracuse’s Armory Square. The third-year head coach will provide insight into SU’s progression to this point in the season and preview upcoming games. Coach Marrone will also participate in a question and answer session with the guests. The lunch, which costs $10 per person, begins at 12:00 p.m.

Following a bye week, the Orange (4-2) will return to the Carrier Dome on Friday, October 21 to host West Virginia (8:00 p.m., ESPN or ESPN2). Tickets are available for the game online, at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B) and by phone (888-DOMETIX).

The Time Warner Triple Play Pack, which includes one ticket to any of three home games of choice, starts at $72, while group sales discounts groups of 20 or more to any home game. Group sales are available by calling 315-443-3212 or emailing grpsales@syr.edu.

Article source: http://suathletics.syr.edu/news/2011/10/9/FB_1009112333.aspx

Orange football head coach Doug Marrone will head to PJ’s Pub and Grill on Monday to host his weekly lunch on Walton Street in Syracuse’s Armory Square. The third-year head coach will provide insight into SU’s progression to this point in the season and preview upcoming games. Coach Marrone will also participate in a question and answer session with the guests. The lunch, which costs $10 per person, begins at 12:00 p.m.

Following a bye week, the Orange (4-2) will return to the Carrier Dome on Friday, October 21 to host West Virginia (8:00 p.m., ESPN or ESPN2). Tickets are available for the game online, at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B) and by phone (888-DOMETIX).

The Time Warner Triple Play Pack, which includes one ticket to any of three home games of choice, starts at $72, while group sales discounts groups of 20 or more to any home game. Group sales are available by calling 315-443-3212 or emailing grpsales@syr.edu.

Article source: http://suathletics.syr.edu/news/2011/10/9/FB_1009112333.aspx

Before the Orange (3-1) begin conference play against Rutgers on Saturday (12:00 p.m., BIG EAST Network), third-year head coach Doug Marrone will appear on Syracuse Sidelines and the AmeriCU Doug Marrone Radio Show to preview SU’s upcoming game against the Scarlet Knights. Syracuse Sidelines begins at 7:00 p.m. on Time Warner Cable Sports, while the radio show will start at 8:00 p.m. from the Red Robin in Fayetteville Towne Center.

This week’s Orange Profile on Syracuse Sidelines is senior offensive tackle Michael Hay. Hay has started all four games for the Orange this season, and has blocked for two-time 100-yard rusher Antwon Bailey. With the help of Hay and the offensive line, SU has scored a touchdown in nine of the 16 trips to the red zone this season.

Syracuse Sidelines will also feature an Orange Insider of the team’s video coordinators. Steve Scarnecchia brings a decade of experience managing video operations at the collegiate and professional levels. Most recently, he was the director of video operations for the NFL’s Denver Broncos. He graduated from SU’s Newhouse School of Public Communications in 2000. RJ Licata joined the Orange football program as an assistant video coordinator in 2007 after earning his master’s degree in instructional design, development and evaluation from SU in May of that year.

SUAthletics.com will stream Syracuse Sidelines live throughout the football season for Orange All Access subscribers. Fans can sign up for Orange All Access online, with subscriptions ranging from $5.95 for a 24-hour pass, $9.95 per month or $79.95 per year.

Coach Marrone will then head to Fayetteville and join Voice of the Orange Matt Park at 8:00 p.m. for the AmeriCU Doug Marrone Radio Show at the Red Robin in Towne Center.

Listeners are encouraged to participate in the show by calling 424-8599 or 1-888-7-Go Cuse (746-2873). Fans can also send questions from the Radio Mailbox link at SUathletics.com or use the Syracuse IMG Sports Network’s Twitter account (@SUSportsNetwork). The Doug Marrone Show airs on TK99 (99.5 FM) in Central New York, throughout New York State and beyond on the Syracuse IMG Sports Network. It is also available through Orange All Access and will be podcasted on SUathletics.com.

Red Robin, located at 610 Towne Drive in Fayetteville, offers appetizer and drink specials during the show and accepts the SU off-campus meal plan.

