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Gallery: Syracuse bulldozes Central Connecticut State, 50-7, in season-opening victory

Junior quarterback Eric Dungey accounted for five touchdowns in his 2017 debut, completing 28-of-36 passes for 328 yards.
Junior quarterback Eric Dungey accounted for five touchdowns in his 2017 debut, completing 28-of-36 passes for 328 yards. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Dungey flips over a player, as he has done in previous outings.
Dungey flips over a player, as he has done in previous outings. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
SU cruised to its first win of 2017. Next up: Middle Tennessee on Sept. 9 at 3:30 p.m.
SU cruised to its first win of 2017. Next up: Middle Tennessee on Sept. 9 at 3:30 p.m. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
The Blue Devils were 1-of-15 on third down, including 0-of-8 to start the game.
The Blue Devils were 1-of-15 on third down, including 0-of-8 to start the game. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
At halftime, Steve Ishmael had already equaled his career high for catches, with eight. He finished with a game-high 12 receptions for 134 yards.
At halftime, Steve Ishmael had already equaled his career high for catches, with eight. He finished with a game-high 12 receptions for 134 yards. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Syracuse second-year head coach Dino Babers
Syracuse second-year head coach Dino Babers Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Dungey led Syracuse to its fourth straight season-opening win in a 50-7 victory.
Dungey led Syracuse to its fourth straight season-opening win in a 50-7 victory. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Dungey, who had the seventh 300-yard passing game of his career, added two rushing touchdowns.
Dungey, who had the seventh 300-yard passing game of his career, added two rushing touchdowns. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
It took 2:52 for the Orange to get on the board. A 70-yard, eight-play drive gave SU the early 6-0 lead.
It took 2:52 for the Orange to get on the board. A 70-yard, eight-play drive gave SU the early 6-0 lead. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
An announced 30,273 fans piled into the Carrier Dome.
An announced 30,273 fans piled into the Carrier Dome. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Babers is the first Syracuse coach to win his first two openers since Paul Pasqualoni (1991, 1992).
Babers is the first Syracuse coach to win his first two openers since Paul Pasqualoni (1991, 1992). Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Players wore "Mac" patches in honor of the legendary SU head coach Dick MacPherson, who died last month.
Players wore "Mac" patches in honor of the legendary SU head coach Dick MacPherson, who died last month. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Redshirt senior receiver Sean Avant (83) cradles the football and tries to escape an arm tackle.
Redshirt senior receiver Sean Avant (83) cradles the football and tries to escape an arm tackle. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
SU redshirt freshman QB Rex Culpepper took over for Dungey in the third quarter. By that time, Syracuse had already commanded the game and was cruising to its first win.
SU redshirt freshman QB Rex Culpepper took over for Dungey in the third quarter. By that time, Syracuse had already commanded the game and was cruising to its first win. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Tommy DeVito, an Elite Eleven QB, warms up his arm.
Tommy DeVito, an Elite Eleven QB, warms up his arm. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Jordan Martin (left) and Kielan Whitner helped anchor the defense as middle linebackers.
Jordan Martin (left) and Kielan Whitner helped anchor the defense as middle linebackers. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Dungey crawls to get back up after taking a hit Friday night.
Dungey crawls to get back up after taking a hit Friday night. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Stitched on the Carrier Dome turf was "Mac" in honor of the late head coach Dick MacPherson.
Stitched on the Carrier Dome turf was "Mac" in honor of the late head coach Dick MacPherson. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Markenzy Pierre, a 5-foot-11 freshman running back, ran for 46 yards on nine carries.
Markenzy Pierre, a 5-foot-11 freshman running back, ran for 46 yards on nine carries. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Pierre averaged 5.1 yards per carry, more than Dontae Strickland (3.2 yards per carry), Moe Neal (2.4) and Tyrone Perkins (2.3).
Pierre averaged 5.1 yards per carry, more than Dontae Strickland (3.2 yards per carry), Moe Neal (2.4) and Tyrone Perkins (2.3). Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
CCSU players wrap up Pierre.
CCSU players wrap up Pierre. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
CCSU played tight to the receivers, but SU burned the Blue Devils defense.
CCSU played tight to the receivers, but SU burned the Blue Devils defense. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
SU had 34 first downs to CCSU's eight.
SU had 34 first downs to CCSU's eight. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
SU had 431 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
SU had 431 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Syracuse rushed for 155 yards.
Syracuse rushed for 155 yards. Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer

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By Todd Michalek

UPDATED: Sept. 10, 2017 at 10:49 p.m.

Syracuse (1-0) mauled Central Connecticut State (0-1), 50–7, in the Carrier Dome on Friday night in front of an announced 30,273, shifting into cruise control after its first three possessions.  Here are the best images from the game.

Published on September 1, 2017 at 11:50 pm

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