The Syracuse Orange (1-0, 0-0 ACC), fresh off a 33-7 win against Colgate, welcome the Louisville Cardinals (1-0, 0-0) to the Carrier Dome. This game will be the first conference game in the Dino Babers era. Fans got a look at how fast a Babers led offense can be in the opener against Colgate, but it will be interesting to see how the offense looks against a tougher opponent.
Who’s Hot- Amba Etta-Tawo
The graduate transfer lit up Colgate for 12 receptions for 210 yards and a touchdown. He currently leads the country in receiving yards, and is second in receptions (to teammate Ervin Philips, no less). Etta-Tawo earned ACC receiver of the week honors for his epic opening performance.
“It means a lot,” Etta-Tawo said. “You know, last year my play wasn’t where I wanted it to be and I worked hard in the offseason to get back to where I think I should be. It’s small steps at a time and I think I’m heading in the right direction.”
Honorable Mention- Eric Dungey
The scene of seeing Dungey and his older brother, Matt, who is enlisted in the Army, hug it out before the game was one of the best moments from College Football’s opening weekend. Dungey then went out and had the best game of his promising young career, going 34-for-40 with 355 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 35 yards on 10 rushes.
SU vs. No. 13 Louisville Friday @ 8:00 PM. Countdown to kickoff on WAER FM 88.3 @ 7:30 PM
Who’s Not- The Running Game
We just mentioned how Dungey was the Orange’s second leading rusher, which is not good especially when you consider the opponent. Moe Neal broke off an impressive 49 yard touchdown, but the rushing game was stagnant outside of that. The three Orange running backs—Neal, Dontae Strickland and Jordan Fredericks—combined for 102 yards on 22 carries. That will need to change immediately as the schedule gets harder.
Cardinals Flying High
Louisville trounced Charlotte 70-14 in its opener. Quarterback Lamar Jackson had an incredible game, throwing for six touchdowns and running for two. He had 405 scrimmage yards. Jackson also went a crisp 17-for-23 passing.
"He can throw the football, he’s extremely accurate, he has fantastic speed,” Babers said of Jackson. “He gets in the open field and he’s like a dangerous running back or a dangerous wide receiver in space. And he gets to touch the ball every single snap that they’re on offense. You know, just a fabulous player.”
Key Matchup- SU’s running game vs. Louisville’s front
The Cardinals only allowed 48 rushing yards against Charlotte, while we documented the Orange’s rushing game struggles earlier. You can get by with limited rushing yards against an FCS team, but against a top-15 team in the country, you need balance. If the Orange can’t run the ball, it will be much easier for the Cardinals to key in on the pass.
Syracuse will win if: Dungey continues to hit his receivers at a high percentage, the offensive line can open up holes for the running backs, and the defense can keep Lamar Jackson in check. Also, they’ll need one or two of those “college football plays” that you see every week, like a blocked punt, pick-six, kick six, etc..