Syracuse Vs. USC Final Score: Trojans Defeat Orange, 42-29

Behind three fourth-quarter touchdowns Saturday the No. 2-ranked USC Trojans defeated the Syracuse Orange, 42-19, at MetLife Stadium. The trio of 6-point plays helped USC (2-0) hold off a hard-charging Orange squad (0-2) that had a possible go-ahead drive stall early in the fourth quarter. The victory helps USC improve to 4-0 against Syracuse all-time, and 2-0 at the Meadowlands.

Overall, USC senior quarter Matt Barkley tossed for 186 passing yards and six touchdowns and one interception, while senior running back Silas Redd tallied a game-high 107 rushing yards on 15 carries.

For the second straight week, Syracuse senior quarterback Ryan Nassib surpassed the 300-yard passing mark as he finished with 327 total. Nasib added two touchdowns and two interceptions.

For complete coverage of New York's College Classic featuring Syracuse vs. USC, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For in-depth coverage of the Orange visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, while Conquest Chronicles is all about the Trojans.

Syracuse Vs. USC Score: Trojans Lead Orange, 21-16, After 3rd Quarter

The non-conference contest between the Syracuse Orange and No. 2-ranked USC Trojans has reached the conclusion of the third quarter, and the Trojans lead the Orange, 21-16. USC (1-0) scored the quarters first TD, a four-yard reception by senior wide receiver James Woods, but Syracuse (0-1) answered with two of its own -- a three-yard TD reception by senior wide receiver Marcus Sales and a seven-yard run by sophomore Prince Tyson-Gulley -- to make the game a one-possession contest.

Sales' reception, which was setup by a bullet pass from senior quarterback Ryan Nassib, capped a very quick six-play, 50-yard drive that took just 1 minute, 59 seconds to complete. It was setup by an interception by senior SU safety Shamarko Thomas, who picked off a long throw from USC senior quarterback Matt Barkley and was tackled at midfield.

The Orange will start the fourth quarter with the ball facing a 3rd-and-7 situation at their own 20-yard line.

For complete coverage of New York's College Classic featuring Syracuse vs. USC, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For in-depth coverage of the Orange visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, while Conquest Chronicles is all about the Trojans.

Syracuse Vs. USC: Severe Weather Delays Start Of 2nd Half At MetLife Stadium

Severe weather moving in on MetLife Stadiym has delayed the start of the second half between the Syracuse Orange and No. 2-ranked USC Trojans. The delay began just as the second half was set to get underway with USC leading the Orange, 14-3.

About five minutes after the delay started, an official media announcement was made that the game would resume 30-45 minutes after the first rain fall. In East Rutherford, NJ, the rain began to fall at 5:36 p.m.

Since the start of the day, this was a concern as severe weather has threatened most of the Northeast. Initially, it was predicted the weather would arrive between 4-5 p.m., however, it arrived more at the tail end of that prediction.

Does the delay favor one team over the other? I would say it helps USC more than the Orange, who tacked on a field goal at the end of regulation and was schedule to receive the ball at the start of the half. This delay may stall that possible second-half momentum.

As for the weather forecast, the local AccuWeather radar shows that a big storm cell just moved north of the stadium and it could be just showers the rest of the night.

For complete coverage of New York's College Classic featuring Syracuse vs. USC, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For in-depth coverage of the Orange visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, while Conquest Chronicles is all about the Trojans.

Syracuse Vs. USC Score: Trojans Lead Orange, 14-3, At Halftime

A pair of receiving touchdowns have helped the No. 2-ranked USC Trojans earn a 14-3 halftime lead over the Syracuse Orange in a non-conference contest at MetLife Stadium. Sophomore wide receiver Marqise Lee and junior wide receiver Robert Woods both caught second-quarter TD catches from senior quarterback Matt Barkley, who tossed his last TD with 1 minutes, 15 seconds to go in the first half.

In the final minute of the second quarter, the Orange (0-1) were able to put together a 8-play, 55-yard drive that was capped by 37-yard field goal from junior Ross Krautman.

