Syracuse Football got off to a fast start against Western Michigan. The Orange move to 2-2 with a 52-33 win over the Broncos. Tommy Devito and the offense looked explosive for the first time this season. Amassing 545 yards and 7 touchdowns. The defense struggled to stop the run allowing over 200 rushing yards but the unit caused turnovers that kept Syracuse in charge of the lead.
Devito broke out in this game. For the first game this season, Devito had a clean game throwing no interceptions, 287 yards, and four touchdowns. He also had an accurate passing game with a 77% completion percentage. Along with improvements in the passing game, Devito rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown went for 36 yards. He moved smoothly through the pocket and was only sacked three times. That is a stark contrast to the eight times he was sacked against Clemson.
Another stand out in this game was Trishton Jackson. He caught six passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns. This is only the second game Jackson has been the leading receiver. Against both Liberty and Clemson, running backs led the team in receiving. Both touchdown receptions were deep balls that went longer than 40 yards.
Special teams came up big again. Punter Sterling Hofrichter kicked three punts inside the 20-yard line. Western Michigan muffed a punt early in the game which led to a change of possession and an Orange touchdown. Andre Szymt also added a 24-yard field goal and successful kicked every extra point.
The run game for both teams was strong. The Broncos backfield repeatedly gashed the front seven of the Orange defense. They rushed for over two hundred yards and three touchdowns. Levante Bellamy led the group averaging 11 yards per carry. On the other side, Moe Neal had a big game with two rushing touchdowns and 123 rushing yards. Devito was the second leading rusher in this contest.
On the defensive of the ball, Eric Coley caught his first interception of the season with a seven-yard return for Syracuse. Andre Cisco and Ifeatu Melifonwu were both out in this game and it showed. The Broncos kept this game close and gained a total of 557 yards after the Orange jumped out to an early lead. Big stops and turnovers helped keep Western Michigan out of the end zone on multiple occasions when they were in the red zone.
This was a much-needed win for Syracuse. After multiple mediocre showings on offense, Devito and the offense finally started to move the ball. The defense did not have a great overall performance but stepped up when they needed to. The roles switched in this game. The offense soared while the defense did just enough. It was encouraging to see that with better protection from the offensive line Devito can be an accurate passer with a dynamic run game. The Orange play Holy Cross next week. That game should give Syracuse a chance to continue their offensive momentum.