Good (late) morning everyone. I am currently setup and ready to go here at the Carrier Dome's press row where I'll witness the Syracuse Orange football program open up its 123rd season against the Northwestern Wildcats (12 p.m. ET on ESPN2).
Already, a few newsworthy things have come up as Syracuse senior wide receiver Alec Lemon will not play, as he's still recovering from a lower body injury. Lemon was out on the field for pregame warm ups and seemed fine, but must be not fine enough.
Also out: Syracuse punt returner Steve Rene (injury) and defensive end transfer John Raymon, who's still waiting to be cleared to play by the NCAA. Good news, tight end David Stevens will play.
It's very muggy inside the Dome today, as Weather.com says its 78-degrees with 62-percent humidity. Most of the time, inside domed stadiums the weather outside doesn't matter because there's air conditioning or, at least, some sort of climate control inside. But not at the Carrier Dome.
When I sat in my seat at press row today, I was dripping in sweat. I can't imagine how the player will feel by the second half of this game.
The final betting line on the game, according to Oddsharks.com, will favor the Wildcats who will enter as 1 1/2 point favorites.
For more on Syracuse Vs. Northwestern, check back to this SB Nation New York StoryStream. Meanwhile, Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician has everything a fan could want on the Orange.