Wednesday, September 24, 2014
AFCA Honors Rodgers for Dedication to Community Service
Syracuse senior long snapper and team captain Sam Rodgers is one of 22 student-athletes named to the 2014 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team in recognition of his dedication to community service.
This prestigious college football award pays tribute to a select group of student-athletes who have worked to positively impact the lives of others. The 22 players honored with this distinct recognition have not only dedicated their time to succeeding on the field, but have made a commitment to enriching the lives of others while contributing to the greater good of their communities.
Rodgers, who has been nominated twice for the AFCA Good Works Team, has been active in numerous community service organizations in his time with the Orange, including organizing the Syracuse chapter of Uplifting Athletes and taking mission trips to Haiti.
He was selected for the award by a voting panel that whittled a record 182 nominees down to the 22 student-athletes, 11 from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 from the Football Championship Subdivision, selected to the team.
The State College, Pennsylvania native made his second trip to Haiti in the last two years with the group Poverty Resolutions. During this trip, which he made with his family and fellow Syracuse student-athletes, he assisted on a number of projects including aiding the Mission of Grace Orphanage.
He taught children English, helped build green houses for the orphanage and ran a soccer clinic for more than 100 children from the surrounding village. He was able to provide soccer balls, cleats and shoes to many of the kids in attendance.
The Syracuse chapter of Uplifting Athletes, which Rodgers helped to start and is currently the president of, is a member of the national Uplifting Athletes organization that aligns college football with rare diseases and raises them to national priority through outreach, research and advocacy.
Rodgers recently organized the third-annual Lift for Life event which raises awareness and funds to combat brain tumors, a cause Rodgers and the chapter decided on after former Orange punter Rob Long was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010.
Rodgers is also active with the Building Men program and the Ronald McDonald House with his teammates.
A two-time selection to the CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-District Team, Rodgers was named a Remembrance Scholar for 2014-15 at Syracuse. The Remembrance Scholarship is one of the highest awards a Syracuse student can receive and was established in honor of the 35 Syracuse students studying abroad that were among the 270 men, women and children who were killed in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988. The Remembrance Scholarship is given to seniors for distinguished scholarship, citizenship and service to the community.
The senior has been the team's long snapper in all-41 games in the last four seasons.
Rodgers is the fourth former Syracuse student-athlete to be named to the AFCA Good Works Team, joining Matt Tarullo (2004), Graham Manley (2003) and Kyle Johnson (2000).
Shafer Looks Ahead to the Irish
After suffering its first loss of the season on Saturday, head coach Scott Shafer and the Orange have a big opportunity to rebound this week when 'Cuse hosts No. 8 Notre Dame (3-0) at MetLife Stadium in the New York College Classic in prime time.
SU sits at 2-1 on the season, after falling 34-20 to Maryland on Saturday, despite out-gaining the Terrapins by 220 yards on offense.
"I think the biggest theme on both sides, including the kicking game is finish," Shafer said. "We have to finish the play better. I felt like we were going up and down the field offensively. I felt like we couldn't be stopped unless we stopped ourselves and that's exactly what happened. It was an 18-point game for so long we never pushed until we got that momentum swing.
"It was disappointing, not discouraging because we have good things going on as well. When I look at the big picture of things we have to learn from them, go to work on them and get some extra red zone work in this week on offense and keep on keeping."
The Orange is now focusing on taking down its first top-10 opponent since beating then No. 8 Virginia Tech 50-42 in triple overtime.
"We've got a great game coming up in the Meadowlands against a great, top-10 Notre Dame," said head coach Scott Shafer. "This is why you coach the game and this is why these kids play the game. So, it'll be an exciting week of practice and I'm looking forward to that."
For more of coach Shafer previewing the Irish, watch the full interview on CuseTV: Coach Shafer Interview
"I think the biggest theme on both sides, including the kicking game is finish," Shafer said. "We have to finish the play better. I felt like we were going up and down the field offensively. I felt like we couldn't be stopped unless we stopped ourselves and that's exactly what happened. It was an 18-point game for so long we never pushed until we got that momentum swing.
"It was disappointing, not discouraging because we have good things going on as well. When I look at the big picture of things we have to learn from them, go to work on them and get some extra red zone work in this week on offense and keep on keeping."
The Orange is now focusing on taking down its first top-10 opponent since beating then No. 8 Virginia Tech 50-42 in triple overtime.
"We've got a great game coming up in the Meadowlands against a great, top-10 Notre Dame," said head coach Scott Shafer. "This is why you coach the game and this is why these kids play the game. So, it'll be an exciting week of practice and I'm looking forward to that."
For more of coach Shafer previewing the Irish, watch the full interview on CuseTV: Coach Shafer Interview
Join the Ultimate Tailgate
Going to the Meadowlands to cheer on the Orange against Notre Dame in New York's College Classic? Syracuse Athletics, the Orange Club and SU Alumni Relations are partnering to host the New York's College Team Ultimate Tailgate prior to the game!
