LISTEN: @CuseFootball got dominated, 40-7, by No. 14 @UNCFootball. @Jackgordon10_ and @bespector had the call from Chapel Hill. pic.twitter.com/qStb4p9638
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) October 7, 2023
Syracuse football (4-2, 0-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) had high hopes entering Saturday's matchup against No. 12 North Carolina (5-0, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), but what followed was a painful defeat, leaving players and head coach Dino Babers searching for answers.
Coach Babers, clearly frustrated with a critical officiating decision, voiced his discontent.
"I want them to understand that they know they’re wrong," Babers said regarding the controversial first-down call that went against Syracuse early in the game.
This call significantly impacted the game, as North Carolina capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a touchdown to extend their lead to 10-0. Babers, in his post-game analysis, acknowledged the challenge posed by the Tar Heels, saying that UNC was just better than SU.
Quarterback Garrett Shrader also expressed his disappointment, highlighting the team's need to perform consistently: "We can’t do what we did last week. We’re not good enough to go out and just screw around in the first half and then go out and win," Shrader stated.
Despite the adversity faced by the Orange, they continued to fight.
"We have to show up and play," Shrader emphasized, reflecting the team's determination to improve moving forward.
Syracuse’s best offensive drive of the game came at the start of the second half when the Orange were already down 27-0. Shrader led the offense 75 yards down the field in less than four minutes. Two big plays to Umari Hatcher and a QB run were the best thing to happen all day for the offense.
LISTEN: Quarterback Garrett Shrader led his team inside the redzone with an 18-yard run. @Jackgordon10_ narrated the play. pic.twitter.com/gRgYuKs33L
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) October 7, 2023
The Orange will need to regroup after their defeat as they prepare to face No. 4 Florida State (5-0, 3-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) in their next game. Last year, the ‘Cuse lost five games in a row after winning its first six.
Gametime is at 12 p.m. on Saturday. Join us at 11:30 a.m. for McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Kickoff.