Syracuse Game Notes vs. Temple
Syracuse, N.Y. - Carrier Dome
Andre Brinson's blocked punt in the first quarter was the Orangemen's second blocked kick in as many weeks (Clifton Smith - blocked FG vs. Pittsburgh). It was Brinson's first blocked punt of his career and the first for Syracuse since David Tyree versus Rutgers in 2000.
For the second-consecutive week, sophomore Jamel Riddle had a career-ong punt return. Riddle's 53-yard punt return in the first quarter was the longest of his career. Riddle's previous career-best return was a 32-yarder versus Pittsburgh on Oct. 13. Riddle also had a career-long reception in the second quarter, a 48-yard pass from R.J. Anderson. Riddle also had his first career rush in the third quarter, a four-yard touchdown run. Riddle ended the game with a career-best four catches and 120 yards.
Junior Chris Davis scored Syracuse's second touchdown in the first quarter with his third TD run of the season. It was only Davis' seventh carry of the season.
Johnnie Morant's 55-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter was the third time this season that he and Anderson had connected for a play of 50 yards or more. Morant caught a 74-yard touchdown versus Tennessee and had a 53-yard connection at Pittsburgh.
Syracuse's 21 first-quarter points surpassed the Orangemen's first-quarter scoring total from its previous seven games combined. SU had scored 17 total points in the first quarters of its previous outings. Until today, the most points the Orange had scored in an opening stanza was seven (UCF and Auburn).
Unofficially, Dwight Freeney's 2.5 second-quarter sacks give him 13.5 for the season. He now has 30 for his career and is 1.5 sacks away from equaling the SU single-season record of 15 set by Tim Green in 1984. His career total is fourth on the BIG EAST all-time sack list, passing Miami's Kenny Holmes' 29 sacks. (1993-96).
Collin Barber's 37-yard field goal in the second quarter was the first of his career. Barber, who hit 6-of-6 PATs in his debut versus Pittsburgh last week, is 12-of-12 on extra points this season.
Senior wide receiver Kwazi Leverette had his first career carry in the second quarter. Leverette gained 14 yards on the end around. Leverette's 59-yard reception on the last play of the first half was also a career long.
Syracuse allowed no first-half points for the first time since the 2000 season versus Cincinnati.
R.J. Anderson had a career-high 308 yards passing, including 200 yards in the first half. His previous best effort was 203 yards versus West Virginia last season. He is the first SU quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards since Donovan McNabb versus Tennessee in 1998. Anderson also tied a career-high with two touchdown passes.
James Mungro's third-quarter touchdown run was the 23rd of his career. He is now tied with Jim Brown for fifth on the SU all-time rushing touchdowns list. Joe Morris fourth with 25 rushing touchdowns.
Graham Manley's 12-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter was the first touchdown of his career.
Diamond Ferri set a career high with 10 carries for 60 yards. His previous best was seven carries for 49 yards versus Buffalo last season.
The Syracuse defense allowed a season-low 185 yards of total offense. The defense's previous best was 272 yards versus Pittsburgh. SU also allowed season lows in rushing yardage (74) and passing yardage (111).