The event will run from 6-8 p.m. in the Bud Light Plaza inside Gate 1 of MetLife Stadium. For just $30 per person, Orange fans can enjoy a picnic-style buffet, soda and water with a cash bar available, all while being entertained by "The Pride of the Orange" Syracuse Marching Band, the cheerleaders and Otto the Orange. 'Cuse legend and Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little '67 will be in attendance and mingling with fans as well.
Fans can register online here, or call the Orange Club for more details at 315-443-1419.
The New York's College Team Ultimate Tailgate: THE place to be before the Orange tackles the Irish!
The event will run from 6-8 p.m. in the Bud Light Plaza inside Gate 1 of MetLife Stadium. For just $30 per person, Orange fans can enjoy a picnic-style buffet, soda and water with a cash bar available, all while being entertained by "The Pride of the Orange" Syracuse Marching Band, the cheerleaders and Otto the Orange. 'Cuse legend and Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little '67 will be in attendance and mingling with fans as well.
Fans can register online here, or call the Orange Club for more details at 315-443-1419.
The New York's College Team Ultimate Tailgate: THE place to be before the Orange tackles the Irish!
Orange Falls to Maryland 34-20
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Big plays doomed the Syracuse football team on Saturday at the Carrier Dome as the Orange lost its first game of the season to Maryland, 34-20, dropping 'Cuse to 2-1 on the year.
The Terps (3-1) used an interception return for touchdown, a 90-yard touchdown pass and a blocked punt to set up another score to open up an 18-point halftime lead that the Orange couldn't overcome.
Cuse TV: Highlights | Coach Shafer Press Conference | Lynch & Hunt | Whigham
Links: Statistics | Postgame Notes | Photo Gallery | Infographic
Quotes: Coach Shafer | Syracuse Players | Maryland Players | Maryland Head Coach
"Usually you rush 280-yards more then you have a shot to win," said head coach Scott Shafer. "But I look at those fleeting opportunities and you've got to come down with the ball. I never felt like we gave ourselves a push in the momentum to get ourselves on track. The defense came out there in the second half and kept fighting. Almost pitched a shutout in the second half, minus the fumble and the points off the field goal, so I was pleased with that."
The Orange out-gained the Terrapins in total yards, 589-369, led by 370 rushing yards. Quarterback Terrel Hunt led the way with 156 yards on 23 carries and two scores. It was the first time a SU quarterback went over 100 yards on the ground since Donovan McNabb against Miami in 1997.
Prince-Gulley piled up 138 yards on 14 carries, his second100-yard day of the season and fourth of his career, while Adonis Ameen-Moore added 68 yards on nine attempts.
Hunt completed 14-of-28 passes for 219 yards on the day. His 375 yards of total offense ties him with Don McPherson for eighth in program history for a single game.
Syracuse got on the board first with Ryan Norton's 35-yard field goal capping off an 11 play, 59-yard drive on the game's first possession.
Maryland tacked on a pair of quick touchdowns, with C.J. Brown finding Marcus Leak in the back corner of the end zone for the game's first touchdown on the Terps' first drive and Brandon Ross breaking off a 90-yard touchdown on a screen.
The Orange scored on its next two possessions, with Cole Murphy converting his first-career field goal attempt – a 49 yarder, followed by an eight-yard touchdown rush by Hunt to cut Maryland's lead to one at 14-13.
The Terrapins answered with three unanswered scores, which were set up by Maryland's defense and special teams to head into the locker room with a 31-13 lead, despite the Orange holding a 357-256 first half advantage in total offense.
After a Brad Craddock field goal with 12:38 to go in the half, the Terps blocked an SU punt deep in the Orange's territory on the ensuing possession that set up a Jacquille Veil touchdown run from four yards out.
Just over two-minutes later, William Likely intercepted Hunt's pass and took it 88 yards down the sideline for the touchdown and final score of the half. The turnover was the Orange's first of the season.
Coming out of the locker room, both defenses held strong with neither team finding the scoreboard for over 25 minutes. A Craddock field goal with 4:17 remaining in the game and a Hunt two-yard run with 48 seconds left were the only second half scores.
For the third-consecutive game, Cameron Lynch led all Orange tacklers with 7 tackles and added a sack.
Syracuse will next play on Sept. 27 in the New York College Classic against Notre Dame at MetLife Stadium. The game is scheduled for a prime-time start of 8 p.m. on ABC. Tickets can be purchased NYCollegeClassic.com.
The Terps (3-1) used an interception return for touchdown, a 90-yard touchdown pass and a blocked punt to set up another score to open up an 18-point halftime lead that the Orange couldn't overcome.
