Syracuse football storms into Dallas against SMU to bounce back from the worst loss in the Fran Brown era

Syracuse football (3-2, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) travels to Dallas on Saturday to take on SMU (3-2, 1-1 ACC) in hopes of bouncing back from the worst loss of the Fran Brown era.

The Orange entered last week riding a three-game win streak, but those high hopes were quickly crushed in a sold out JMA Wireless Dome. Duke dominated Syracuse 38-3, marking the first time under Brown that SU failed to score a touchdown. It was also the first time in his tenure the Orange did not eclipse 250 yards passing.

Redshirt Sophomore quarterback Rickie Collins made his first start after transferring from LSU, but the result was far from ideal. Collins threw an interception on SU’s opening drive and did not record a touchdown. Despite the rough debut, he stayed after the game to watch film with Brown.

“He came in the building to watch the tape on Saturday after the game, that was pretty cool of him to want to do that, to call me and ask that,” Brown said. “I just like that he was poised, he wasn’t afraid in the pocket.”

Collins and the Orange turn their attention to an SMU team that reached the College Football Playoff as the No. 11 seed last season. The Mustangs lost key contributors, including running back Rashard Smith, who was drafted into the NFL. But they retained one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks.

Redshirt Junior Kevin Jennings ranks fourth in the ACC with nearly 300 passing yards per game and has thrown nine touchdowns, a top-six mark in the conference. His top target, wide receiver Romello Brinson, averages almost 100 receiving yards per game, second best in the ACC.

“They just got some good running backs, they got a really good quarterback, they also got good receivers… they also got a really good offensive line,” Brown said.

SU’s defense will be challenged, but the offense must also clean up mistakes. Turnovers proved costly against Duke, as Syracuse had four giveaways, including three fumbles, the most by an ACC team in a single game this season.

“They all just gotta follow me and it’s gonna be a good week for us — practice-wise and all that,” Brown said.

The matchup could serve as a bounce-back opportunity for Collins. SMU’s pass defense has struggled, allowing more than 330 yards per game, the worst mark in the ACC. Offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon will aim to take advantage of that weakness.

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Syracuse faces a tough stretch ahead with Pittsburgh, No. 17 Georgia Tech and North Carolina on the schedule after this weekend. Kickoff against SMU is set for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in Dallas. Coverage on WAER begins with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Kickoff at 3 p.m.