ACC Opener Awaits the Orange

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Orange open the conference portion of its schedule on Friday, when the team hosts the ACC's newest member Louisville at 7 p.m.

GAME OVERVIEW
• Syracuse returns to the Carrier Dome on Friday, Oct. 3 to open its Atlantic Coast Conference schedule against league newcomer Louisville.
• The game can be seen live on ESPN. Ryan Ruocco (pxp), Danny Kanell (analyst) and Niki Noto (sidelines) have the call.
• The Orange is the last ACC team to play a conference game. Syracuse opened the year with four non-league opponents and a bye week.
• SU is looking to end its two-game losing streak. After starting the year with consecutive victories against Villanova and Central Michigan, the Orange has lost its last two to Maryland and Notre Dame.
• Louisville has won its last two games. The Cardinals are 4-1 and have already played three ACC games in the early going, including a 20-10 victory against Wake Forest last weekend.
• The Orange and Cardinals know each other well. The two teams played every year from 2005 to 2012 as members of the BIG EAST Conference. They did not meet last season as Syracuse was in its first year in the ACC and Louisville completed a one-year stay in the American Athletic Conference before joining the ACC for 2014.
 
PROMOTIONS CENTRAL
• Fans can get an opportunity to see the Orange and Cardinals renew their league rivalry on both the gridiron and hardwood as a part of the Louisville two-game crossover package. This opportunity can be taken advantage of, as well as purchasing tickets for the rest of the Orange's slate by ordering online, by calling 1-888-DOMETIX or visiting the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B).
• The City of Syracuse has officially declared September 29 through October 3 as "Orange Out Week" in an effort to raise community spirit in advance of the Syracuse's ACC game against Louisville on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Carrier Dome.
• Throughout Orange Out Week, community members are encouraged to display their Syracuse University pride. Several Downtown buildings, including Syracuse City Hall, will be illuminated in orange.
• Syracusans are encouraged to wear orange clothing on Friday to show their support for the football team, which will play its first home game against an ACC opponent, Louisville, this Friday.  Social media users will observe this week using the hashtag #OrangeOutWeek.
 
WEEKDAY WARRIORS
• The Orange is 5-3 all-time in eight weekday games at the Carrier Dome and has won five of the last six non-weekend Dome clashes since the start of 2011.
• Prior to 2011, SU had only hosted two weekday Dome games (1989 vs. West Virginia, 2007 vs. Washington). Both were losses.
• Overall, the Orange is 8-1 in weekday games dating back to its 36-34 win against Kansas State in the 2010 Pinstripe Bowl, a game that was played on Thursday, Dec. 30.
• SU is 1-0 this season in weekday games. The Orange beat Villanova, 27-26, in double overtime on Friday, Aug. 29.
• The Orange has won three consecutive weekday home contests da?? ng back to the start of the 2012 season, and five straight weekday games overall.
• South Florida was the last team to beat the Orange on a weekday, winning 37-17 on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011.
 
THE LOUISVILLE SERIES
• The all-time series between the Orange and Cardinals is tied, 6-6, including a 3-3 record in games played at the Carrier Dome.
• In 1989, SU defeated the Cardinals in the Coca-Cola Bowl in Tokyo, Japan, 24-13, representing the only time Syracuse has played outside the U.S.
• In 2007, SU beat the 18th-ranked Cardinals, 38-35, at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Andrew Robinson threw for 423 yards – the third-best total in school history – and tied a then-school record with four touchdown passes, including a 79-yard scoring pass to Taj Smith on the first play from scrimmage.
• In 2008, running back Curtis Brinkley broke the SU single-season record for consecutive 100-yard rushing games against the Cardinals. Brinkley gained an SU series-high 166 yards, his fifth consecutive 100-yard performance. However, it was Orange fullback Tony Fiammetta who was the hero. Fiammetta caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Cameron Dantley with 5:18 remaining to lift SU to a 28-21 victory.
 