Cuse TV: Highlights | Coach Shafer Press Conference | Lynch & Hunt | Whigham
Links: Statistics | Postgame Notes | Photo Gallery | Infographic
Quotes: Coach Shafer | Syracuse Players | Maryland Players | Maryland Head Coach
"Usually you rush 280-yards more then you have a shot to win," said head coach Scott Shafer. "But I look at those fleeting opportunities and you've got to come down with the ball. I never felt like we gave ourselves a push in the momentum to get ourselves on track. The defense came out there in the second half and kept fighting. Almost pitched a shutout in the second half, minus the fumble and the points off the field goal, so I was pleased with that."
The Orange out-gained the Terrapins in total yards, 589-369, led by 370 rushing yards. Quarterback Terrel Hunt led the way with 156 yards on 23 carries and two scores. It was the first time a SU quarterback went over 100 yards on the ground since Donovan McNabb against Miami in 1997.
Prince-Gulley piled up 138 yards on 14 carries, his second100-yard day of the season and fourth of his career, while Adonis Ameen-Moore added 68 yards on nine attempts.
Hunt completed 14-of-28 passes for 219 yards on the day. His 375 yards of total offense ties him with Don McPherson for eighth in program history for a single game.
Syracuse got on the board first with Ryan Norton's 35-yard field goal capping off an 11 play, 59-yard drive on the game's first possession.
Maryland tacked on a pair of quick touchdowns, with C.J. Brown finding Marcus Leak in the back corner of the end zone for the game's first touchdown on the Terps' first drive and Brandon Ross breaking off a 90-yard touchdown on a screen.
The Orange scored on its next two possessions, with Cole Murphy converting his first-career field goal attempt – a 49 yarder, followed by an eight-yard touchdown rush by Hunt to cut Maryland's lead to one at 14-13.
The Terrapins answered with three unanswered scores, which were set up by Maryland's defense and special teams to head into the locker room with a 31-13 lead, despite the Orange holding a 357-256 first half advantage in total offense.
After a Brad Craddock field goal with 12:38 to go in the half, the Terps blocked an SU punt deep in the Orange's territory on the ensuing possession that set up a Jacquille Veil touchdown run from four yards out.
Just over two-minutes later, William Likely intercepted Hunt's pass and took it 88 yards down the sideline for the touchdown and final score of the half. The turnover was the Orange's first of the season.
Coming out of the locker room, both defenses held strong with neither team finding the scoreboard for over 25 minutes. A Craddock field goal with 4:17 remaining in the game and a Hunt two-yard run with 48 seconds left were the only second half scores.
For the third-consecutive game, Cameron Lynch led all Orange tacklers with 7 tackles and added a sack.
Syracuse will next play on Sept. 27 in the New York College Classic against Notre Dame at MetLife Stadium. The game is scheduled for a prime-time start of 8 p.m. on ABC. Tickets can be purchased NYCollegeClassic.com.
Shafer Weekly Press Conference: Maryland
The 2-0 Syracuse football team welcomes Maryland (2-1) to the Carrier Dome on Saturday looking to get off to its first 3-0 start since 1991.
To do so, the Orange will have to get past a Terrapins squad that is coming off a last-second 40-37 loss to West Virginia.
"The kids have been preparing hard for the talented, fast Maryland football team," said head coach Scott Shafer. "They definitely present some great challenges for us and we're looking forward to tackling those challenges head on."
The game will be SU's first with just one week to prepare, following a bye after the season opener. However, Shafer views that as a positive.
"I've slept better at night because there's not as much time to worry," Shafer said. "It's nice to be in that daily grind of football which is probably the biggest thing. It's nice to be back in that in-season rhythm."
Something SU will have to control to get its third win of the season will be the dynamic return duo of wide receiver Stefon Diggs and cornerback William Likely, who both have broken off big plays on special teams thus far.
"They're very talented. They have great speed with great playmakers on offense but also in the kicking game, obviously with two guys who have returned the ball extremely well. They're averaging almost 38 points per game, they know how to be productive that's for sure. We've got our game plan and now we need to go out and play that game plan to its highest ability. Great challenges in front of us."
Kickoff for Saturday's game is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Children 12-years-old and younger will get in free with the purchase of an adult ticket. The first 10,000 fans will also receive Orange Nation pom-poms.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Shafer: "We Can't Wait to Get Back in the Dome"
After dominant victory at Central Michigan following a bye week, Syracuse returns to the Carrier Dome this weekend sitting at 2-0.
The Orange welcome Maryland (2-1) to the Loud House this weekend, for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff.
"We can't wait to get back in there and right some of those wrongs from game one," said head coach Scott Shafer.
'Cuse is coming off a 40-3 victory in which they controlled every aspect of the game, led by Terrel Hunt who became the first Syracuse quarterback to rush for three touchdowns since Donovan McNabb did so against Miami in 1998.
"We were disappointed coming out of Villanova and we were looking forward to playing the type of football that we expect of ourselves and the kids met the challenge," said head coach Scott Shafer. "The assistant coaches did a great job of preparing them and it was great to watch the film and see that type of football that we all expect here at Syracuse."
