All hail the defense!
It could be characterized as utter domination, as the Orange limited the Demon Deacons to a dreadful margin of 170 total yards en route to a convincing 30-7 victory in Winston-Salem, snapping a four-game losing streak.
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Freshman quarterback A.J. Long impressed in his first collegiate start, completing 22-of-32 attempts for 171 yards, rushing for the go-ahead score in the second quarter, as well. In addition, junior Devonte McFarlane emerged from his recent injury-induced hibernation, rushing for 114 yards on 10 carries, while freshman wide receiver Steven Ishmael hauled in 6 passes for 72 yards.
However, the defense was the main catalyst in the victory, recording two scores while limiting the Wake Forest passing attack, lead by three different quarterbacks throughout the course of the contest, to just 99 yards, the rushing game to just 71 yards, and allowing the Demon Deacons to convert just 3 times on 15 third down attempts.
Oct 18, 2014; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Syracuse Orange quarterback AJ Long (4) dives in for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Syracuse defeated Wake Forest 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
While WF entered the game ranked just 124th in the FBS in total offense, converting on just 29% of their third down opportunities, this indestructible showing should provide the ‘Cuse defense with a great deal of confidence heading into next week’s matchup with 24th-ranked Clemson.
Although the game began on a sour note, with Demon Deacon starting quarterback John Wolford guiding his group to a 13-play, 91-yard scoring drive, concluding in a 10-yard touchdown reception by Cam Serigne, following a Syracuse three-and-out, the resilient Orange responded in excellent fashion.
After failing to score a touchdown on their opening red zone drive, a 13-play, 69-yard scamper which resulted in a 33-yarder by Cole Murphy, SU finally broke through within the opposing 20-yard line on their ensuing possession, as Long capped off an impressive 15-play, 92-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown scramble to give the Orange a 10-7 lead.
That advantage was increased on Wake Forest’s next possession, as a punishing hit lead to an errant throw by Wolford, the ball landing in the arms of defensive end Robert Welsh who returned it 42 yards for the score. Under immense pressure the entire first half, the hit knocked Wolford out of the game, disturbing any rhythm the Demon Deacon offense had hoped to muster.
Oct 18, 2014; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Syracuse Orange defensive end Robert Welsh (94) returns an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Syracuse added to the margin at the outset of the second half, taking the opening possession 51 yards on 12 plays, leading to a successful 41-yard attempt from Murphy. The Wake Forest offense appeared rejuvenated at the beginning of their ensuing drive, recording three consecutive first downs behind backup quarterback Tyler Cameron, however the Orange silenced any excitement from the black-and-gold clad crowd with a picturesque scoop-and-score, increasing the edge to 27-7. Influenced by a Brandon Reddish-strip and a brilliant play on the ball by defensive end John Raymon, who overcame humble beginnings to reach Syracuse, Micah Robinson picked up the loose ball and returned it 51 yards for the touchdown.
The Orange rounded out the lopsided advantage at 30-7 with a 27-yard Murphy field goal with 5:15 remaining in the third quarter, a scoring situation created by McFarlane’s 86-yard burst up the middle on the first play of the possession, the third-longest rush in Syracuse history.
Addition Notes: Prince Tyson-Gulley finished with just 36 yards on 10 carries, while wideout Jarrod West tallied 41 yards on 5 receptions. Redshirt freshman quarterback Mitch Kimble, who was rumored to be the front-runner for the backup job at the beginning of training camp, saw a few moments of action in the fourth quarter, failing to attempt a pass.