Syracused turned an awful opening quarter for SU fans into one they could be proud of.

Trailing 7-0 with less than four minutes to go in the opening quarter, junior quarterback Ryan Nassib connected with junior wide receiver Marcus Sales on a career-long, 52-yard TD reception to help SU knot the game at 7-7.

On first-and-10 from the KSU 48-yard line, SU called a flea-flicker and it worked as Sales was wide open at the goal line.

The Orange’s trick play answered a huge 51-yard dash by KSU senior running back Daniel Thomas, who scored a TD on the second play from scrimmage.

Syracuse’s first possession ended in three plays.

On SU’s second possession, the Orange used 12 plays to go just 28 yards — yes, that stat is correct.

The drive ended when junior quarterback Ryan Nassib was sacked on fourth-and-nine from the Wildcats’ 33-yard line.

But as it usually does, the SU defense held its ground and forced KSU to punt on its third possession of the quarter.

SU scored two plays later.