Syracuse Football Defeats Central Michigan 30-27

After a slow start to the game, Central Michigan drove for a field goal on their second drive. Then, it was Dungey time.

On the next drive Syracuse ran the triple option, and oh boy was it effective. Dungey had a good run on the keeper, then a great pitch to Estime for 15 yards. Two plays later, on another option he gained 8 yards, then as he was falling to the ground, pitched to Fredericks for another 30 yards down to the 10 yard line. It was a thing of beauty and led to a field goal.

On the very next drive for Syracuse, more magic for Dungey. On the very first play, Dungey went deep down the middle and hit Ishmael in stride. Shockingly, he was caught and brought down at the four, but Dungey punched it in one play later on the QB keeper.

After another solid defensive effort forced a punt, Dungey took over again. He leaned on the run game to make big chunks of yardage all the way down the field. Then from the shotgun, he scrambled right to avoid the pressure and passed the ball at the last possible second to Dontae Strickland. He took off down the sideline for a brilliant 25 yard touchdown to make it 17-3.

Sep 19, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange quarterback Eric Dungey (2) kneels while being attended to by medical staff after being hurt against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Eric Dungey-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately, a sickeningly late hit to Dungey left him down on the turf. Mitch Stanitzek hit Dungey two steps late and helmet to helmet. Dungey’s head snapped back and he collapsed to the ground. It was a brutal, dirty play. Stanitzek was quickly ejected from the game, but the damage was done. Dungey lay on the field for several minutes before eventually being helped off the field with what looked like a concussion.

Both teams traded a pair of touchdowns before the half. Austin Wilson played well on his first drive, hitting Jamal Custis for a touchdown in the back corner on a beautiful fade throw. At the half, Syracuse held a commanding 24-10 lead.

Central Michigan struck first in the second half on a 3 yard touchdown run. The Syracuse football defense looked very shaky and continued to give up huge chunks of yardage. CMU drove all the way down the field on the very next drive and were threatening again before the Syracuse football defense finally stepped up and made a play. Sack. Force fumble. Turnover.

As quick as they gained momentum, they gave it right back with an interception from Wilson on the very next play. Thankfully Syracuse held them on defense and were up 24-17 with 12 minutes left.

The game went back and forth from there, with the Syracuse offense being completely inept and being bailed out by the defense. Zaire Franklin made an excellent interception as CMU was driving with about four minutes left.

Sep 19, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas running back Devon Spalding (25) runs with the ball between Syracuse Orange linebacker Marqez Hodge (33) and cornerback Corey Winfield (11) during the first quarter at the Carrier Dome. Photo by: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Syracuse had an opportunity to kill the clock after that with a couple of first downs, but could get nothing and punted. Central Michigan then proceeded to march down the field with under 2 minutes left. On a key third down, CMU tried to run a draw and got stuffed in the backfield, setting up a huge fourth down and five that could have ended the game. Central Michigan converted. Then, after another huge sack by Arcienega, they had third and 17 from the 33.

Touchdown. Game tied.

Wait. What? Third and 17 and they give up a touchdown? How does that happen? Apparently the cornerbacks at Syracuse don’t understand a tip drill, as instead of going up and swatting the ball down, they all tried to intercept it and instead it wound up in the hands of tight end Ben McCord.

So the game went to overtime, with all the momentum favoring Central Michigan. Syracuse football just seemed completely out of sorts. CMU went on offense first and in one play were within the 10. Things looked grim, but a stout Syracuse defense held strong and forced a field goal.

Syracuse’s offense came on the field after not gaining a first down in the entire second half. With zero momentum, fourth string quarterback Zack Mahoney came in and got us in scoring range with a couple handoffs. Then, on second and goal, he made a beautiful pitch on the option to Jordan Fredericks,who dove for the pylon.

Touchdown! Syracuse wins, 30-27!

It might not have been pretty, and it was assuredly costly due to injuries, but a win’s a win. We now host LSU next week with a 3-0 record. Check back this week for some previews of that game.