Senior quarterback Ryan Nassib tossed for a collegiate-best 318 yards with three touchdowns, while former walk-on, senior wide receiver Mike Acchione, caught the game-winning TD pass, his first ever, midway through the fourth quarter to help Syracuse University escape with a 21-14 victory over the University of Rhode Island in a non-conference contest at the Carrier Dome. Nassib, who was 29-of-37 passes with three TDs and an interception, also tied a school record for most completions in a game, while senior wide receiver Van Chew caught a game-best eight balls for 134 yards and a touchdown.
Acchione's TD capped a eight-play, 80-yard drive that broke a 14-14 tie with 12:34 remaining in the game. However, his feel-good story will be overshadowed by the poor play of the Orange, who improved to a dicey 2-0 overall record and must travel to the west coast to face the University of Southern California next Saturday.
“You have to give Rhode Island credit," SU head coach Dough Marrone said. "They played well. Each game is different and each team is different. We didn’t get the momentum going the way we liked to go. But I told the kids that we’ll have time to correct this stuff. We’re not good enough not to enjoy a victory, and that’s the one thing that’s important for our players. That’s what I told the players and that’s what I told the coaches. I’ve been in this business long enough when if you walk out of here and you hang your head after a win, you’re not going to be in this business for too long."
Senior quarterback Steve Probst completed 14-of-30 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. Probst also carried the ball 15 times for 69 yards. Sophomore running back Travis Hurd rushed for 58 yards, which included a 26-yard TD run in the second quarter that helped tie the contest at 7-7. Senior wide receiver Anthony Baskerville caught a team-best seven balls for 88 yards and a TD, which came early in the third quarter and helped tie the game at 14.
SB Nation New York blogged live Saturday from the Carrier Dome during Sryacuse football'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.