Tickets are available for the game online, at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B) and by phone (888-DOMETIX). The Time Warner Triple Play Pack, which includes one ticket to any of three home games of choice, starts at $72, while group sales discounts groups of 20 or more to any home game. Group sales are available by calling 315-443-3212 or emailing grpsales@syr.edu.

The first 500 children, age 12 and under, in the Dome will receive an Otto the Orange Piggy Bank courtesy of KeyBank. The Otto banks will be available for purchasing starting Monday, October 3rd at any Central New York KeyBank branch for a $5 donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse.

Article source: http://www.suathletics.com/news/2011/9/29/FB_0929111552.aspx

In celebration of the 100th birthday of America’s 40th President, Ronald Reagan, Syracuse is one of 120 Division I teams invited to take part in the Reagan Centennial National Football Coin Toss for SU’s game against Toledo on Saturday (12:00 p.m., BIG EAST Network).

Prior to kickoff against the Rockets, the Orange is invited to toss the Centennial Commemorative Coin while a public address announcement acknowledging the legacy of Ronald Reagan and the Centennial is played throughout the Dome. SU special assistant to the athletics director and Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little will join the team captains at midfield for the coin toss.

The primary goal of the Reagan Centennial National Football Coin Toss is to highlight the leadership attributes which football fosters, through the example of a genuine fan, radio announcer, and player, Ronald Reagan.

Also invited to participate this weekend throughout the nation are all 32 National Football League teams, 92 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) teams and nearly 14,000 high school teams.

Individual and season tickets are available for the game online, at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B) and by phone (888-DOMETIX). Season tickets start at $99, while the Time Warner Triple Play Pack, which offers one ticket to any three home games, starts at $72.

Article source: http://suathletics.syr.edu/news/2011/9/22/FB_0922111720.aspx

Box Score | Postgame Notes | Season Stats

LOS ANGELES — Orange quarterback Ryan Nassib connected on 25-of-37 passes, including his first 11 in a row, and threw for 230 yards in Syracuse’s 38-17 loss at the University of Southern California on Saturday at the Los Angeles Coliseum. It was the first loss of the season for the Orange, which is now 2-1, while the Trojans are 3-0. Tight end Nick Provo had a career-high eight catches for 85 yards, including a career-tying 33-yard reception in the third quarter, extending his streak to 16 consecutive games with a reception.

Nassib and the Orange offense moved the ball down the field on the team’s opening drive, highlighted by an eight-of-eight passing performance for 54 yards by Nassib. Facing a third-and-five on his own 28-yard line on SU’s opening drive, Nassib found Alec Lemon over the middle for a 16-yard pickup to move the chains. Bailey, who tied a career-high with four receptions in the first quarter, had 34 receiving yards on SU’s first drive, which was capped by a 23-yard field goal from Ross Krautman with 8:16 left in the first quarter.

Nassib opened the game completing his first 11 completions, which combined with his 11 consecutive pass completions to end the game against Rhode Island gave him 22 in a row, which is four shy of the FBS record set by Aaron Rodgers at California.

After the Trojans forced a three-and-out from the Orange with less than 11 minutes left in the first half, USC extended its lead to 14-3 on a 31-yard pass from Barkley to Woods, capping a six-play, 58-yard drive. Andre Heidari added a 26-yard field goal with less than two minutes remaining in the half to give the Trojans a two-touchdown lead, 17-3 at intermission. 

USC scored a touchdown to open the second half and increase its lead to 21, 24-3, in the first two minutes. The Orange cut the lead to 14 on a 28-yard touchdown pass from receiver Lemon to Van Chew after a lateral from Nassib. The Trojans put the game away, however, scoring the next two touchdwns before Nassib found Lemon for the game’s final touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Barkley finished the game on 26-of-39 passing for 324 yards and five scores, and completed eight passes to Robert Woods for 82 yards. He became the first quarterback to throw five touchdown passes against Syracuse since Virginia Tech’s Bryan Randall in 2002.