To keep the momentum going, the Orange will have to top a Maryland team that is coming off 40-37 loss to West Virginia, where the Mountaineers kicked a field goal on the final play of the game.
"They have a couple of really top-tier wide receivers, a quarterback that if he gets hot can really make some plays and they're going to run the football," Shafer said. "They've been effective running the power with one back, a little different look than we had last week. They'll walk you out and spread it out to try to run the power.
"They also do a good job of starting on the week-side zone play and cutting the ball back to the strong side so we have to do a good job with our run fits and do a good job with our coverage drops in our down the field passing game."
The Orange welcome Maryland (2-1) to the Loud House this weekend, for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff.
"We can't wait to get back in there and right some of those wrongs from game one," said head coach Scott Shafer.
'Cuse is coming off a 40-3 victory in which they controlled every aspect of the game, led by Terrel Hunt who became the first Syracuse quarterback to rush for three touchdowns since Donovan McNabb did so against Miami in 1998.
"We were disappointed coming out of Villanova and we were looking forward to playing the type of football that we expect of ourselves and the kids met the challenge," said head coach Scott Shafer. "The assistant coaches did a great job of preparing them and it was great to watch the film and see that type of football that we all expect here at Syracuse."
To keep the momentum going, the Orange will have to top a Maryland team that is coming off 40-37 loss to West Virginia, where the Mountaineers kicked a field goal on the final play of the game.
"They have a couple of really top-tier wide receivers, a quarterback that if he gets hot can really make some plays and they're going to run the football," Shafer said. "They've been effective running the power with one back, a little different look than we had last week. They'll walk you out and spread it out to try to run the power.
"They also do a good job of starting on the week-side zone play and cutting the ball back to the strong side so we have to do a good job with our run fits and do a good job with our coverage drops in our down the field passing game."
Syracuse Slated for Prime Time
The 2014 Syracuse football game against Notre Dame on Saturday, September 27 will kick off at 8:00 pm from MetLife Stadium. The New York College Classic will be televised on ABC.
Tickets for the 'Syracuse Section' for the 2014 New York's College Classic vs. Notre Dame at MetLife Stadium are on sale now, starting at $80, via www.NYCollegeClassic.com, phone (888-DOMETIX, Option Zero), or in person at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B).
Orange Scores 40-Unanswered to Roll Past Central Michigan
After allowing a Central Michigan field goal on the opening possession of the game, Syracuse scored 40 unanswered points to roll to a 40-3 win and improve to 2-0 on Saturday. The Chippewas (2-1) were held to just 217 yards of total offense, with 66 of that coming on the opening drive of the game while the Orange offense, led by quarterback Terrel Hunt's 267 yards and four touchdowns, moved its way to 464 total yards on the day.
CuseTV: Highlights | Coach Shafer Press Conference | Hunt Interview | Philips & Crume Interviews
Links: Final Stats | Postgame Notes | Infographic | Photo Gallery
Hunt was sharp with his arm and his legs, going 20-of-30 passing for 175 yards and a touchdown with 92 yards on 13 carries and three rushing scores.It marks the first that a Syracuse quarterback rushed for three touchdowns since Donovan McNabb on Senior Day vs. Miami in 1998 and the first time any Orange back did it since Delone Carter vs. Akron in 2009.
Adonis Ameen-Moore led all rushers with 106 yards, which was good for a career-high. Freshman Ervin Philips got the first nine carries of his career, rushing for 55 yards on nine carries, 50 of which came on one drive that was capped off by Hunt's first rushing touchdown.
After a Ryan Norton field goal tied the game at three at the start of the second quarter, it was the SU defense that found the back of the end zone first for the Orange.
Defensive tackle and Michigan native Eric Crume strip sacked Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush and the ball wound up in the hands of Marqez Hodge who took it 36 yards for the score.
After forcing another Central Michigan punt, Hunt led the Orange on a 13 play drive and capped it off with a four-yard touchdown pass – his first of the season – to Brisly Estimewith 1:52 to go in the half.
The score sent Syracuse into the locker room with a 17-3 lead.
The defense got the Orange on the board again at the start of the second half, when after a Riley Dixon punt pinned the Chips inside of the five, Cameron Lynch pressured Rush in the end zone forcing an intentional grounding call that resulted in a safety.
It was the first safety for the Orange since the 2012 Pinstripe Bowl victory over West Virginia.
Hunt put the game out of reach late in the third quarter, when he rushed for a pair of touchdowns just 33 seconds apart. After punching it in from one-yard out with 3:43 remaining in the third, Rodney Williams recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff to give the Orange the ball back. Hunt took full advantage, running it in from three yards and his second rushing touchdown.
The quarterback put the exclamation point on the win with 59 seconds left in the game for his career-high third rushing touchdown of the day.
