Once again, SB Nation New York is blogging live form the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. as the Syracuse University football program hosts the University of Rhode Island, a FCS-level program that plays in the Colonial Athletic Conference. the Orange (1-0) are coming off a thrilling, 36-29, overtime victory over the University of Wake Forest, which led 29-14 with 11:02 remaining in the game, while the Rams are opening up their season on the road.
Here are some pregame thoughts from the Dome:
- First, I'll start off with the Orange, who must win back the confidence of its fan base after struggling with Wake Forest last Thursday. For SU to do that it will need to get off to a quick start and then put some distance between them and the Rams before halftime. If the Orange are up by three possessions by the end of the first half, I'm sure there will be some smiling faces in Carrier Dome bleachers.
- Looking at the SU Athletic Departments game notes/depth chart and game day rosters, defensive end Chandler Jones, safety Olando Fisher and corner back Ri'Shard Anderson are listed. Now, to be honest, I am new to the way SU handles its injury news, but earlier in the week it seemed that these players were doubtful to start. This still could be the case -- to be honest, SU shouldn't need this players to be URI -- but as a look at the depth charts/roster they're playing. (Correction: All three players will be out Saturday.)
- As for the Big East Conference, there's a lot going on right now as SU's 4:30 p.m. kick off moves closer. Currently, Rutgers University is in a battle with the University of North Carolina, while the University of West Virginia was having a heck of a time with FCS-level opponent, Norfolk State, which led 12-10 at halftime. However, the last time I checked, UWV had pulled away. As of right now, the University of Cincinnati leads the University of Tennessee, 7-0, early in the first quarter. Later on tonight, in another Big East/SEC showdown, the University of Connecticut takes on host Vanderbilt (7 p.m. on ESPN).
- As for future SU football opponents: The University of Toledo was slightly edged by Ohio State, 27-23; the University of Tulane versus the University of Tulsa just kicked off; And, the University of Southern California hosts the University of Utah at 7:30 p.m on the Versus Network.
SB Nation New York is blogging live from the Carrier Dome during Saturday afternoon's non-conference contest against Rhode Island. Check back to SBN NY for in-game updates, post-game reactions and the most up-to-date news on the Orange. Also, follow along on Twitter at SBNationNY and Jared_E_Smith.