Following an upset loss last week to former Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer and Middle Tennessee State, the Orange blew past Central Michigan, 41-17, on Saturday. SU only led 24-17 at halftime, but a 17-point third quarter, keyed by big plays and third-down defense, helped the Orange separate itself from the Chippewas.
Here are the best images from the game.
SU, which entered Saturday with the fifth-ranked third down defense in the country, held the Chips on three of 16 third-down conversions.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Sean Riley, a 5-foot-8, 155-pound sophomore, had a day of big plays against Central Michigan. He took the opening kickoff 34 yards, another one 64 yards and caught a 44-yard toss from Eric Dungey. He also had a 41-yard rush.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Eric Dungey led Syracuse with 105 yards on 11 rushes on Saturday.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Central Michigan allowed Syracuse to gain 6.8 yards per rush, almost double Syracuse's second-best effort this season.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Central Michigan defender Mitch Stanitzek tried chasing Dungey down, but could not. Two seasons ago, a hit from Stanitzek forced Dungey to miss time for the first of several absences in his career.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Dungey finished 19-of-35 for 279 yards and two touchdown passes. The first went 18 yards to Dontae Strickland and the second, six yards to Ravian Pierce.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Syracuse brought the train horn back on Saturday after not using it in the first two games.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Junior college transfer tight end Ravian Pierce snagged his second touchdown of the year.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
The Orange trailed 17-10 at one point, but it strung together a 31-point run to blow the game wide open.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Syracuse did not allow a point in the second half against Central Michigan.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
The reported attendance of 33,004 was the season's highest mark.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Steve Ishmael signals touchdown standing close to the endzone. Ishmael finished with eight catches and 139 yards.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
On the heels of Syracuse’s 30-23 upset loss to Middle Tennessee State and former SU head coach Scott Shafer, a high-octane offense was part of the formula for SU’s victory.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Though CMU totaled 22 first downs, Syracuse ensured it wouldn't add up to much. The Orange kept the Chippewas scoreless in the second half.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Strickland averaged three yards per carry on 15 touches.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
On Syracuse's three kickoffs, CMU only mustered to average 15 yards per return.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Syracuse head coach Dino Babers got back in the win column after losing in an upset to Middle Tennessee State last week.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Steve Ishmael seemed to break away for a touchdown before a CMU defender burst onto the scene to punch the ball away from him.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Syracuse totaled five tackles for a loss against the Chippewas.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Dungey was not sacked by Central Michigan.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Syracuse never lost sight against CMU and big plays from small sophomore Sean Riley keyed the victory.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Babers said Riley made the most of his opportunity during a televised halftime interview. Here, he caught a 44-yard pass from Dungey.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Sterling Hofrichter's seven punts averaged 51 yards, including a 64-yard boot.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Despite the physical play, neither team recorded a sack.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Strickland (left) also had two catches for 18 yards and a touchdown.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
Strickland scored the touchdown that put Syracuse ahead for good when it went up 24-17.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
The Orange gave its fanbase something to cheer about on Saturday afternoon in the Carrier Dome, a stark about-face from the week prior.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
The offensive line kept a clean pocket for Dungey (no sacks), as well as giving the Orange room to run. SU only allowed two total tackles for loss.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff Photographer
SU used an effective rushing attack to score quickly and open up passing shots over the top of the defense. The 41 points SU scored show what a balanced offense can do.
Wasim Ahmad | Staff PhotographerPublished on September 16, 2017 at 8:48 pm
