SU stuns No. 25 Rutgers
SYRACUSE — They’ve been decimated by injuries. Their star receiver quit. And their much-publicized quarterback was nearly booed off his home field three weeks ago.
It’s been a long season for the Syracuse University football team, but Saturday the Orange decided enough was enough.
The last-place team in the Big East stunned the No. 25 team in the nation as SU rolled 31-13 over Rutgers in the team’s Carrier Dome finale.
“Adversity is something we build off,” said linebacker Doug Hogue, who registered 3½ of SU’s nine sacks. “We were playing for the seniors, and the fans. We did everything we could possibly do.”
It was more than enough. Syracuse humbled the Scarlet Knights with numbers that bordered on the absurd:
“They did everything,” said Rutgers coach Greg Schiano.
SU coach Doug Marrone, who gained his first Big East win, said he apologized to the seniors Friday night for “not giving them the season we all envisioned.” But he wasn’t surprised Saturday.
“I can’t stand here and say I didn’t see this coming,” he said.
It was a banner day for Section V. Mike Stenclik (Webster Schroeder) started at middle linebacker in place of injured star Derrell Smith and registered two tackles. Averin Collier (Churchville-Chili) put the game away with a 60-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter and gained 66 yards on six carries.
“We’re taking it to the 585 (area code),” Stenclik said. “It’s surreal.”
It was the Orange’s first win over a ranked team since outslugging No. 18 Louisville 38-35 in 2007.
SU (4-7, 1-5 Big East) built a 21-2 lead on rushing touchdowns from Antwon Bailey (14 yards) and Delone Carter (5) and a 1-yard pass from Greg Paulus (13 of 16, 142 yards) to tight end Carl Cutler.
Rutgers (7-3, 2-3) recorded a safety when Joe Lefeged blocked a Rob Long punt out of the end zone 2:14 into the second, but SU answered with the Cutler TD. With 7:33 left in the half, SU had outgained Rutgers 214 yards to minus-5.
Then, SU attempted an onside kick. Rutgers recovered, Mohamed Sanu hit Tim Brown for a 38-yard TD pass on the halfback option, and the Knights converted the 2-point conversion pass to make it 21-10.
SU freshman Ryan Lichtenstein kicked a 43-yard field goal with 3:11 left in the half. Rutgers’ San San Te kicked a 25-yard field goal with 11:41 left in the game, putting the Knights within 11. But Holmes intercepted Savage with 5:45 left, and Collier’s 60-yarder sealed it.
“Guys like Averin Collier, we ask how we can get him in the game,” Marrone said. “He got in there and made a big play.”
SU closes the season Saturday at Connecticut, which upset Notre Dame. The Orange will fall short of the six wins they need to play in a bowl.
Losing 10-9 at lowly Louisville last week ensured that.
“Today feels real good,” said sophomore receiver Marcus Sales. “It would have felt even better if we’d beaten Louisville.”