LAST TIME VS. LOUISVILLE
• The Orange led 31-13 at the half and rolled to a 45-26 victory at the Carrier Dome on Nov. 10, 2012.
• Ryan Nassib passed for 246 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target was Alec Lemon, who had nine receptions for an SU series-high 176 yards and two scores.
• Jerome Smith (144) and Prince-Tyson Gulley (98) paced an SU ground attack that generated 278 yards. Smith had one rushing TD and Gulley scored twice, including a 55-yard TD run in the second quarter.
• Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater threw for 424 yards and three touchdowns in a losing effort.
 
SYRACUSE-LOUISVILLE CONNECTIONS
• SU has no players from Kentucky on its roster and no Louisville player is from New York state.
• Orange C Donnie Foster and Louisville DT DeAngelo Brown are both Savannah, Ga. natives and attended Savannah Christian Prep.
• 'Cuse guard Alex Hayes and Louisville OT Aaron Epps played scholastically at Tucker High School in Georgia.
• SU's Oliver Vigille, Durell Eskridge, Marqez Hodge and Louisville CB Charles Gaines and OL John Miller are products of Miami Central High School.
• Syracuse DT Wayne Williams and Louisville OL Kelby Johnson attended ASA College.
• Orange defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough and Louisville DC Todd Grantham were members of the same Michigan State coaching staff in 1997-98. Bullough coached the Spartan defensive backs (1997) and offensive linemen (1998). Grantham was Michigan State's defensive line coach.
 
A WIN AGAINST LOUISVILLE WOULD …
• Be SU's 708th all-time victory, tied with Virginia Tech for the 15th-most among FBS schools and most of any ACC program.
• Be SU's second straight win over the Cardinals at the Carrier Dome and would give the Orange a 7-6 advantage in the all-?? me series.
• Boost the Orange's record to 2-1 this season at the Carrier Dome.
• Mark the first time the Orange has won its ACC opener and the third time in five years SU won its initial conference game.
• Extend the Orange's winning streak in weekday games to six.

Cam's Cam: The Green Dogs

Catch up with Cuse on Syracuse Sidelines

If you're looking to get up to date on the Orange football team and look ahead to its ACC showdown with Louisville, look no further than Thursday's Syracuse Sidelines Episode.

Cuse TV: Coach Shafer's weekly press conference
Links: Game Notes

The weekly show will air in its regular time slot on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on Time Warner Cable SportsChannel (323).

This week's episode will feature coach Shafer breaking down Riley Dixon's fake punt and Louisville's defense from the 'All-22' angle.

Senior safety Darius Kelly will also be this week's student-athlete feature.

Shafer Looks to Louisville

Syracuse will open its ACC slate on Friday against the league's newest member on Friday night when the team hosts Louisville.

The Cardinals are a team that 'Cuse is all too familiar with after the two spent years as BIG EAST rivals, with head coach Scott Shafer and the Orange looking forward to another matchup between the programs.

"Good week of preparation, short week, but a good week of preparation for this Louisville team," Shafer said. "It's a good football team, well coached, highly talented Louisville football team coming to the Dome. We're excited to get back in the Dome with our fans. Just looking forward to going head to head with a very good football team. It's kind of neat to go against an old BIG EAST foe and rekindle that competitive nature that we had with each other when we were in the BIG EAST together."

The teams last met in 2012 when Syracuse handed a then No. 11 Louisville, and previously 9-0 team its first loss of the season.

The Orange enter the contest with some uncertainty of which Cardinals' signal-caller it'll be matching up against, as sophomore Will Gardner started the first three games before missing last week's game against Wake Forest and freshman Reggie Bonnafon led Louisville to a win in his absence.

"I think both kids are a little bit different," Shafer said. "I think Bonnafon has the edge, the young guy, with his ability to take off with the ball. The one thing about coach Petrino is that he's very systematic with the offense and what he's going to have those quarterbacks do. So you're not going to have two different offenses when one guy is in. For the most part we're going to see an offense that's true to what they are – but it is an offense that breaks its tendencies all the time. With a short week, I'm sure they'll try to stay with what they've had success with but I know coach Petrino will have some wrinkles in the game plan for us."

