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Gallery: Syracuse football falls to Middle Tennessee State, 30-23

Shafer, MTSU's defensive coordinator, brought the same blitz-heavy defense he installed at SU to the Blue Raiders, racking up six sacks.
Shafer, MTSU's defensive coordinator, brought the same blitz-heavy defense he installed at SU to the Blue Raiders, racking up six sacks. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
SU junior quarterback Eric Dungey finished 26-for-42 with 180 yards and a late interception that sealed the game.
SU junior quarterback Eric Dungey finished 26-for-42 with 180 yards and a late interception that sealed the game. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
SU had only 182 passing yards, and the Orange failed to score via the pass.
SU had only 182 passing yards, and the Orange failed to score via the pass. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
After the game, SU head coach Dino Babers said the Orange wasn't ready for the "emotional rollercoaster" that was Shafer's return.
After the game, SU head coach Dino Babers said the Orange wasn't ready for the "emotional rollercoaster" that was Shafer's return. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
The Blue Raiders sucked the life out of the Carrier Dome, holding SU's hurry-up offense to 308 yards.
The Blue Raiders sucked the life out of the Carrier Dome, holding SU's hurry-up offense to 308 yards. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
The Orange committed six penalties, costing 40 yards.
The Orange committed six penalties, costing 40 yards. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
Wide receiver Steve Ishmael tied the program single-game record with 14 receptions for 116 yards.
Wide receiver Steve Ishmael tied the program single-game record with 14 receptions for 116 yards. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
Three plays after a Sean Riley fumble, MTSU QB Brent Stockstill tossed a 28-yard touchdown to tie the game at 16.
Three plays after a Sean Riley fumble, MTSU QB Brent Stockstill tossed a 28-yard touchdown to tie the game at 16. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
Sophomore running back Moe Neal ran for 18 yards on seven carries.
Sophomore running back Moe Neal ran for 18 yards on seven carries. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
Dungey felt the blitz throughout the game. In the first quarter, SU did not record a single first down.
Dungey felt the blitz throughout the game. In the first quarter, SU did not record a single first down. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
Dungey looks for space.
Dungey looks for space. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
Under 30,000 fans were at the Dome Saturday to watch SU get upset by its former head coach.
Under 30,000 fans were at the Dome Saturday to watch SU get upset by its former head coach. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
The Orange generated 25 first downs and held the ball for 33:24 but didn't capitalize on three first-half turnovers by MTSU.
The Orange generated 25 first downs and held the ball for 33:24 but didn't capitalize on three first-half turnovers by MTSU. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
Dungey's longest pass went for only 16 yards and he was sacked five times in the loss.
Dungey's longest pass went for only 16 yards and he was sacked five times in the loss. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
Dungey ran for 53 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Dungey ran for 53 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
Senior receiver Ervin Philips (3) had seven catches for 36 yards.
Senior receiver Ervin Philips (3) had seven catches for 36 yards. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer
Dungey and the Orange return to the Dome next Saturday to host Central Michigan at 3:30.
Dungey and the Orange return to the Dome next Saturday to host Central Michigan at 3:30. Colin Davy | Staff Photographer

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By Colin Davy Staff Photographer

Led by former Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer, Middle Tennessee State upset SU, 30-23, Saturday afternoon in front of about 30,000 fans at the Carrier Dome. It’s Syracuse’s first loss of the season.

Here are the best images from the game.

Published on September 9, 2017 at 9:48 pm

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