Overall, the Trojans (1-0) have out gained the Orange 230-129 in total yards. Barkley s 13-for-17 for 112 passing yards and two TDs, while senior running back Curtis McNeal has a game-high 58 rushing yards. USC has ran for a total of 108 yards on the ground.

As for Syracuse, they have marched inside Trojan territory on three drives but was only in position to collect points on one of them -- the last one.

A week after setting program records in passing yards, SU's senior quarterback Ryan Nassib is just 9-for-17 for 83 passing yards and one interception. Sophomore Jerome Smith leads the Orange in rushing with 28 yards, while receivers Alec Lemon, Marcus Sales and Beckett Wales all have two receptions.

For complete coverage of New York's College Classic featuring Syracuse vs. USC, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For in-depth coverage of the Orange visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, while Conquest Chronicles is all about the Trojans.

Syracuse Vs. USC Score: Game Tied 0-0 After 1st Quarter

After one quarter of play at MetLife Stadium, the Syracuse Orange and No. 2-ranked USC Trojans are tied at 0-0. The Trojans (1-0) entered as 25 1/2-point favorites over the Orange (0-1).

Both Syracuse and USC had two possession march inside enemy territory, however, neither squad was able to come away with points. Hampering the Orange was not driving far enough into USC territory -- on their second possession, they could of settled for a 49-yard field goal but elected to punt.

Meanwhile, the Trojans could have kicked a field goal on their second possession but they're without their starting place kicker Andre Heidari. So, instead of challenging its sophomore walk-on Craig McMahon, they elected to go for it on fourth down. The attempt failed.

Syracuse will begin the second quarter with the ball on its own 14-yard line with a 1-and-10 situation.

For complete coverage of New York's College Classic featuring Syracuse vs. USC, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For in-depth coverage of the Orange visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, while Conquest Chronicles is all about the Trojans.

Syracuse Vs. USC Pregame Notes: Weather Forecast, Injury Report, Betting Odds

Good afternoon everybody. I am all setup here at MetLife Stadium where in about 15 minutes the Syracuse Orange will face the No.2-ranked USC Trojans in the New York's College Classic (3:30 p.m. ET on ABC). The final betting line on the game will have the Trojans (1-0) as a 25 1/2-point favorite according to Bovada.com -- earlier this morning, USC was 27-point favorites.

Despite one's possible gambling interest -- I'd take the underdog Orange, if you're curious -- the biggest story right now is the weather. Currently, in East Rutherford, NJ its a muggy 84-degrees with spots of clouds -- so far, so good.

Though, earlier in the day there was some severe storms that rolled through the tri-state area -- a possible tornado may have touched down in Queens -- and later in the day, around 4-5 p.m., there's an 80-percent chance for a thunderstorm according to AccuWeather.com. I've heard, from other news guys who have spoke to their meteorologists, there's a good possibility that severe weather could delay this game. So, cross your fingers.

Injury wise, both the Orange and Trojans will enter pretty healthy. Syracuse senior wide receiver Alec Lemon, SU's leading wide out last season, will play after missing last week's season-opener against Northwestern Wildcats. Its really unknown how his lower-body injury will hamper him.

Players out for the Orange, and none of them are shockers, are: wide receiver Adrian Flemming, left tackle Justin Pugh, punt returner Steven Rene and defensive end John Raymon, who's still waiting to hear back from the NCAA about his eligibility.

For the Trojans, they could be without starting defensive end Wes Horton and sophomore place kicker Andre Heidari. Last week, Heidari was injured early in USC's 49-10 blowout victory over the Hawaii Warriors, which led to the Trojans going for 2-point conversions after each touchdown. Not sure if that trend will continue with sophomore walk-on Craig McMahon serving as today's possible starter.

As for Horton (6'5, 255-pounds), he's started 22 games, compiled 72 tackles and eight sacks during his four-year collegiate career.

For complete coverage of New York's College Classic featuring Syracuse vs. USC, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For in-depth coverage of the Orange visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, while Conquest Chronicles is all about the Trojans.

