Writer archives: Cooper Andrews
Contact Cooper: ccandrew@syr.edu | @cooper_andrews
Breaking down Syracuse’s offensive scheme — and lack of true identity
Adrian Autry wanted Syracuse to be an up-tempo offense that gasses opposing defenses. Yet, through 14 games, the Orange still lack an offensive identity. Read More »
Donnie Freeman plays hero, but falls short in long-awaited return
Donnie Freeman scored 18 points against Clemson in his return from injury. But Syracuse fell short after he missed a last-second 3, a shot he said he’d take 100 times over. Read More »
Syracuse offense falters as Orange drop ACC opener to Clemson 64-61
Donnie Freeman nearly willed Syracuse into overtime by scoring 18 second-half points, but it wasn’t enough as the Orange fell to Clemson 64-61. SU begins ACC play 0-1. Read More »
SU confirms Donnie Freeman will return from 9-game absence vs. Clemson
Syracuse forward Donnie Freeman will return from a lower-body injury in the Orange’s ACC opener versus Clemson Wednesday, an SU spokesperson confirmed. Freeman missed Syracuse’s last nine games. Read More »
What to know before Syracuse’s ACC opener against Clemson
Looking to build an NCAA Tournament-worthy resume, Syracuse begins ACC play with a New Year’s Eve showdown against Clemson. Read More »
Syracuse hires John Scott Jr. as assistant head coach, D-line coach
Syracuse is hiring John Scott Jr. as its assistant head coach and defensive line coach, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Monday night. Read More »
In win over Mercyhurst, Syracuse can’t hit maximum intensity: ‘It’s hard’
Though Syracuse defeated Mercyhurst 76-62 Wednesday night, the Orange wilted throughout the second half as their energy level depleted. Read More »
Syracuse returns to win column with 76-62 victory over Mercyhurst
Led by J.J. Starling’s tied-for-season-high 15 points, Syracuse defeated Mercyhurst 76-62 to get back in the win column Wednesday. Read More »
Freshman QB Luke Carney enters transfer portal after 1 season at Syracuse
Freshman quarterback Luke Carney is transferring from Syracuse after one season, he announced on social media Wednesday night. Read More »
Everything to know before Syracuse men’s basketball hosts Mercyhurst
Searching to avenge its upset loss to Hofstra, Syracuse hosts Mercyhurst Wednesday night in its third-to-last nonconference game this season. Read More »
Syracuse’s ACC outlook as it prepares for season-defining stretch
SU sits at 5-3 heading into its final nonconference slate. With three weeks before ACC play, here’s an outlook on its conference schedule. Read More »
LSU, Nebraska reportedly battling for Elijah Robinson’s services as DL coach
After Football Scoop reported that Elijah Robinson had agreed to leave Syracuse for LSU, the publication confirmed Monday that Nebraska is trying to poach him for its staff. Robinson previously worked with Huskers’ head coach Matt Rhule while at Temple. Read More »
5-star WR Calvin Russell officially signs with Syracuse
Five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell officially signed with Syracuse on Thursday after a delay from his expected Wednesday announcement. Russell headlines SU’s loaded 2026 recruiting class, which ranks 31st in the nation. Read More »
Nate Kingz does it all to beat Tennessee: ‘That’s (who) we see every day’
“That’s the Nate Kingz we see every day in practice.” Syracuse guard Nate Kingz scored a team-best 19 points and locked down Tennessee’s Ja’Kobi Gillespie to carry the Orange past the Volunteers for a crucial upset win. Read More »
Observations from SU’s win over Tennessee: Kingz’s spark, clutch plays
Against No. 13 Tennessee, Syracuse guard Nate Kingz dropped a team-best 19 points to help lead the Orange to a stunning upset win. Our beat writer has more observations from SU’s 62-60 victory over the Volunteers. Read More »
5 viable options for Syracuse’s open defensive coordinator position
Syracuse moved defensive coordinator Elijah Robinson to a co-DC role, creating a new opening for the defensive coordinator position. Our beat writers break down five viable options for Robinson’s replacement. Read More »
Syracuse demotes Elijah Robinson from DC role to D-line coach
Syracuse football announced that, in addition to firing four assistant coaches, defensive coordinator Elijah Robinson has been demoted to co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. SU allowed 34.92 points per game this season. Read More »
Andrews: Syracuse is in chaos. Angeli, portal additions can save it.
Column: Fran Brown’s program is sinking after a brutal eight-game losing streak to end the 2025 season. To save Syracuse, Brown needs to hit the portal hard and market Steve Angeli to transfers as one of the nation’s top QBs. Read More »
Without Donnie Freeman, Syracuse disappoints in Players Era Festival
Without star forward Donnie Freeman, Syracuse went 0-3 in the Players Era Festival, punctuated by its 95-64 loss to No. 15 Iowa State. Read More »
Syracuse crushed by No. 15 Iowa State 95-64, goes winless in Players Era
Syracuse men’s basketball failed to win a game in Las Vegas at the Players Era Festival, falling 95-64 to No. 15 Iowa State Wednesday for its third straight loss. The Orange were outscored 60-30 in the second half. Read More »
Previewing Syracuse’s final Players Era Festival game vs. No. 15 Iowa State
After a late-night scheduling announcement, Syracuse will face No. 15 Iowa State at 1 p.m. EST in the Players Era Festival consolation round. Here’s a preview of Syracuse’s final game in Las Vegas. Read More »
Meet the ‘Cuse Dudes’: Syracuse’s 4 viral fans at the Players Era Festival
Meet Elliot Keller, Tate Thompson, Jake Kurtz and Nate Kurtz, the four guys who have gone viral for decking themselves out in SU uniforms at the Players Era Festival. Read More »
Syracuse lacks Autry’s coveted ‘level 5 energy’ in deflating Kansas loss
“Everything that we do in this program is based on effort.” Adrian Autry said he didn’t feel Syracuse played with enough energy in its 71-60 loss to Kansas, despite the Orange having a chance to secure a Quad 1 win. Read More »
Syracuse starts flat, falls to Kansas 71-60 in 2nd game of Players Era
Syracuse men’s basketball dropped its second straight game of the Players Era Festival, losing to Kansas 71-60. The Orange shot just 32% from the field and were outrebounded 49-29. Read More »