Offensive struggles continue as Syracuse football falls to SMU, 31-18

Syracuse football (3-3, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) limped into its bye week with a 31-18 loss to SMU (3-2, 1-0 ACC) in Dallas. For the second straight week, the Orange struggled to find any rhythm offensively, continuing a stretch of eight straight quarters without a first-half touchdown.

SU had an early opportunity after an SMU punt traveled just 14 yards. The Orange took over at the Mustangs’ 42-yard line and quickly drove down to the goal line but were held scoreless after a quarterback sneak by Rickie Collins was stopped on fourth down.

In his second career start, Collins struggled to find consistency. The redshirt sophomore finished 22-of-45 for 279 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Two of those turnovers came in the first half, including one inside the red zone that eventually resulted in an SMU field goal.

“He’s getting better. Just got to keep working. It’s his first time getting an opportunity to go behind the helm and lead the football team,” Coach Brown said of his quarterback’s performance.

SU tried to get the ball to running back Yasin Willis early, who carried 15 times for 45 yards. However, more than half of those carries came on the first drive as the offense relied heavily on the pass once Syracuse faced a 24-3 halftime deficit.

“It just depends on how [SMU] jumped out and the things they were doing. I have to go back and handle some stuff with our staff,” Brown said on why Willis didn’t get the ball more.

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On the other side, the Mustangs’ offense showed no difficulties moving the ball against the Orange defense. Quarterback Kevin Jennings completed 29-of-35 passes for 285 yards and four touchdowns, spreading the ball around to eight different receivers. SMU scored on four of its first five possessions and built a double-digit halftime lead.

“I just thought we called the wrong stuff in the first half. There were things I put in this week that I wanted to do that we didn’t do in the first half, and that wasn’t right,” said Brown.

Syracuse’s defense tightened up in the second half, forcing a turnover and recording a safety, but the offense couldn’t capitalize. SU didn’t tally a touchdown until the fourth quarter, with Collins running in a six-yard score and later connecting with receiver Johntay Cook on an 11-yard touchdown. Despite the late push, the Orange couldn’t close the gap.

The loss marks the first time Syracuse has dropped consecutive games under Brown. The Orange now turn their attention to the bye week before returning to the JMA Wireless Dome on October 18 against Pittsburgh. All the coverage can be found right here on WAER.