Syracuse University
Pittsburgh
SU to Entertain Pitt in an 'Orange Out'
10/15/2010 6:06:02 AM | Football
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More About Orange Out
The Orange takes on Pittsburgh Saturday, October 15 (12 p.m., BIG EAST Network) in the Carrier Dome opener in BIG EAST play, as part of the University's Orange Central Weekend, which features Homecoming and Reunion weekend activities. All Orange fans are invited to join in 'Orange Out Weekend' by wearing their orange gear to the game as a part of Orange Central Weekend. Activities include Homecoming and alumni reunion activities.
'Orange Out Weekend' kicks off on Friday, October 15 with the 12th Man Rally in Downtown Syracuse in front of Galaxy Communications at noon. Hosted by TK99's Gomez and Dave, the rally will feature the SU marching band, Otto the Orange and a special appearance by Hall of Famer Dick MacPherson.
The Fun Begins on the Quad on Game Day
The festivities Saturday morning begin at the Family Fun Zone on the quad at 9:00 a.m. Adjacent to the Dome, the Family Fun Zone will feature the Syracuse marching band, cheerleaders, dance team and Otto the Orange. There will be jumpies and face painting for children as well as food available for purchase. The Family Fun Zone will also feature a live musical performance by the Fabcats and autographs by the SU women's basketball team.
Traffic Alert
All fans attending the game are encouraged to arrive early and plan for alternate routes to avoid delays due to traffic flow changes as a result of construction and game day traffic. Due to construction and lane reductions on 81 South, expect lengthy delays within the city of Syracuse. Fans coming to the game are encouraged to use 481 South to Brighton Ave. and follow the signs for Dome parking.
Fans leaving the game via the parking lots on the west side of the Dome should be aware that the on ramp to 81 north and 690 east is closed. The suggested alternate route is to take 81 south to 481 north.
Parking
Pay parking for the SU Football game will be at the Skytop Lot ($10.00 per car). Please note all campus and West Campus Lots near the dome are reserved for permit holders only.
Syracuse-Pittsburgh Series
The SU-Pittsburgh series is the third longest series in the history of Orange football, with the record standing at 30-32-3. Syracuse has a 12-8 advantage in games since the inception of the BIG EAST Conference. The last Orange victory in the series was in 2004 at home in a thrilling double-overtime game ending 38-31.
Making a Statement
For the first time since 1999, Syracuse football is off to a 4-1 start. The last time SU won its BIG EAST home-opener was in 2004, when the Orange beat Rutgers, 41-31. Until the victory in South Florida, Syracuse hadn't won its BIG EAST opener since 2007 at Louisville. Through the first five games of the season, the Orange is performing statistically better in most categories such as total defense (284.6, best since 1996, 255.2), pass defense (160.4, best since 1989, 133.4), and scoring defense (14.8, best since 1999, 12.2).
Orange Defense
For the second time this season, the SU defense kept the opponent's offense out of the endzone and held the opposition to less than 10 points (USF and Akron). The last time the Orange held two opponents to less than 10 points was in 2003 against Toledo and Temple. Syracuse hasn't allowed an offensive touchdown twice in the same season since 1997 (East Carolina and Rutgers).
Orange defense has forced two turnovers in each of the last three games, and at least one turnover in the past four games. At USF, SU had two interceptions for the second game in a row (Colgate). During the Marrone era, the Orange has forced 28 turnovers, including 13 interceptions and 15 fumble recoveries. Senior cornerback Da'Mon Merkerson has two interceptions on the season while senior linebacker Derrell Smith and junior defensive end Chandler Jones each have a pair of forced fumbles.
In two seasons as defensive coordinator, Scott Shafer has made his mark on the team. The Orange defense has held opponents to zero points in 11 of 20 quarters this season. Against the Akron Zips, SU allowed the fewest points by the team in a season opener since 1997. Notable statistical improvement during Shafer's Syracuse tenure is seen across the board this season compared to 2009 and 2008 final NCAA rank, particularly in total defense (15th), pass defense (14th) and pass efficiency defense (17th).
Suter is BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week
Senior safety Max Suter garnered the honor of BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week for his performance at South Florida. He led the defense with eight tackles, including six solo and three for a loss of 16 yards. Suter also recorded a sack for a loss of eight yards and forced a fumble. This is his second league player of the week career honor, the first in 2007 as Special Teams Player of the Week.
Carter Rises on the All-Time Rushing List
Senior running back Delone Carter ascended into ninth place on the SU career rushing record with his 105 yards this past weekend at South Florida. He passed quarterback Bill Hurley and 1961 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis. Carter has a total of 2,395 career yards, and is eighth on the career carries record list (510), eighth in career 100-yard rushing games (8), and seventh on the record list in rushing yard per game (72.4).
Road Wins
Syracuse has won two road games this season (USF, Akron), which last happened in 2004 (at Buffalo and Boston College). The Orange last won three road games in 2001 (at Rutgers, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech).
Post-Game Coverage
For game highlights, head coach Doug Marrone's postgame press conference and student-athlete interviews, sign onto Orange All Access following the game.
