Syracuse Football Report Card over Central Michigan

Sean Riley was all over the field Saturday for Syracuse. On just two kick returns, Riley averaged 49 yards per return including one return for 64 yards that set up Syracuse’s game tying score in the second quarter. This explosive return, which Riley almost took to the house really sparked a lethargic Syracuse team.

In terms of receiving, Riley had a huge day too. The California native hauled in four catches for 81

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yards an average of 20 yards per catch! One catch that Riley made really stood out as quarterback Eric Dungey was escaping a collapsed pocket, Riley made a heady play going deep to get open. He hauled in a 44-yard reception that would set Syracuse in the red zone where Dontae Strickland would cash in one play later.

In the running game Riley was also dynamic. As the Dino Babers era has moved on, Syracuse’s play calling had gradually gotten more creative. This is a welcoming sight for some Syracuse fan’s who couldn’t fathom why Syracuse has never really had a high-flying offense since they have been in the Dome. Riley took four handoffs for 47 yards. All of his carries came on jet sweep plays, until Riley finally broke one of them for a big 41 yard gain.

Syracuse will want to get Riley out in the open field all season as he is incredibly dynamic and tough to track down. If the short speedy player can continue to make strides in the receiving game it will give Syracuse three real threats in the passing game. Ervin Philips and Steve Ishmael are the known commodities, but if Riley could emerge that would be huge.