Syracuse Vs. USC Odds And Prediction: Trojans Enter As 27-Point Favorites

Saturday's Week 2 contest between the Syracuse Orange football program and No. 2-ranked USC Trojans at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ (3:30 p.m. ET on ABC) will feature the Trojans entering as 27-point favorites according to Bovada.com. The betting line almost doubles 2011's 15-point spread -- the Trojans covered as they defeated Syracuse, 38-17, at the LA. Coliseum.

The Orange (0-1) are coming off a heartbreaking 42-41 loss to the visiting Northwestern Wildcats, while the Trojans (1-0) easily defeated the visiting Hawaii Warriors, 49-10, last week.

Earlier this week, USC opened as a 25 1/2-point favorite and the over-under was set at 58 points. Saturday morning the over-under at Bovada was 65 points -- for those good at math, that's a jump of more than a touchdown.

Predictions

The Orange have a very tall task ahead, as they will try all they can to not be embarrassed in this nationally televised event that is being used not only as a revenue builder for the program but also as a recruiting tool.

If SU gets crushed by USC, all the good vibe that was built off the season-opener -- which is being viewed as a "good" loss -- would be diminished. However, if the Orange can hang with the Trojans and be in the game heading into the fourth quarter, this game will be looked at as another solid stepping stone under head coach Doug Marrone.

Meanwhile, USC is expected to use all its offensive fire power to get after SU's developing defense early. It would not be a surprise if the Trojans attack the Orange's progressing, but still not stellar, secondary with the pass and pound the ball in the end zone with the run.

The difference from this game becoming a blowout or a possible nail-biter will be turnovers or a big special teams play -- which could be effected by the weather. In all big upsets, there's a few big plays that turn the tides on the favorite and SU will need a few of them.

In the end, I see Syracuse keeping the score closer than it did last season, but not having enough to make people notice the effort.

Final score: USC 30, Syracuse 20.

For complete coverage of New York's College Classic featuring Syracuse vs. USC, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For in-depth coverage of the Orange visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, while Conquest Chronicles is all about the Trojans.

Syracuse Vs. USC: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ Weather Forecast

Saturday's New York's College Classic between the Syracuse Orange football program and the USC Trojans will be played in windy, cloudy and possibly stormy conditions, the weather forecast for East Rutherford, NJ is predicting. According to WeatherUnderground.com, the day's forecast, especially in the later afternoon -- kickoff time is at 3:30 p.m. ET -- features a 60-percent chance of perception, wind between 10-20 m.p.h. but temperatures near the low 80s.

As of 9 a.m., the local radar shows no rain or storms on the radar near East Rutherford, however, there's a front moving across Pennsylvania. Luckily, it looks like its moving northeast, a direction that may miss the tri-state area.

I am writing this post near downtown Brooklyn, and the weather here is muggy, breezy and very overcast. Seems that for most of the day there's going to be a chance for a pop-up shower or possibly thunderstorm for the NYC/NJ area, but doesn't look like a complete wash for those SU/USC tailgaters.

For complete coverage of New York's College Classic featuring Syracuse vs. USC, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For in-depth coverage of the Orange visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, while Conquest Chronicles is all about the Trojans.

Syracuse Vs. USC Injury Report: Alec Lemon Still Questionable, Trojans Dealing With Minor Injuries

Syracuse Orange senior wide receiver Alec Lemon will remaining listed as questionable heading into Saturday's non-conference game against the No. 2-ranked USC Trojans at MetLife Stadium. SU head coach Doug Marrone reiterated Wednesday Lemon's playing status which has stayed the same ever since preseason camp ended.

"I am not trying to hide it," said Marrone Wednesday. "I just really don't know yet."

The Orange, again, will enter a big game with a wait-and-see approach regarding Lemon's lower-body injury that he suffered in preseason camp. Last season, Lemon set a program record with 68 receptions and entered this season as quarterback Ryan Nassib's presumed No. 1 target.

