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One Understated Awesome Part of Syracuse Football's Week 1 Blowout Win
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- One Understated Awesome Part of Syracuse Football's Week 1 Blowout Win
When you win a game 66-3, as Syracuse football did on Saturday against New Hampshire , you've generally done most things right. And Syracuse did.
After the game, a lot of the focus was on the return of quarterback Steve Angeli , the history-making effort of freshman running back Shavane Anderson Jr., and the performance of the new-look defense under new defensive coordinator Vince Kehres.
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And all of those things deserve attention from Syracuse fans and pundits, but there was also another positive impact of the win that hasn't been getting as much attention: The dynamic nature of the Syracuse return game, particularly on the punt return side.
The Demetres Samuel Jr. effect
Samuel, a standout defensive back, is also electric with the ball in his hands, which is why you see him moonlight occasionally on offense. Well, in this game, he had four punt returns for 83 yards, an average of greater than 20 yards per return. He constantly set the Orange offense up in better field position, helping lead to some of those points.
Furthermore, he had one kickoff return and that went for 42 yards. Football is a lot easier when you have advantageous field position, and the Orange did all day.
Syracuse Orange defensive back Demetres Samuel Jr. (1) returns a punt against New Hampshire Wildcats tight end Drew Danson (88) during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
And how about the others?
Well, Davien Kerr had three punt returns for 50 yards, an average of nearly 17 yards per return. It didn't matter who was back there on Saturday, everyone helped set up the Orange in offense in good positions.
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The special teams key
Obviously, it seems unlikely that SU will be able to have this kind of success on special teams moving forward, but it's a clear reminder of the importance of special teams - and how it can help sway a game.
Also in the news for Syracuse athletics
--Speaking on Monday, head coach Fran Brown gave some optimistic injury updates on freshman wide receiver Calvin Russell III and defensive back Tedarius Hughes. The two high school teammates are both set to make big impacts for the Orange, and that impact could be coming sooner rather than later.
--The Orange will open up Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. ET against Cal. The Golden Bears are coming off a season-opening loss against UCLA (45-24), but will represent a significant challenge in comparison to New Hampshire. SyracuseRoundtable will have live coverage from the JMA Wireless Dome all day long.
