Syracuse football took a huge step toward potentially making a bowl game in the 2026 season after the Orange stormed back to upset No. 19 SMU by three points on Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome.
The 'Cuse marched to a 20-10 lead at the half. However, the Mustangs (6-2 overall, 4-2 in ACC) seized momentum in the second half and took a 27-20 lead. Things looked a bit dire for Syracuse football, but the Orange connected on a field goal to cut the deficit to 27-23.
A win for our 'Cuse community 🍊🧡 pic.twitter.com/sY85aNYMs6
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) October 31, 2026
SU's defense gave Syracuse one last chance. Fifth-quarterback Steve Angeli then found senior tight end Noah Meyers for a short touchdown pass in the final 20 seconds of the fourth quarter to give the Orange a 30-27 triumph before a crowd that included various 'Cuse verbal commits and recruiting targets in attendance. SU is now 1-2 in its short all-time series with the Mustangs.
With this exhilarating win, coupled with last weekend's one-point road victory against North Carolina, Syracuse football (4-4 overall, 2-4 in ACC) has found new life in a 2026 campaign that was looking rather gloomy a few weeks ago. The 'Cuse will host Clemson next Saturday afternoon.
On Halloween, Syracuse football picked up its first ranked conquest of the current season.
Statistically speaking, SMU led 421-338 in total yards. On the ground, the Orange had a 138-70 edge in yards. In recent games, the 'Cuse has been better at limiting its penalties. Against the Mustangs, Syracuse committed seven penalties for 50 yards.
Syracuse struggled on third down, going just 4-of-16. However, the Orange was a terrific 4-of-4 on fourth-down attempts. We all know about SU's kicking struggles, but junior Tripp Woody went a critical 3-of-3 on his field-goal tries.
Angeli was solid. He completed 21-of-34 attempts for 200 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Senior running back Ahmad Miller had 57 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
Sixth-year wide receiver Umari Hatcher had 65 yards through the air. Sophomore tight end Daunte Bacheyie chipped in 47 receiving yards, while freshman wide receiver Calvin Russell III added 41 receiving yards. On defense, sophomore defensive back Demetres Samuel Jr. paced Syracuse football with 10 total tackles and had a pass breakup. Senior linebacker Keyshawn Johnson had two sacks.
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