The Top Ten Moments Of The Syracuse Football Regular Season
With the Pinstripe Bowl matchup against West Virginia looming, Inside The Loud House has decided to take a look at the top ten moments of the regular season for the Syracuse Football team to get you pumped! There were a lot of ups and downs this season for the fan base and the football team, but here are ten moments that had us jumping up and down, taking shots of whiskey, and partying like Big East Champions.
10. Syracuse snaps seven game losing streak in win over Stony Brook
September 15, 2012; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange running back Prince-Tyson Gulley (23) eludes a tackle by Stony Brook Seawolves linebacker Christian Ricard (39) during the second half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
This game was memorable because of all the moments we’d like to forget from last season. The Orange entered the Dome on a seven game losing streak dating back to last season, and broke that streak in a surprising grind it out victory over Stony Brook. The game was memorable because the fans got to see the Orange win for the first time in a long time, and was absolutely critical for Syracuse to win if they were going to make anything of their season. A loss to Stony Brook would have left the Orange at 0-3 heading to a Minnesota game that they eventually lost, so the win turned out to be more important than it was ever realized at the time. Regardless of the outcome, the game was memorable and Syracuse used it as momentum heading forward.
9. Syracuse wins their seventh game of the season in win over Temple
Nov 23, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Syracuse Orange running back Jerome Smith (45) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Syracuse gave themselves a chance at their second eight win season in three years when they defeated Temple 38-20 on November 23rd. Keon Lynn had two interceptions in the win, and the Orange never got rattled. When asked about coming back after falling behind 10-0, Ryan Nassib was rather nonchalant in his answer: “We’ve been down like that before. It was only a matter of time before we started clicking.”. Nassib finished the game with 215 yards passing with a touchdown. Jerome Smith and Prince Tyson-Gulley finished the game rushing for a combined 176 yards in the winning effort. This game was certainly enjoyable to Orange fans because it was a game they were supposed to win, and they won it in fitting fashion to end the season.
8. Alec Lemon snatches the Syracuse record for career receptions in game against Minnesota
Alec Lemon broke the school record for career receptions in a loss to Minnesota earlier this season on September 22nd. This was memorable because despite being injured throughout his career, Lemon was still able to break the record easily early on in his senior year. Lemon absolutely deserved the accomplishment, and it is unfortunate he couldn’t have done it at home in the Carrier Dome.
7. Syracuse spoils Paul Pasqueloni’s return to the Carrier Dome with blowout win
Syracuse won a must win game over the Connecticut Huskies on October 19th. Rather than listing this as a moment, we decided to take this whole game as a memorable one, as the Orange completely dominated the game from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. Syracuse had all facets of their offense working, with Ryan Nassib throwing the ball for 251 yards and 2 touchdowns while Jerome Smith ran for 133 yards on the ground. This was a big game for this football team because it definitely was a tipping point in turning the season around for these players. The win came a week after a frustrating loss where a blocked punt cost this team a win at Rutgers, and this game brought them within one game of being .500. This was the first of five games the Orange would win out of the next six, and was an absolutely critical and exciting moment in the Orange’s season.
6. The Syracuse running game ices the Pittsburgh Panthers for the final five minutes in the Orange win
Oct 5, 2012; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange safety Jeremi Wilkes (28) makes a tackle on Pittsburgh Panthers linebacker Todd Thomas (8). Thomas fumbled on the play and Syracuse ran it in for a touchdown during the first half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
In an offensively challenged game, the Syracuse offensive line ran the ball ten times for the final 4:52 of the ballgame in a 14-13 win over Pittsburgh on October 5th. This was the first indication on the season that the running game could be established against opponents, as the Syracuse offensive line was dominant in the final minutes of the game. While the rest of the game left much to be desired, the final five minutes of the ballgame was absolutely beautiful. It was how every team would love to run out the clock, and the Orange were textbook perfect. Those final five minutes were definitely special for those in attendance that night.