Orange free safety Phillip Thomas led the defense with 11 tackles, including six solo and one for a loss of yards, and one forced fumble.

The Orange will return to the Carrier Dome to host Toledo next Saturday, September 24 (12:00 p.m., BIG EAST Network). Individual and season tickets are available for the game online, at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B) and by phone (888-DOMETIX). Season tickets start at $99, while the Time Warner Triple Play Pack, which offers one ticket to any three home games, starts at $72.

Article source: http://suathletics.syr.edu/news/2011/9/17/FB_0917114317.aspx

Live Stats | Read The Game Notes
Orange All Access | Game Day Central

Syracuse football (2-0) heads to the west coast for a battle with USC (2-0) on Saturday, September 17 (8:00 p.m., FX Network). The Orange come into the game with a 2-0 record for the first time since 1999 after wins against Wake Forest and Rhode Island. Fans can listen to the game on Syracuse ISP Sports Network (TK-99.5 FM in Syracuse), Orange All Access. For game highlights, head coach Doug Marrone#’s postgame press conference and student-athlete interviews, sign on to Orange All Access following the game.

During more than 100 years of football, SU has only visited the state of California eight times, posting a 5-3 record. The last time the Orange played a game in the Golden State was in 1968, losing to Cal, 43-0. The last Syracuse victory in California was the year prior when it knocked off UCLA, 32-14. Saturday’s contest features two of college football’s winningest programs. SU is 15th on the all-time wins list with 687, while the Trojans’ 771 victories place them 10th all-time.

Syracuse-USC Series
Syracuse has never beaten the Trojans, losing 16-0 at the L.A. Coliseum in 1924 and 34-16 in the 1990 Kickoff Classic at Giants Stadium. In the most recent meeting, quarterback Todd Marinovich carried the USC to victory, passing for 337 yards and three touchdowns.

2-0 For The First Time Since 1999
After defeating Rhode Island 21-14 last weekend, the Orange enter week three of the season with a 2-0 record for the first time since 1999. SU secured the victory against the upset-minded Rams with 8:24 remaining in regulation when Ryan Nassib threw his third touchdown pass of the day, a 12-yarder to Michael Acchione.

The Orange scored 22 unanswered points to rally back from a 29-14 fourth quarter deficit and beat Wake Forest in its season opener, 36-29, in overtime. Syracuse scored 15 points in the span of 1:19 to tie the game, and receiver Van Chew caught a four-yard touchdown pass from Nassib on the first possession of overtime to provide the winning margin.

During the 1999 campaign, the Orange opened the season with wins at Toledo (35-12) and against Central Michigan (47-7).

Nassib On Three-Game Roll
Senior quarterback Ryan Nassib has been red-hot in SU’s last three games. Dating back to the 2010 New Era Pinstripe Bowl, Nassib is 62-of-88 (.706) for 735 yards and nine touchdowns against one interception. His average numbers in that stretch include 20.1 completions, 29.3 attempts, a .686 completion percentage and three touchdowns per contest. Nassib has thrown three touchdown passes in each game, becoming the first Orange quarterback in history to have three touchdown passes in three straight games.

As good as Nassib has been this season, his numbers are even more impressive after halftime. The West Chester, Pa. native is 27-of-32 (.844) in the second half and overtime this season. More importantly, he has guided the Orange to two victories when SU has trailed or been tied in the fourth quarter.

Good Chemistry
The Orange features plenty of experience on the offensive line. All-BIG EAST left tackle Justin Pugh, right tackle Michael Hay, left guard Zack Chibane, right guard Andrew Tiller and center Macky MacPherson have 64 combined starts between them. Pugh, Chibane and Tiller have started every game since the beginning of 2010, while Hay has started all but one. MacPherson is the newcomer to the group. He received his first career starting nod in the season opener against Wake Forest.