In the passing game, Hunt spread the ball around with 11 different student-athletes catching a pass on the day.
Ashton Broyld led the team in receptions for the second game in a row, catching four balls for 42 yards.
Lynch once again led all 'Cuse tacklers, coming up with eight tackles. The senior captain also made three sacks on the day.
Syracuse also didn't commit a turnover for the second-straight game.
The Orange will now return home and welcome Maryland (2-1) to the Carrier Dome next Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Shafer: Let us Never Forget
Head coach Scott Shafer held his weekly press conference on Thursday morning, where the coach stepped outside of normal football discussion to take time to reflect on the events of Sept. 11, 2001, on the 13th anniversary of the attacks.
"Let us never forget what happened" Shafer said. "It was horrible; my two children were younger then. For me I was sitting there watching tape and with the facilities we didn't have [at Northern Illinois] we were still using videotape, so every time you clicked the tape out the screen would come on and we had a television channel in the backdrop and there it was. About 45 minutes later the tower dropped and coach [Joe] Novak came in and said 'call your families and make sure everyone is ok.'
"I took off and saw Missy, she went and grabbed Wolf and Elsa who was very young at the time. My brother-in-law was working downtown [in New York] at the time and he was one of those people who had to make the long walk out of the city.
"It was just crazy. Ever since then we've looked at life in the United States so differently, every one of us. So we can never forget and we have to make sure that when we make the decision to vote, we vote for the guy or gal who is going to protect our country. It's just profound. We look at life differently now. As parents and as you get older you look at how everything changed as we well know. So let's be on the defense and make sure that every opportunity we get we give a hug to a troop member or say a small prayer for a member of the military."
In addition to reflecting on the day, Shafer looked ahead to this weekend's matchup with the Chippewas, a team that enters Saturday's contest 2-0 after topping Purdue 38-17 last week.
We'll have a great challenge in front of us, with a very potent run game," Shafer said. "It's a veteran offensive crew with the addition of [Thomas] Rawls running the ball has proven to be potent. Coach [Dan] Enos has done a great job on both sides of the ball of getting his kids prepared to win, and they've done a great job as was the case last weekend when they annihilated Purdue."
"I took off and saw Missy, she went and grabbed Wolf and Elsa who was very young at the time. My brother-in-law was working downtown [in New York] at the time and he was one of those people who had to make the long walk out of the city.
"It was just crazy. Ever since then we've looked at life in the United States so differently, every one of us. So we can never forget and we have to make sure that when we make the decision to vote, we vote for the guy or gal who is going to protect our country. It's just profound. We look at life differently now. As parents and as you get older you look at how everything changed as we well know. So let's be on the defense and make sure that every opportunity we get we give a hug to a troop member or say a small prayer for a member of the military."
In addition to reflecting on the day, Shafer looked ahead to this weekend's matchup with the Chippewas, a team that enters Saturday's contest 2-0 after topping Purdue 38-17 last week.
We'll have a great challenge in front of us, with a very potent run game," Shafer said. "It's a veteran offensive crew with the addition of [Thomas] Rawls running the ball has proven to be potent. Coach [Dan] Enos has done a great job on both sides of the ball of getting his kids prepared to win, and they've done a great job as was the case last weekend when they annihilated Purdue."
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Shafer and the Orange Look Ahead
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Coming off a bye week in week two of the season, head coach Scott Shafer and the Orange are eager to get back on the field.
Shafer, who wasn't pleased with Syracuse's performance in the season opener, is looking forward to his team's next opportunity.
"The biggest thing I want to see is to play the type of football that we expect," Shafer said. "I was disappointed with the way we played [against Villanova] and that starts with me. I want to be able to turn on the tape after the game and say 'that looks like Syracuse football' again."
To do that, SU will have to get past Central Michigan, a team that enters the contest 2-0 following a 38-17 beating of Purdue.
"Coach Enos has those kids playing extremely well," Shafer said. "You look across the board, Mid-American Conference football, Northwestern got beat by Northern Illinois, Ball State came up just short to Iowa and the job Central Michigan did against Purdue was extremely impressive."
The Chippewas were led offensively by running back Thomas Rawls, who earned MAC player of the week honors for his 155 yards and two touchdown performance in the win. The Michigan transfer is someone that the Orange knows it has to contain on Saturday.
"He plays the game with great passion and he runs the ball extremely hard," Shafer said. "He'll be physical and run through you. He reminds me of Jerome Smith when he played for us last year, so we'll have a great task in front of us and we're really looking to getting back on the field."
Shafer also announced that quarterback Alin Edouard will now enroll at the mid-year mark.
"He and his family decided that it was in his best interest to enroll in school in January," Shafer said. "Like I've been saying all along, we're going to do what's best for Alin and his family. So we're excited that what he chose to do. It'll give him a chance to still be a freshman and still have four years of eligibility. He can practice in spring ball, summer ball and then get started. It'll create a little natural separation between him and the other freshmen on the team who will then be sophomores."
