Top five Syracuse football seasons of the 21st century

5. 2017

You may be asking, “Have you lost your mind”? Syracuse football went 4-8 that season, how can it possibly be good?

Well, for starters, the 21st century hasn’t exactly been too kind to the Orange. With only six winning seasons in 20 attempts, there isn’t much to choose from. What earns this season a spot in the top five is the famous upset win versus No. 2 Clemson.

While that may just be one game, it was arguably the single most important game of the 21st century for Syracuse football so far.

In year two of Dino Babers, the ‘Cuse came in as mighty underdogs to a nationally regarded Clemson Tigers team led by quarterback Kelly Bryant. However, the Orange struck first on an Eric Dungey pass up the middle to a wide open Dontae Strickland. That pass undoubtedly gave Syracuse the confidence they needed, never once trailing for the remainder of the game.

Then, when Syracuse defensive tackle, Chris Slayton hurled down Bryant with less than a minute remaining in the first half, it changed the game even more. Bryant was held out due to an injury, and the Orange never looked back, winning 27 to 24.

Unfortunately, that game didn’t exactly work wonders for the rest of the season. Syracuse struggled defensively, and went winless over their final five games.

However, it did impact recruiting, boost player moral, and put Syracuse football on the map. Because of those reasons, it holds a special place inside the top five seasons of ‘Cuse football thus far in the 21st century.