Phillip Thomas Earns Weekly Honors
Phillip Thomas became the second player in as many seasons to intercept two passes in a game on Saturday against Rhode Island (Doug Hogue vs. West Virginia in 2010). Thomas is tied for third in the country and second in the BIG EAST with 1.00 interceptions per game and leads an Orange defense that is tied for 11th in the nation with three interceptions. He also added four solo tackles and a pass breakup against Rhode Island, and is tied for 24th in the country with 1.50 tackles for loss per game and leads the conference in passes defended (1.50).

Ruling The Red Zone
Since Doug Marrone took over the program and hired Scott Shafer as defensive coordinator, Syracuse has allowed its opponents to score 81.9 percent of the time in the red zone. However, Orange foes have only come away with touchdowns 55.4 percent of the time. This season, Syracuse has allowed just two touchdowns in seven forays by opponents into the red zone.

Rodgers Part Of Elite Group
Rookie Sam Rodgers is one of just nine true freshmen across the country to start for an FBS team at long snapper. Overall, a total of 15 first-year players earned their squad’s starting long snapper position, three of whom are redshirts. Rodgers is also one of two BIG EAST players on the list, joining Louisville’s Grant Donovan.

Article source: http://suathletics.com/news/2011/9/16/FB_0916113701.aspx

Syracuse senior Antwon Bailey is the running back for Rivals.com’s 2011 All-Spring Football Team. The Landover, Md. native is poised to become Syracuse’s lead running back this Fall in place of three-year starter Delone Carter, who was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL Draft. In his first three seasons, Bailey has been a change-of-pace back and a receiving threat out of the backfield. In the annual Spring game he had 20 carries for 118 yards.

Bailey holds the Syracuse career record list for receptions by a tailback, with 62 in three seasons, and ranks fifth on the all-time list for receiving yards by a running back with 506. Former Orange back Damien Rhodes (2002-05) set the standard for receiving yards by a back with 701. He has gained 1,093 yards on 214 carries and scored five rushing touchdowns.

The 2011 season begins with two home games, against Wake Forest on September 3 and Rhode Island on September 10. The home schedule also includes games against Toledo (Sept. 24), Rutgers (Oct. 1), West Virginia (Oct. 21), South Florida (Nov. 11) and Cincinnati (Nov. 26). The Friday night contest against USF will be nationally televised on ESPN2 at 8:00 p.m.

Season tickets can be ordered online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOMETIX).

Article source: http://www.suathletics.com/news/2011/5/11/FB_0511111234.aspx

Former Syracuse superstar and Professional Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little ‘67 is returning to Syracuse University to assist with the program he represented so well as a football student-athlete and alumnus. The three-time All-American and five-time Pro Bowl selection will serve as Special Assistant to the Athletics Director. He will be responsible for development and donor relations, assisting with student-athlete and team development and prospective student-athlete on-campus recruitment activities. In addition, he will handle special projects as assigned by the director of athletics as he will serve in many capacities for the athletics department.

“To have Floyd come back to Syracuse is like our own royalty returning to give back to his alma mater, which he has readily done over many years of gracious engagement,” said SU Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross. “We all have been so proud of everything he has accomplished and represents. I am especially thrilled for the athletics department, the institution and the community, as Floyd will continue to make a huge impact in life. We look forward to being around his enthusiasm, inspiration and brilliance as we embrace his leadership. He will truly be a global ambassador for our great institution.”

A three-time All-American and 1966 ECAC Player of the Year at Syracuse, Little was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 2010. He is one of 17 Syracuse representatives to be enshrined in the College Hall of Fame and one of six with Syracuse ties to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Little holds the Syracuse record for career touchdowns (46) and career punts returned for touchdowns (6). He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting both his junior and senior years.

“I have a great love for Syracuse and always have been an ambassador for the school,” Little said. “I think this is a great opportunity. I talk about ‘GPS,’ which is grace, passion and skill. My grace from God is to give so much in teaching. I think that I am a great teacher and I have a lot to give. I have so much passion for young people and want to do all I can to help them. I am glad that I can now give to students at Syracuse University, which has given so much to me. There are so many great, innovative things being done at Syracuse with the Chancellor engaging the community in ways the University never has before and I think Daryl has the program on its way to the National Championship. I truly want to be a part of that. I am thrilled.”