In Lemon's absence last Saturday, in a heartbreaking 42-41 loss to the Northwestern Wildcats, senior wide receiver Marcus Sales caught a team-high 12 passes for 129 receiving yards, while Nassib set a school record with 482 passing yards.

Making his 2012-13 debut Saturday will be redshirt senior tight end David Stevens, who missed the season-opener with a minor leg injury. Earlier in the week, Marrone admitted that Stevens could have played Saturday but was held out for precautionary reasons.

Meanwhile, left tackle Justin Pugh, a 2011 All-Big East Conference First Team selection, wide receiver Adrian Flemming and transfer defensive end John Raymon will not play, according to Marrone. Pugh is recovering from shoulder surgery, Flemming is rehabbing from a high-ankle sprain and Raymon is still waiting for eligibility clearance regarding his academic transcripts.

"We are still working together with the NCAA, so we haven't had any final decision on that yet," said Marrone. "I don't know when that will end or when we will get that final decision."

As for the Trojans, they are dealing with a few minor injuries to redshirt junior cornerback Torian Harris, sophomore linebacker Lamar Dawson, redshirt sophomore Dion Bailey and place kicker Andre Heidari. For Saturday, all four are expected to play.

On the Trojans' depth chart, Harris is listed as the backup to starter sophomore Anthony Brown, Dawson is USC's starting middle linebacker, Bailey is the starting strong-side linebacker while Heidari is the starting place kicker.

During last week's 49-10 victory over the Hawaii Warriors, Bailey was seen supporting his right foot on crutches. Updates, however, said Bailey's crutches were just precautionary.

One Trojan with starting experience that will not see the field Saturday will be sophomore running back D.J. Morgan, who's out 3-4 weeks after undergoing minor knee surgery earlier in the week.

For complete coverage of New York's College Classic featuring Syracuse vs. USC, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For in-depth coverage of the Orange visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, while Conquest Chronicles is all about the Trojans.

2012 College Football Rankings: USC Drops To No. 2 In AP Poll

The Syracuse Orange will not play the No. 1 program in college football Saturday at MetLife Stadium; instead, the Orange will have to settle for playing No. 2. The USC Trojans, SU's New York's College Classic opponent, dropped down a spot in the latest AP Poll, which was released Tuesday.

Leapfrogging the Trojans were the Alabama Crimson Tide, who steamrolled the Michigan Wolverines, 41-14, on Saturday. USC's 49-10 rout of the Hawaii Warriors did not impress the pollsters as much.

Rounding out the poll's top five were the LSU Tigers, Oregon Ducks and Oklahoma Sooners.

A complete rundown of the AP Poll can be found here at SBNation.com.

For complete coverage of New York's College Classic featuring Syracuse vs. USC, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For in-depth coverage of the Orange visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, while Conquest Chronicles is all about the Trojans.

Syracuse Vs. USC: WR Alec Lemon Questionable For Week 2

The Syracuse Orange football program could be without two of its top wide receivers, senior Alec Lemon and junior Adrian Flemming, Saturday when it faces top-ranked USC Trojans in the New York's College Classic (3:30 p.m. ET on ABC) at MetLife Stadium.

When asked Monday about Lemon's playing status for the non-conference showdown, SU head coach Doug Marron said, "I don't know." Marrone was a bit more sure of Flemming's status as he said the 6-foot-3 wide out probably will not play. Both players missed Saturday's season opener against the Northwestern Wildcats, who earned a thrilling 42-41 victory.

Despite the possible loss of Lemon, SU's leading receiver last season, and Flemming, Marrone said redshirt tight end David Stevens should play against USC after he also missed Saturday's contest.

Without having these three offensive weapon in Week 1, SU was still able to total over 600 yards of offense, 482 through the air, against the Wildcats. But those yards probably will not come as easy against a more talented and experienced USC defense.

For complete coverage of New York's College Classic featuring Syracuse vs. USC, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. For in-depth coverage of the Orange visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, while Conquest Chronicles is all about the Trojans.

Syracuse Vs. USC: New York College's Classic Comes To MetLife Stadium

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