After a failed fourth down conversion on Syracuse's final possession, quarterback Eric Dungey walked to the sideline and slammed his helmet down in frustration. As hard as he tried, the junior couldn't will his team past #8 Miami (6-0, 4-0). The Orange hung around all game, but ultimately lost 27-19.
While neither team played particularly well, the first half was especially sloppy. Miami receivers dropped countless passes to spoil drive after drive. For the Orange (4-4,2-2), Eric Dungey threw four interceptions, all coming in the first thirty minutes.
Eric Dungey's first interception set the tone for how he would play the whole game. After his pass was tipped at the line and caught by a Miami defensive lineman, Dungey located the ball-carrier and ripped the ball from his hands to regain possession.
Despite taking hits all day, the quarterback displayed undying intensity throughout the game. On multiple occasions, Dungey could be spotted jawing with Miami defenders after a play. He ended the game 13/41 on pass attempts with 137 yards through the air and 100 more on the ground.
The only first half touchdown was a 10 yard pass from Hurricanes QB Malik Rosier. He finished with 344 yards through the air and two touchdowns. The receiver of the score, tight end Christopher Herndon IV, caught ten passes for 96 yards. The Orange mustered just three points in the first half.
Both teams warmed up in the second half. After the SU defense allowed a wide open touchdown pass, the offense responded with a touchdown of their own. After two straight effective runs from Eric Dungey, runningback Moe Neal ran in a fifteen yard score to bring the Orange within four points of the Hurricanes.
Syracuse kicker Cole Murphy went 4-4 on field goals, including a career high 53 yarder to bring the Orange within a point with five minutes left in the game. The Hurricanes came back with an 85 yard drive, ending in a 33 yard touchdown run from RB Travis Homer. The Orange failed to score on their next position, sealing the loss.
Syracuse now enters a bye week before traveling to Doak Campbell Stadium to take on Florida State (2-4, 2-3). The Orange and the Seminoles play on Saturday, November 4th. With four games remaining, Dino Babers' squad needs two more wins to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2013.