The recipient of more than 18 professional athlete achievement awards and more than 30 distinguished community service awards during his career, Little is enshrined in seven Halls of Fame. In 1974 alone, Little received three of the most prestigious community service awards in the YMCA Brian Piccolo Award, The Distinguished American Award for Community Service presented by the Connecticut Hall of Fame, and the American Jewish Community Appeal for Human Relations Citation in recognition of the outstanding contributions he made toward the betterment of man and his community.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Floyd Little is coming home to Syracuse,” said SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor. “While everyone knows him as a football legend and Hall of Famer, he is so much more. His effusive personality, generous nature, and irrepressible enthusiasm for the Orange make him ideal for this new role with SU Athletics—especially as an ambassador with alumni and supporters, and model and mentor for our student-athletes.”

In addition to the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, Little has been honored as a Syracuse University LetterWinner of Distinction and recognized by the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame, and the African American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame. In 1992, Little was recognized with the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award.

“We are excited to bring Floyd back home,” said Syracuse head football coach Doug Marrone. “He had a direct impact on our season when he was with us at Akron. Floyd spoke with the team the night before the game and gave them confidence and belief in themselves to go out and have the season we had. His message is powerful. He told the student-athletes that they should not let others define you, but define yourself. It is a message we will always carry with us in this program.”

Playing for the Orange from 1964 to 1966, Little gained 2,704 rushing yards and scored 35 touchdowns on the ground. During his junior season, he became the first Syracuse back to run for more than 1,000 yards, gaining 1,065 on 193 carries for a 5.5 average. That same season he returned a career-high three punts for scores, including a school-record 95-yarder, and became the second Syracuse student-athlete to gain more than 2,000 all-purpose yards.

“Floyd will be a tremendous asset to the athletics department, the University as a whole and the Syracuse community,” said Syracuse men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim. “I’ve known him since we were students at Syracuse. Everyone will benefit from him being back on campus in his new role.”

The sixth player selected overall in the 1967 draft, Little made an immediate impact on the football field. A multi-dimensional player Little combined his rushing talents with great hands and also served as a return man for the Denver Broncos.

A five-time Pro Bowl pick, Little amassed more than 12,000 all-purpose yards during a career that spanned from 1967 to 1975. The first-round draft-selection gained 6,323 yards on 1,641 career carries and scored 43 touchdowns. He added 215 receptions for 2,418 yards and nine touchdowns. Little, who lead the AFL in punt returns as a rookie, totaled 893 yards on 81 career punt returns and returned 104 kickoffs for 2,523 yards in his nine-season career. Little was named All-AFL/NFL twice and All-AFC first- or second-team four straight years

In 1971, he became the first player in Broncos history to rush for 1,000 yards when he won the NFL’s rushing crown with 1,133 yards on the ground that season.

“Floyd is not only a Hall of Famer and living legend, he is a wonderful friend who inspires everything he touches,” Gross said. “We welcome Floyd and his wonderful wife, DeBorah, back home to their family in Syracuse as we continue to enhance the Syracuse athletics department.”

Little graduated from the University of Denver’s College of Law in 1975 and in 1979 he completed the Ford Motor Executive Management Training Program, where he participated in extensive seminars and in-field training in the areas of sales, marketing, accounting, finance and purchasing. The former president and owner of Pacific Coast Ford, which became a private capital dealership in 1996, Little was known as one of the most successful and well-respected Ford dealers in the industry and has served as a consultant and instructor for Ford’s Minority Dealers Program. In 2009, Little retired as a Ford dealer and was the longest tenured minority dealer in the Ford portfolio at the time. Since his retirement, Little has made appearances for the NFL and Hall of Fame events and been a popular and sought after speaker for Touchdown Presentations, LLC. He also participates in and supports numerous charitable events around the country.