Kickoff between the Orange and Chippewas is scheduled for Noon.
Shafer, who wasn't pleased with Syracuse's performance in the season opener, is looking forward to his team's next opportunity.
"The biggest thing I want to see is to play the type of football that we expect," Shafer said. "I was disappointed with the way we played [against Villanova] and that starts with me. I want to be able to turn on the tape after the game and say 'that looks like Syracuse football' again."
To do that, SU will have to get past Central Michigan, a team that enters the contest 2-0 following a 38-17 beating of Purdue.
"Coach Enos has those kids playing extremely well," Shafer said. "You look across the board, Mid-American Conference football, Northwestern got beat by Northern Illinois, Ball State came up just short to Iowa and the job Central Michigan did against Purdue was extremely impressive."
The Chippewas were led offensively by running back Thomas Rawls, who earned MAC player of the week honors for his 155 yards and two touchdown performance in the win. The Michigan transfer is someone that the Orange knows it has to contain on Saturday.
"He plays the game with great passion and he runs the ball extremely hard," Shafer said. "He'll be physical and run through you. He reminds me of Jerome Smith when he played for us last year, so we'll have a great task in front of us and we're really looking to getting back on the field."
Shafer also announced that quarterback Alin Edouard will now enroll at the mid-year mark.
"He and his family decided that it was in his best interest to enroll in school in January," Shafer said. "Like I've been saying all along, we're going to do what's best for Alin and his family. So we're excited that what he chose to do. It'll give him a chance to still be a freshman and still have four years of eligibility. He can practice in spring ball, summer ball and then get started. It'll create a little natural separation between him and the other freshmen on the team who will then be sophomores."
Kickoff between the Orange and Chippewas is scheduled for Noon.
LINKS:
Cuse.com: Game Notes
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
'Cuse and Maryland Selected for ACC Network
The 2014 Syracuse football game against Maryland on Saturday, September 20 will kick off at 12:30 pm from the Carrier Dome. The game will be televised on the ACC Network.
The rest of the 2014 home schedule includes games against Louisville (Oct. 3, 7 pm, ESPN), Florida State (Oct. 11), North Carolina State (Nov. 1) and Duke (Nov. 8). Syracuse will play Notre Dame in New York's College Classic on September 27 at MetLife Stadium. The 2014 remainder of the road schedule includes contests at Wake Forest (Oct. 18), Clemson (Oct. 25), Pittsburgh (Nov. 22) and Boston College (Nov. 29).
Syracuse plays at Central Michigan this Saturday, September 13 (12 pm, ESPNews).
The rest of the 2014 home schedule includes games against Louisville (Oct. 3, 7 pm, ESPN), Florida State (Oct. 11), North Carolina State (Nov. 1) and Duke (Nov. 8). Syracuse will play Notre Dame in New York's College Classic on September 27 at MetLife Stadium. The 2014 remainder of the road schedule includes contests at Wake Forest (Oct. 18), Clemson (Oct. 25), Pittsburgh (Nov. 22) and Boston College (Nov. 29).
Syracuse plays at Central Michigan this Saturday, September 13 (12 pm, ESPNews).
Orange and Central Michigan to be Nationally Televised
The game, which is scheduled for a Noon kickoff, will be broadcast on ESPNews the network announced.
ESPNews channel listings:
Time Warner Cable (CNY): 302
DirecTV: 207
Verizon FiOS: 302
Both teams will enter the game undefeated, with Syracuse winning its lone game against Villanova 28-27 in the season opener and Central Michigan coming off a 38-17 victory over Purdue to move to 2-0.
Orange in the NFL Preview for 2014
With the NFL kicking off its season this weekend, a number of Syracuse alums will be suiting up for their new teams for the first time, while others return to action.
New York Giants
A pair of former 'Cuse standouts are expected to make their debuts with the New York Giants this weekend, making four members of the Orange playing for Syracuse alum Tom Coughlin.
Third round draft pick Jay Bromley and free agent signee Jameel McClain are the newest members of the Giants defense. They'll join 2012 graduates Ryan Nassib and Justin Pugh in taking on Detroit Monday night.
McClain is currently listed as the starting middle linebacker on the depth chart after playing the past six seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He'll join right tackle Justin Pugh – who started all-16 games at right tackle for New York last year as a rookie – in the starting lineup.
Bromley will contribute to the defensive line as a reserve in his first NFL contest, while Ryan Nassib enters 2014 after beating out Curtis Painter for the backup quarterback job.
The Giants will open their season on Monday at 7:10 p.m. at Detroit.
New England Patriots
Chandler Jones returns to New England for his third season with the team. The defensive end is coming off a 2013 campaign that saw him finish tied for seventh (and third in the AFC) for sacks.
