Syracuse University
Akron
Syracuse Wins Season Opener, 29-3
9/4/2010 6:40:53 PM | Football
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Junior quarterback Ryan Nassib threw for a personal-best 229 yards on 17-for-27 passing and two touchdowns in his first collegiate start as Syracuse defeated Akron, 29-3, at InfoCision Stadium on Saturday night. It marked the first season-opening victory for the Orange since it defeated North Carolina (49-47 3OT) on the road in 2003, it was also SU's first road victory under second year head coach Doug Marrone. Watch Orange All Access for complete post game coverage, including highlights and interviews.
Syracuse scored on its opening drive as Nassib connected with senior wide receiver Aaron Weaver for a 23-yard touchdown pass. Freshman running back Prince-Tyson Gulley started the 11-play, 69-yard scoring drive with a 22-yard kickoff return in his collegiate debut. Senior Delone Carter rushed for 20 yards through four plays on the drive while Nassib connected with Lemon and junior Antwon Bailey through the air for 10 and 11 yards, respectively.
The Orange defense came out equally strong, forcing the Zips to a pair of three and outs on its first two possessions. SU held Akron to a total of seven three-and-outs in the contest.
Rookie place kicker Ross Krautman built the Orange advantage with his first career field goal. Krautman capped off a five-play, 41-yard drive with a 47-yard field goal to make it 10-0.
Akron worked its way onto the board with 1:16 remaining in the first half as kicker Igor Ivelijic connected on a 40-yard field goal attempt, cutting the deficit, 10-3.
Syracuse regained possession with 1:12 left in the half and beat the clock, as Nassib found junior wide out Van Chew for a 26-yard touchdown pass with five seconds remaining in the half. The touchdown capped off a six-play, 65-yard drive for the Orange, which included a pair of receptions by Lemon and 10 yards on the ground by Bailey. Chew was the top receiver for the Orange, notching 79 yards on three catches, including a game-best 45 yard grab.
The Orange defense added six points, 23-3, in the third quarter as senior linebacker Doug Hogue blocked an Akron field goal attempt and senior cornerback Mike Holmes returned the loose ball for a touchdown. It was the first blocked field goal attempt for the Orange since last year's season opener against Minnesota and the first blocked field goal returned for a touchdown since at least 1980.
The offensive onslaught continued in the fourth quarter as Carter and Nassib marched the Orange 80-yards on a nine-play scoring drive, increasing the lead, 29-3. Carter finished the drive with a one-yard rushing score. The Copley, Ohio native finished with a game-high 91 yards on 26 carries.
Syracuse continues its road swing when it visits Washington on Saturday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. (FSN Northwest). The Orange kicks off its home schedule against Maine on September 18 at 7:15 p.m.