Article source: http://www.suathletics.com/news/2011/5/5/FB_0505112448.aspx

Syracuse football student-athletes Derrell Smith and Ryan Bartholomew are the newest Orange representatives in the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society, which recognizes college football student-athletes who maintain a 3.2 grade point average or better and have completed their eligibility. The pair are two of 671 players from 241 schools who qualified for membership in the society’s fifth year.

Smith and Bartholomew join former Syracuse standouts Dowayne Davis (2008), Ryan Durand, Jake Flaherty, Ryan Howard and Benjamin Maljovec (2009) and James McKenzie, Roberto Nieves and Andrew Robinson (2010) who have been inducted in previous years.

A 2010 team captain, Smith earned 2010 All-BIG EAST Second Team and the 2010 ESPN Academic All-District Team honors. He led the team in tackles with 114, including 72 solo, and had three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries last season. His eight career forced fumbles ties for second on the Syracuse record list, while his 24.5 career tackles for loss ranks 10th. He was tied for 19th nationally and ranked fifth in the BIG EAST with 8.58 tackles per game. Smith was a co-recipient of the 2010 Syracuse football Bill Horr Award for Most Valuable Player. Smith, who earned his undergraduate degree in information management and technology and marketing in the School of Information Studies, is pursuing a Master’s degree in advertising in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

A three-year starter on the offensive line and a 2010 team captain, Bartholomew was an anchor for an offensive line that blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher in 2009 and 2010. He was selected for and played in the 2011 East-West Shrine Game. He earned 2009 All-BIG EAST Second Team honors and was named to the 2010 BIG EAST All-Academic Team. Bartholomew was honored with the 2010 Syracuse football Pat Miller Award, which is given to an outstanding athlete, student and citizen. Bartholomew is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in health and exercise science after earning his undergraduate degree in instructional design, development and evaluation in the School of Education.

The 2011 Syracuse season begins with two home games, against Wake Forest on September 3 and Rhode Island on September 10. The home schedule also includes games against Toledo (Sept. 24), Rutgers (Oct. 1), West Virginia (Oct. 22), South Florida (Nov. 11) and Cincinnati (Nov. 26). The Friday night contest against USF will be nationally televised on ESPN2 at 8:00 p.m.

The Orange, under the direction of third-year head coach Doug Marrone, will play at Southern California on September 17 in the only away game during the first five weeks of the season. Syracuse’s other non-conference road game is at Tulane on October 8. SU’s BIG EAST away games are at Louisville (Oct. 29), at Connecticut (Nov. 5) and at Pittsburgh (Dec. 3). The regular-season finale at Pittsburgh will be nationally televised on either ABC, ESPN or ESPN2.

Season tickets can be ordered online (www.SUAthletics.com) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOMETIX).

Article source: http://suathletics.syr.edu/news/2011/5/4/FB_0504114249.aspx

2011 Schedule  |  2011 Tickets

Syracuse senior Dorian Graham is one of 10 collegiate football student-athletes named to the ESPN.com ‘Freaks List’ for his strength and conditioning regimen and results. The wide receiver and special teams standout made the list at No. 4 for his speed, explosiveness, strength and conditioning. He is the top-ranked athlete from the BIG EAST and one of two from the league on the list.

Graham, who moved to wide receiver from safety prior to the 2010 season, leads the team in 40-yard dash and vertical jump and leads the SU skills group (WR, DB, RB) in every category. He is the second Syracuse student-athlete to be recognized on this list in two years, following center Ryan Bartholomew in 2010. In 2010 he averaged 24.5 yards per kickoff return and had 11 tackles, including eight solo, on special teams.

Graham and the Orange kick off the 2011 season with two home games, against Wake Forest on September 3 and Rhode Island on September 10. The home schedule also includes games against Toledo (Sept. 24), Rutgers (Oct. 1), West Virginia (Oct. 21), South Florida (Nov. 11) and Cincinnati (Nov. 26). The Friday night contest against USF will be nationally televised on ESPN2 at 8:00 p.m.

