Syracuse Football got a big time win over 19th ranked SMU 30-27, it's the third ranked win at home under Fran Brown, and the Otto logo helmets didn't disappoint.
The defense made big time plays throughout the first 30 minutes, the d-line provided big time pressure to SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings. Keyshawn Johnson got to Jennings in the red zone to force a Mustangs field goal and a sack that forced a 3rd and 31 late into the 2nd quarter.
Jennings threw for 184 yards in the first half, Syracuse limited the down field plays, most of the yards coming after the catch.
Demetres Samuel Jr, had just as big of a first half as anyone with multiple open field tackles, a pass break up, and a forced fumble that put the Orange in the red zone to help tie the game up at 10.
In the first half the Offense was humming against the Mustangs' defense. The Orange out rushed the SMU 115 to 26, picking up where they left off on the ground against North Carolina. Tylik Hill on the first drive of the second quarter accounted for 64% of the yards on the ground, which resulted in a field goal. Ahmad Miller led the Orange with 50 rushing yards during the first 30, Miller punched in a touchdown on 4th and goal from the one to put Cuse up 10 at half.
Angeli showed off his health early getting SU on the board first with a 26 yard rushing touchdown. Angeli threw for 78 yards in the first half finding Calvin Russell and Daunte Bacheyie down field. With the 5th year starter not putting the ball in harm's way.
In the second half the Orange were obsolete to start the half multiple inside runs, and 1 1st down in the third quarter, Angeli did not throw the ball much, was credited for a safety, The Orange would end up scoring on the last two drives in this one where the passing game was humming once again. Angeli found Hatcher for most of his production in the fourth quarter, Bacheyie had a big time 15-yard catch to put the Orange inside the 5. Noah Meyers had the game winning touchdown with 17 seconds left
The defense continued to keep SMU at bay, Keyshawn Johnson once again had a sack that forced SMU way behind the sticks that forced a punt, Nissi Ogbebor found himself with a sack in the last 10 seconds, Tunmise Adeleye bear hugged Jennings to give the Orange a chance to go down and win the game. Nazir Ward and a pass break up in the second half that allowed the defense to get off the field.
Kevin Jennings continued to torch Cuse through the air, he finished with 351 passing yards and two touchdowns. Penalties plagued SMU during the entire game in this one, similar penalties to Cuse all year. Especially in the special teams department.