To hear what else coach Shafer has to say about Friday's matchup, check out the full press conference on Cuse TV: Coach Shafer Press Conference

Orange Preview Cardinals

Shafer Previews Louisville

The Orange will return to the Carrier Dome this week when the team hosts the ACC's newest member Louisville.

SU will be looking for a similar result as last time 'Cuse hosted Cards, Syracuse handed the then undefeated and No. 11 Louisville its first loss of the season 45-26 on Nov. 10, 2012 after Prince-Tyson Gulley rushed for a pair of touchdowns.

To get the win this time around, the Orange will have to solve a Louisville defense that is surrendering just 14 points per game and 58.2 rushing yards per contest this year.

"They're a very talented. Charlie Strong did a great job recruiting those kids and they really have a lot of team speed on both sides of the ball, but the defense has been playing extremely well," said head coach Scott Shafer. "Again, not dissimilar to last week, we're going to have multiple looks out of them, we're going to have some pressures both with man and zone, so it'll be a good challenge for our guys to go out there against a quality defensive team in Louisville.

"Coach Petrino's background is obviously on the offensive side of the ball and he does some great things. He breaks his tendencies each week, they'll spread you out, get you into two tight ends and three tight ends in the back. So we'll have a lot of things to prepare for in this short week."

For more of what coach Shafer has to say about the Cards, watch today's interview with Matt Park: Coach Shafer interview

City, County Declare it #OrangeOutWeek

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The City of Syracuse has officially declared September 29 through October 3 as "Orange Out Week" in an effort to raise community spirit in advance of the Syracuse's ACC game against Louisville on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Carrier Dome.
 
"Syracuse University athletics are a big passion for many throughout our community and recognizing Orange Out Week is a great way to build team spirit," said Syracuse Mayor Stephanie A. Miner.
 
"Syracuse University does a great deal for our community, from being our largest employer to ongoing civic engagement to providing sports teams around which we rally," said Third District Common Councilor Bob Dougherty. "I'm pleased to support Orange Out Week as a fun way of cheering on the team and getting Syracuse excited for the team's first ever ACC home opener against Louisville."
 
Floyd Little '67, former Syracuse superstar and Professional Football Hall of Famer and special assistant to the athletics director, said that the University was honored by this recognition.  "We are honored that the Mayor and County Executive are showing their Orange pride. Thanks to Councilor Dougherty and the whole Common Council for showing their support too. We hope the whole community follows suit, and turns the Carrier Dome Orange for the matchup with Louisville!"
 
Throughout Orange Out Week, community members are encouraged to display their Syracuse University pride. Several Downtown buildings, including Syracuse City Hall, will be illuminated in orange. Syracusans are encouraged to wear orange clothing on Friday to show their support for the football team, which will play its first home game against an ACC opponent, Louisville, this Friday.  Social media users will observe this week using the hashtag #OrangeOutWeek.
 
Today at the 1:00 PM voting meeting of the Common Council, a resolution was approved formally recognizing Orange Out Week. The resolution, sponsored by Councilor Dougherty, was present to representatives from Syracuse University and Otto's Army attending the meeting. At the same time, a proclamation issued by Mayor Stephanie A. Miner and County Executive Joanne M. Mahoney will also be presented on their behalf by Councilor Dougherty.

Are you Oranged Out this week? Post your photos to Twitter or Instagram using #OrangeOutWeek and @Cuse will retweet our favorites!

Eskridge Earns ACC Honor

After returning an interception for a touchdown and recovering a fumble in Saturday's matchup with Notre Dame, free safety Durell Eskridge has been named ACC co-Defensive Back of the Week.

The Miami, Florida native intercepted an Everett Golson pass and took it 29-yards for the score with just over five minutes remaining at MetLife Stadium on Saturday to go along with his first quarter fumble recovery.

Eskridge also finished tied for second on the Orange with a season-high nine tackles in the loss.

'Cuse returns to the Carrier Dome this weekend for a Friday night affair with Louisville at 7 p.m.

