Syracuse University
South Florida
Syracuse to Square Off Against the Bulls to Kick Off the BIG EAST Schedule
10/2/2009 4:39:09 PM | Football
Read the Game Notes (PDF)
The Orange football team will host University of South Florida for its first BIG EAST Conference matchup of the season on Saturday, October 3 (12:00 p.m., BIG EAST Network) as part of Orange Central Weekend. Syracuse looks to extend its two-game winning streak against a USF team that is receiving votes in the national polls.
Fans are invited to attend the Football Family Fun Zone on the Quad on Saturday at 9 a.m. The event will include jumpies for the kids, face painting by the SU dance team, and the pre-game radio broadcast. The Syracuse cheerleaders, dance team, Otto the Orange and local band "The Delinquents" will perform. SU fans are urged to get to their seats early, as one lucky fan will be chosen to win $444 twenty minutes before kickoff.
SU beat Maine last week, 41-24, to improve its record to 2-2. It is the first time Syracuse has been .500 since 2006, when it started 2-2 and then beat Wyoming in double overtime to improve its record to 3-2. Syracuse's 41 points was the most the Orange has scored since it defeated Boston College, 43-17, in the regular-season finale on November, 27, 2004. The last time SU scored 35 points in back-to-back games was 2004, when it beat Connecticut, 42-30, and Pittsburgh, 28-31, in double overtime.
The game will highlight the University's Homecoming and Reunion weekend alongside the 'Night of Distinction,' in which six former student-athletes and the 1959 National Championship fooball team will be honored. The celebration will be Friday, October 2 at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino. The 2009 honorees include John H. Dean '59 (lacrosse), Beth (Hart) Foederer '89 (cross country/track & field), Harry Robert Greenwald '51 (track & field manager), Sean Kerins '84 (basketball), James P. Lee '75 (basketball) and Donald D. Lowe (honorary), in addition to the '59 Orange football squad. Syracuse University alumnus and NBC award-winning sportscaster Bob Costas will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.
Orange Central kicks homecoming festivities Friday at 5:30 p.m. with the traditional parade from the Schine Student Center to the Quad. The parade will include original banners, floats, and SU spirit. Following the parade, fans are invited to join Otto the Orange, and members of the football team, marching band, cheerleaders, and dance team for the pep rally and bonfire.
On Friday morning, the University dedicated Ernie Davis Hall, SU's first new residence hall in 40 years. It is named for SU's legendary number 44 who was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. The new nine-story structure offers a mix of room types, as well as lounges and laundry facilities on each floor. It boasts a 500-seat dining facility, 2,000 square feet of academic space, and a 10,600 square-foot recreation facility.
At the noon hour, the University presented the George Arents Award, which is SU's highest alumni honor, created to recognize those who are leaders in their field. This year's honorees include former All-American quarterback Don McPherson '87Karen DeCrow L'72, Sam Goekjian '52, Frank Langella '59, and Joyce Carol Oats '60, H'00.
On Saturday morning, the University will dedicate the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center, at Manley Field House. The $19 million, 54,000-square feet facility includes a Hall of Fame, weight room, training room, locker rooms, and a hydro-therapy room with state-of-the-art pools. Anthony's gift represents one of the largest individual donations to Syracuse University Athletics and is also believed to be one of the largest by a current professional athlete to the school they attended.
Syracuse-South Florida Series
Syracuse and South Florida have met every year since 2005, when the Bulls joined the BIG EAST Conference. Last year, Syracuse placekicker Patrick Shadle connected on two field goals, while running back Curtis Brinkley rushed for 116 yards on 20 carries and one touchdown for his fifth 100-yard rushing game of the season. USF leads the all-time series, 4-0.
Carter Continues to Earn Recognition
Senior running back Delone Carter scored four touchdowns against Maine, including three rushing and one receiving, to earn BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll recognition. His three rushing touchdowns ties for the ninth-best single-game performance at Syracuse. He has 1,134 career rushing yards, which ranks 36th in SU history.
Williams in the Record Books
Senior wide receiver Mike Williams ranks 11th nationally with 109.25 receiving yards per game and is tied for 14th with 7.0 receptions per game. His 18 career receiving touchdowns is 18th among active FBS players and is most by any active receiver in the BIG EAST. He has had a reception in 24 consecutive games, which is fourth-best in school history.
Orange in the National Rankings
Junior Rob Long ranks ninth nationally with a 45.11 punting average. His career average of 43.09 ranks third among active punters in the BCS and is the best in the BIG EAST. Freshman Ryan Lichtenstein is tied for 15th nationally with his 1.75 field goals per game average. Senior Derrell Smith has a .88 sacks per game average, which is tied for 23rd nationally. Sophomore kick returner Mike Jones ranks 39rd nationally with his 25.78 yards per return and is 49th in the FBS with 130.0 all-purpose yards per game. The team ranks 13th in the nation with 83.0 rushing yards, while its 10 turnovers gained is tied for 18th, including its five fumbles recovered, which is tied for 19th.
Scouting the Bulls
USF is 4-0 after knocking off No. 18 Florida State, 17-7, last Saturday. Redshirt freshman quarterback B.J. Daniels completed 8-of-21 for 215 yards and two touchdowns against the Seminoles. It was his first career-start since senior quarterback Matt Grothe left the game due to injury against Charleston Southern. Junior wide receiver Carlton Mitchell is the team's leading receiver with 15 catches for 238 yards, while Daniels leads the team with 259 rushing yards on 38 carries.