He also finished fourth on the Patriots in tackles last season and will open the 2014 season at Miami on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Indianapolis Colts
The older Jones brother is one of the former Orange who'll be sporting a new uniform this season. Arthur Jones is now an Indianapolis Colt after spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Ravens.
Jones is looking to follow up a 2013 season where he had 53 tackles and four sacks while playing in 14 games.
He'll make his Colts' debut at Denver on Sunday at 8:30 p.m.
Chicago Bears
Tony Fiammetta is embarking on his fifth year in the NFL this season and his second in Chicago. The Bears' fullback played in all-16 games last season, catching five passes for 57 yards.
Fiammetta and the Bears open the season at home against Buffalo on Sunday at 1 p.m.
San Diego Chargers
The longest tenured former 'Cuse student-athlete currently in the NFL will embark on his 13th season this weekend.
Outside linebacker Dwight Freeney is currently fifth among active players in career sacks (22nd all-time) and will look to up that number in San Diego this season after suffering a season ending injury in his first year with the Chargers last year.
Freeney will open the 2014 campaign at Arizona on Monday at 10:20 p.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Fourth-round draft pick Shamarko Thomas is expected to make his NFL debut this weekend with the Steelers.
Thomas and the Steelers will open the season by hosting Cleveland on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons
Two members of the 2013 'Cuse team are in Atlanta this season. Linebacker Marquis Spruill and running back Jerome Smith will both be with the Falcons this season.
Fifth-round draft pick Spruill will spend his rookie season on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in training camp.
Smith signed on with the Falcons' practice roster after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent this summer.
Buffalo Bills
Doug Marrone enters his second season as an NFL head coach after roaming the sidelines at his alma mater for the previous four seasons.
Marrone looks to improve on the Bills' 6-10 record from last season and will open the season at Chicago on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Tennessee Titans
Rookie Ri'Shard Anderson, who signed on with the Titans as an undrafted free agent, was signed to the team's practice squad prior to this week.
Cam's Cam: Week 2
It may be a bye week for Syracuse football, but that doesn't mean Cam's Cam gets the week off! In this week's edition of Cameron Lynch's weekly series taking a closer look at Orange football, the senior linebacker welcomes another linebacker as his guest, Hernz Laguerre. The two talk football, as well as giving viewers a glimpse of one of Laguerre's talents off the field.
As always, Cam needs your questions for his guests! Tweet your question using #CamsCam and you could see it in next week's episode!
Past Episodes:
Episode 1: Dyshawn Davis
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Lynch Up for Lott IMPACT Player of the Week
Senior linebacker Cameron Lynch has been named a Lott IMPACT Trophy Player of the Week Nominee after his 15 tackle performance on Friday night.
Lynch chipped in a sack, quarterback hurry and pass breakup in the Orange's 27-26 season-opening win over Villanova.
The Lott IMPACT Trophy Player of the Week is selected by a fan vote (click here to vote) which honors the best defensive performance in college football.
Lynch was previously named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List for the overall award this summer.
Lynch chipped in a sack, quarterback hurry and pass breakup in the Orange's 27-26 season-opening win over Villanova.
The Lott IMPACT Trophy Player of the Week is selected by a fan vote (click here to vote) which honors the best defensive performance in college football.
Lynch was previously named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List for the overall award this summer.
Dixon Receives Another Honor
Senior punter Riley Dixon has earned another honor for his performance in the Orange's season opening win over Villanova.
Highlights
Dixon was named ECAC Special Teams Player of the Week after throwing the eventual game-winning touchdown off a fake field goal in the second overtime period. He rolled to his left from his position as the holder and found tight end Kendall Moore in the corner of the end zone for the score.
The Blossvale, N.Y. native also put up a strong performance in the kicking game, punting five times for 217 yards (43.4 yard average), with two punts going for over-50 yards and another two being downed inside of the 20.
Dixon was previously named ACC Co-Specialist of the Week for his performance.
Syracuse takes the Carrier Dome turf next on September 20 against Maryland, now of the Big Ten. Individual game tickets for that game, and for the rest of the ACC schedule including defending national champion Florida State are available by visiting Cuse.com, the Carrier Dome Box Office, Destiny USA Kiosks or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.
Follow @Cuse on twitter for all the latest information concerning the Syracuse program, and visit Cuse.com for updated stories, highlights and interviews of all Syracuse Athletics programs.
Highlights
Dixon was named ECAC Special Teams Player of the Week after throwing the eventual game-winning touchdown off a fake field goal in the second overtime period. He rolled to his left from his position as the holder and found tight end Kendall Moore in the corner of the end zone for the score.
The Blossvale, N.Y. native also put up a strong performance in the kicking game, punting five times for 217 yards (43.4 yard average), with two punts going for over-50 yards and another two being downed inside of the 20.
Dixon was previously named ACC Co-Specialist of the Week for his performance.
