Syracuse University
Akron
Orange Loses to Akron, 42-28
9/6/2008 7:15:24 PM | Football
Box Score
Syracuse Post-Game Notes
Head Coach Greg Robinson Press Conference Transcript
Syracuse Student-Athletes Quotes
Akron Quotes
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Senior tailback Curtis Brinkley ran for a career-best 143 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown in Syracuse's 42-28 loss to Akron on Saturday in the Carrier Dome. It is Brinkley's second game with more than 100 yards rushing (vs. Miami (Ohio) 2006).
Senior quarterback Cameron Dantley made his second-career start for the Orange, throwing for three touchdowns in his 2008 debut. Dantley completed 13-of-20 passes for 135 yards and three touchdowns. Junior tight end Mike Owen broke out for a career day, leading all receivers with five receptions for 59 yards and two touchdowns. The scoring plays were the first of his career. Redshirt freshman Nick Provo made his first collegiate catch with a 15-yard touchdown reception.
Senior free safety Paul Chiara and senior linebacker Jake Flaherty led the Orange with nine tackles apiece, while junior nose tackle Arthur Jones had five tackles, including three for loss. He is now tied for ninth on SU’s career tackles for loss list with Josh Thomas and Rich Scanlon with 22.5. Sophomore cornerback Da’Mon Merkerson finished second on the team with eight tackles.
Akron scored first on a 33-yard touchdown pass from Chris Jacquemain to Jeremy Bruce with 11:39 left in the first quarter. The Zips took a 14-0 lead on a 35-yard touchdown run by Dennis Kennedy with 1:41 remaining in the first quarter.
The Orange responded with an eight play, 70 yard touchdown drive, capped by a 32-yard touchdown pass from Dantley to Owen with 14:14 left in the second quarter. Brinkley gained 29 yards rushing in the drive.
After Akron increased the lead to 21-7, the Orange offense came back with an 11 play 70 yard drive to bring the score within one touchdown, 21-14, with 2:17 left in the second quarter. Brinkley scored on a one-yard dive into the endzone over the Orange offensive line.
An Akron touchdown with 22 seconds left in the first half made the score 28-14 at the intermission.
On its first possession in the second half, Syracuse drove 69 yards on six plays to bring the score within a touchdown, 28-21. Dantley and Owen connected for their second touchdown play of the day.
The Orange tied the game at 28 with 12:56 remaining in the fourth quarter on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Dantley to Provo, capping a six play, 56-yard drive.
After the SU score, the Zips hurtled down the turf with a mix of progressive run and pass plays, capping off their 78-yard, 10-play scoring drive on a Jacquemain-Jones 12-yard touchdown connection. Akron regained the lead, 35-28, with 7:28 left in the game.
Akron closed the game with two touchdowns in the final 13 minutes, making the final score 42-28.
Syracuse returns to the Carrier Dome next Saturday (Sept. 13) when it hosts Penn State. Kick off is 3:30 p.m. and the game will be televised on ABC. SU’s contest with the Nittany Lions follows the premiere of ‘The Express’ at the Landmark Theater in downtown Syracuse on Friday night.
