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Syracuse Falls Flat Again in 35-17 Loss at Florida State

Cuse.com

For the third consecutive game, Syracuse (3-5, 0-4) was toppled by an ACC foe, falling this week to Florida State (4-4, 3-3), 35-17. 

The Syracuse offense struggled yet again, mustering just three points through the first three quarters. Two fourth quarter rushing scores helped the box score, but the passing game amounted for just 151 yards. The beleaguered offensive line allowed another seven sacks which will do little to silence their critics especially after  grad transfer Ryan Alexander left the team earlier this week.

Running backs Moe Neal and Abdul Adams each scored to account for both of Syracuse's touchdowns, but neither back eclipsed 75 yards on the ground. 

The end of the first half saw DeVito fail to get out of bounds or throw the ball away, instead opting to scramble for minimal yardage. Having already used their three timeouts, the half expired with the ball in Seminole territory. It was another example of questionable decision making and clock mismanagement, the type of mistakes Syracuse fans are getting tired of seeing more than halfway through the season. 

The Orange have yet to score 21 points in any of their four ACC contests, all loses. Syracuse is the only team in the conference without an ACC win. 

For as disappointing as the offensive output was, the Syracuse defense did little to stop Florida State's potent rushing attack. FSU junior Cam Akers averaged over seven yards per carry and scored four times on Saturday. Akers even added insult to injury by passing for two completions and 26 yards out of the Seminole's wildcat set. In total, Florida State gained 246 yards on the ground and another 246 through the air.

A total of 14 penalties for 107 yards plagued every facet of the Orange's disappointing day. Lou Groza Award winning kicker Andre Szmyt even missed a field goal during a game in which the Orange found themselves down 35-3 heading into the fourth quarter. 

The Seminoles will host rival Miami next Saturday, while Syracuse will return home to face Boston College. The Orange won last year's meeting in Chestnut Hill, 42-21, backed by three Eric Dungey scores. The Eagles trounced NC State a week ago, before playing ACC leader Clemson on Saturday.