By: Kylan Watson
In front of a raucous crowd the Syracuse Orange played the Wagner University Seahawks in their home opener. From the opening kickoff the Orange were the superior team. They were able to force nine turnovers and were clicking on all cylinders. They destroyed Wagner by a score of 62-10. The Orange are off to a 2-0 start, and if they can get consistent play in all three phases of the game. They may be able to make some noise in the ACC.
Syracuse’s defense played a big part in the win, especially freshman safety Andre Cisco who was able to record two interceptions during the game in back to back defensive stands. The defense came up huge in tonight’s game.
They only allowed ten points and got the Seahawks offense off the field by not allowing many third downs. The defense particularly stopped the Seahawks after they had gotten an interception off a poorly thrown pass by Dungey. The defense stopped the Seahawks offense and that drive ended in a punt.
“Our defense played extremely well tonight, this was probably our most complete game that we played on offense, defense, and special teams,” Syracuse Football Coach Dino Babers said.
Cisco and the defense were not the only factors that helped the Orange win. The offense also played a big part in the win. Dungey had a big game. He spread the ball around well. He had five touchdowns, completed 25 of 32 pass attempts, and had 218 yards. Dungey tied a school record by passing for five touchdowns.
Dungey made sure his receivers were well fed today. The offense did not just focus on receivers. Three of his touchdown passes went to three different receivers. Those receivers were Sean Riley, Jamal Custis, and Nykiem Johnson.
Custis is off to a great start in this young season. He has three total touchdowns and has emerged as the primary receiving threat in Syracuse’s offense.
“I feel good, it feels good to get a win at home,” Custis said “and be 2-0 in front of our fans at home. Looking forward to next weekend and getting another one.”
Dungey was not the only one on the offensive side that got in to the scoring act. Senior running back Dontae Strickland gained 40 yards and scored two touchdowns. Strickland was really seeing the field very well. His second touchdown was 20-yard scamper that really put the Orange ahead on the scoreboard.
“It’s always great to get in the end zone. To be congratulated by my teammates all credit goes to the offensive line,” Strickland said. “Doing their best blocking job and me picking a hole.”
With a big match-up against Florida State University on the horizon this was a very good win for the Orange. They led wire to wire during the game and the Seahawks did not have a response.
The Orange will need to show-up and have another complete performance if they want to pull off the upset next weekend. They need to have strong performances in all three phases of the game. If this team that beat Wagner shows up next weekend the Orange may just be able to beat Florida State University and start the season 3-0 in the wide-open Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