Syracuse takes the Carrier Dome turf next on September 20 against Maryland, now of the Big Ten. Individual game tickets for that game, and for the rest of the ACC schedule including defending national champion Florida State are available by visiting Cuse.com, the Carrier Dome Box Office, Destiny USA Kiosks or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.
Follow @Cuse on twitter for all the latest information concerning the Syracuse program, and visit Cuse.com for updated stories, highlights and interviews of all Syracuse Athletics programs.
'Cuse and USF to Play Home and Home beginning in 2015
The Syracuse football program will continue its trend of strong non-conference scheduling as Syracuse Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross announced a home-and-home series with the University of South Florida beginning next season.
The Orange renewed series with the Bulls - a BIG EAST Conference foe from 2005-12 - will start with a visit to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Oct. 10, 2015. The Bulls will return the trip the following season when USF visits the Carrier Dome on Sept. 17, 2016.
"This series gives our program important exposure in Florida, and renews a budding rivalry we had before joining the ACC. This gives many of our student-athletes a chance to play in front of their friends and family, and solidifies our upcoming schedule with quality opponents across the board," said Syracuse Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross.
Syracuse has already added LSU to the 2015 schedule, with the Tigers making a visit to the Carrier Dome on September 26, in a game that will mark the first regular season contest between the two clubs. Syracuse will also host Rhode Island on September 5 and Central Michigan on September 19, 2015 to round out the non-conference portion of the schedule.
The 2015 game between the Orange and the Bulls will mark the ninth meeting between USF and Syracuse, but the first with Syracuse as a member of the ACC. Syracuse won two of the last three games in the series, including a thrilling 37-36 victory in Raymond James in the last meeting in 2012. USF leads the overall series 6-2.
Syracuse takes the Carrier Dome turf next on September 20 against Maryland, now of the Big Ten. Individual game tickets for that game, and for the rest of the ACC schedule including defending national champion Florida State are available by visiting Cuse.com, the Carrier Dome Box Office, Destiny USA Kiosks or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.
Follow @Cuse on twitter for all the latest information concerning the Syracuse program, and visit Cuse.com for updated stories, highlights and interviews of all Syracuse Athletics programs.
The Orange renewed series with the Bulls - a BIG EAST Conference foe from 2005-12 - will start with a visit to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Oct. 10, 2015. The Bulls will return the trip the following season when USF visits the Carrier Dome on Sept. 17, 2016.
"This series gives our program important exposure in Florida, and renews a budding rivalry we had before joining the ACC. This gives many of our student-athletes a chance to play in front of their friends and family, and solidifies our upcoming schedule with quality opponents across the board," said Syracuse Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross.
Syracuse has already added LSU to the 2015 schedule, with the Tigers making a visit to the Carrier Dome on September 26, in a game that will mark the first regular season contest between the two clubs. Syracuse will also host Rhode Island on September 5 and Central Michigan on September 19, 2015 to round out the non-conference portion of the schedule.
The 2015 game between the Orange and the Bulls will mark the ninth meeting between USF and Syracuse, but the first with Syracuse as a member of the ACC. Syracuse won two of the last three games in the series, including a thrilling 37-36 victory in Raymond James in the last meeting in 2012. USF leads the overall series 6-2.
Syracuse takes the Carrier Dome turf next on September 20 against Maryland, now of the Big Ten. Individual game tickets for that game, and for the rest of the ACC schedule including defending national champion Florida State are available by visiting Cuse.com, the Carrier Dome Box Office, Destiny USA Kiosks or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.
Follow @Cuse on twitter for all the latest information concerning the Syracuse program, and visit Cuse.com for updated stories, highlights and interviews of all Syracuse Athletics programs.
Dixon Named ACC Specialist of the Week
After throwing his first-career touchdown pass on a fake field goal attempt Friday, senior punter Riley Dixon has been named an ACC Co-Specialist of the Week.
Watch the Highlights | ACC Release
Dixon threw the eventual game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Kendall Moore off a fake field goal attempt in the second overtime period to seal the Orange's 27-26 win over Villanova.
The Blossvale, N.Y. native also punted five times for 217 yards for an average of 43.4 yards, including two punts for over 50 yards. Dixon recorded a long of 51 yards and had two punts downed inside of the 20.
This is the first ACC Specialist of the Week honor for Dixon, who had been named to the Ray Guy Award Watch List (which honors the nation's top punter) in each of the past two seasons.
Watch the Highlights | ACC Release
Dixon threw the eventual game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Kendall Moore off a fake field goal attempt in the second overtime period to seal the Orange's 27-26 win over Villanova.
The Blossvale, N.Y. native also punted five times for 217 yards for an average of 43.4 yards, including two punts for over 50 yards. Dixon recorded a long of 51 yards and had two punts downed inside of the 20.
This is the first ACC Specialist of the Week honor for Dixon, who had been named to the Ray Guy Award Watch List (which honors the nation's top punter) in each of the past two seasons.
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