Season tickets can be ordered online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOMETIX).

Article source: http://suathletics.syr.edu/news/2011/5/19/FB_0519113714.aspx

Labor Day weekend 2011 will kick off with a Syracuse University football game against Wake Forest in the Carrier Dome. The Orange season opener is Thursday, September 1 at 8:00 p.m. in the Carrier Dome. It will be the first time since 1989 the Orange will play a home game on a Thursday night and the first home-opener on a Thursday night in school history. The game will be available on ESPN3, giving the Orange three home games that will be broadcast nationally at this time.

“To host a Thursday night football game is a terrific way for the University and the community to start the Labor Day weekend before enjoying all of the other activities the area and the region have to offer,” said SU Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross.

The 2011 home schedule includes games against Rhode Island (Sept. 10), Toledo (Sept. 24), Rutgers (Oct. 1), West Virginia (Oct. 21), South Florida (Nov. 11) and Cincinnati (Nov. 26). The Friday night contest against USF will be nationally televised on ESPN2 at 8:00 p.m.

The Orange will play at Southern California on September 17 in the only away game during the first five weeks of the season. Syracuse’s other non-conference road game is at Tulane on October 8. SU’s BIG EAST away games are at Louisville (Oct. 29), at Connecticut (Nov. 5) and at Pittsburgh (Dec. 3). The regular-season finale at Pittsburgh will be nationally televised on either ABC, ESPN or ESPN2.

Season tickets can be ordered online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOMETIX).

Article source: http://suathletics.syr.edu/news/2011/6/1/FB_0601112352.aspx

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Floyd Little, a member of the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame, and one of the exclusive group of legendary Syracuse running backs who wore #44, has returned to campus. Little was formally introduced at a Thursday press conference by Dr. Daryl Gross, director of athletics as the new special assistant to the athletics director.

“Floyd has been such an inspirational, positive, global, brilliant man for us and for the world,” said Dr. Gross. “I’ve never met someone who is as positive as Floyd is — I just feel like he can fix anything and anything he touches turns to gold.

“Whenever the Chancellor (Nancy Cantor) or I have called on Floyd Little, he’s been there. He’s been so supportive and his advice has been tremendous.”

Little, in reflecting back on his association with Syracuse, recalled a Robert Frost poem he had learned from one of his English teachers.

“In that poem he said ‘I got miles to go before I sleep and promises to keep.’ I will keep all those promises,” Little declared.

A standout running back at Syracuse, Little went on to forge a Hall-of-Fame career with the Denver Broncos. He has remained an active participant in University affairs through the years.

Little was a key member of the search committee that identified Doug Marrone as a candidate to become head football coach at the University.

“If that’s any indication of how his tenure here in the athletic department will be, I think that’s a good sign,” Gross said.

“It’s like going out and getting the number one recruit in the country from an excitement standpoint,” said Marrone, who is entering his third season as SU’s head football coach. “I think he will be a great asset, not only to the people outside the program. He will also have a great effect on the players that are here.”

“Floyd was not only a great Syracuse player, but he’s a great Syracuse fan and supporter,” noted men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim, who was an undergrad at the University at the same time as Little. “He’s the most loyal former player we have. He’s always been there for us. I told Daryl (Dr. Gross) he’s the best person he’s ever hired. If Daryl had hired me, he’d still be the best guy he’s hired because he’s perfect to come back and help us.”

Little’s wife, DeBorah, a native of Syracuse, joined him at the press conference.

Gross also introduced Chris Gedney as senior associate athletics director for development/Orange Club and Marc Donabella as associate athletics director/director of marketing. Gedney, an All-American tight end for the Orange who played in the NFL, was promoted from associate athletics director. Donabella, a graduate of Liverpool High School who attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges as a football student-athlete, had been employed in the University Bookstore and Auxiliary Services.

Article source: http://athletics.syr.edu/news/2011/5/26/Little5.26.11.aspx