Syracuse Football: Top 5 Plays of Week 2 Versus MTSU (video highlights)

4. Parris Bennett Fumble Recovery After Zaire Franklin Causes Fumble

It’s hard to believe but the defense was the star of this game for the Orange, at least early on. The team helped force three turnovers in the first half alone. The Orange had two forced fumbles they recovered, and an interception. This one was the first turnover of the game, and really got the Orange faithful at the Dome pumped up.

Middle Tennessee quarterback Brent Stockstill went back in the shotgun formation and handed the ball off to running back Brad Anderson. Anderson would find a seam as many of the Blue Raiders running backs did throughout the game, and take it for over five yards. All in all, the Blue Raiders ran for 94 yards, according to ESPN.com, but it felt like more.

Unfortunately for Anderson, the Orange saw they didn’t make the tackle in the trenches so they were forced to make a play in the secondary. As a result, two Orange players came charging at Anderson in hopes of making the tackle. One of those was star defensive player Zaire Franklin.

Franklin, who was behind the runner, reached out and around the runner for the ball all while diving for the tackle. The result was a stripped ball which tumbled to the turf. Parris Bennett dove on the ball, giving the Orange possession.

It was a key play for the Orange early in the contest and showed MTSU that the Orange would put up a fight in this one. Unfortunately, that same energy didn’t carry into the second half and as a result the team fell to 1-1 and suffered their first loss of the season.