Marvin Harrison to be Inducted into Philly Sports Hall of Fame

Syracuse legend and all-time leading receiver Marvin Harrison will be inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in November.

The single-season (1,131) and career (2,728) leader in receiving yards at Syracuse, Harrison was one of the most prolific receivers to ever suit up for the Orange before being selected 19th overall by the Indianapolis Colts, where he played 13 seasons and was selected to eight Pro Bowls.

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native currently ranks seventh all-time in receiving yards (14,580), and shattered the NFL single-season record for receptions with 143 in 2002.

A finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, Harrison will be one of 15 inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame on Nov. 13. For more information, visit PhillyHall.org

Indoor Practice Facility Update: Live Cam

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Construction continues on Syracuse Athletics' new indoor practice facility. Cuse TV gained exclusive access to the site and spoke with project superintendent Tim Kelley for an update on the progress. Cuse.com has also unveiled a new "live cam" that allows Orange Nation to track the progress in real time 24 hours a day!

Sights and Sounds from the Ultimate Tailgate

Catching Up with Nassib and Pugh

Orange Upended by Irish

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Orange defense forced five turnovers, but it wasn't enough to upset No. 8 Notre Dame on Saturday night as Syracuse fell to the Fighting Irish, 31-15, in front of a MetLife Stadium college game record crowd of 76,802 in New York's College Classic.

Syracuse had three takeaways via fumble recovery and another two by way of interception, including Durell Eskridge's 29-yard return for touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Syracuse finished with 429 yards of offense, its third straight game with more than 400 total yards. The Orange passed for a season-high 294 yards and added 135 on the ground. Notre Dame amassed 523 total yards.

Terrel Hunt was 22-of-38 passing for a career-high 294 yards and one interception. He added 26 yards on the ground and scored the 13 rushing touchdown of his career.

Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson was 32-of-39 for 362 yard with four touchdowns and two interceptions. He completed 25 consecutive passes at one point, one shy of tying the FBS record held by East Carolina's Dominique Davis.

Orange wide receiver Jarrod West was Hunt's top target with 103 yards on eight receptions. Notre Dame's Will Fuller was Golson's top receiver with six grabs for 119 yards and two scores.

Notre Dame jumped out to a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter after the teams were in a scoreless deadlock for the first 19 minutes of the game. Fuller found the end zone on back-to-back drives for the Irish, scampering in from 23 yards out after a screen pass from Golson. The pair hooked up on the first play of the following drive on a 72-yard deep ball over the top of the Orange defense to open up a two-score lead.

Freshman kicker Cole Murphy got the Orange on the board with 3:07 to go in the first half on a 38-yard field goal and the Orange had another opportunity to cut into the lead even more with 11 seconds remaining in the half. Golson lost control of the snap while attempting to spike the football and fumbled which was scooped up by Julian Whigham who ran it into the end zone. However, the play was ruled an incomplete pass on the field before being overturned to a fumble after a review, which nullified the return and 'Cuse was forced to settle with heading into the break trailing, 14-3.

Following an interception, Golson drove the Irish 60 yards in nine plays and lofted a touchdown pass to Corey Robinson to give Notre Dame a 21-3 advantage early in the second half.

The Orange found the end zone on the first play of the fourth quarter when Hunt broke free for 7-yard touchdown run after leading the Orange on a seven-play, 72-yard drive. Murphy's extra point attempt was blocked.

Following a failed onside kick attempt by SU, Notre Dame tacked on its fourth touchdown of the night, a 13-yard scoring pass to Torri Hunter Jr. to take a 28-9 lead.

It was with 5:09 remaining that Eskridge jumped a pass to the right flat and took it 29 yards for a touchdown. It was the All-ACC safety's fifth career interception and the first Orange pick-six sinceKeon Lyn returned an interception for a touchdown at Temple in 2012.

Kyle Brindza finished the scoring with 1:57 left when he hit a 37-yard field goal for the Fighting Irish to make it 31-15.

Syracuse returns to action on Friday, Oct. 3 when it hosts ACC newcomer Louisville in its conference opener. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. on ESPN.