SB Nation New York - Syracuse 37, USF 36: Orange come back for thrilling victoryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48977/ny-fave.png2012-10-29T10:11:52-04:00http://newyork.sbnation.com/rss/stream/33075132012-10-29T10:11:52-04:002012-10-29T10:11:52-04:00Rutgers, Syracuse still in Big East title race
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vHQav-l3144QnA4EwhWqrLiUJpo=/0x98:4000x2765/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2243073/154067993.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rich Schultz</figcaption>
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<p>There's still a lot of football to be played, but the Big East Conference title contenders are slowly shaping into form.</p> <p>The Big East Conference is no stranger to drama, especially when it comes to finding its regular-season champion in football. Every year it seems the league gets to the halfway point in conference play and there's a handful of schools still in the race for a BCS bowl berth.</p>
<p>This season is no different. Currently, the Big East standings feature two teams with unbeaten league records -- Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-0) and Louisville Cardinals (3-0) -- and two others with just one loss -- Syracuse Orange (3-1) and Cincinnati Bearcats (1-1). The Temple Owls (2-2) remain a contender despite suffering back-to-back conference losses, however, that could change this Saturday when they travel to Louisville.</p>
<p>The rest of the field -- Pittsburgh Panthers (1-3), Connecticut Huskies (0-3) and South Florida Bulls (0-3) -- are seemingly out of the race, as history shows if you have three conference losses you will not win the league.</p>
<p>So, with five weeks to go the Big East has five teams in the mix. But, before we move onto scenarios, here's next week's schedule:</p>
<p>-- Syracuse at Cincinnati (noon on Big East Network)<br>-- Temple at Louisville (noon on ABC or ESPN3)<br>-- UConn at South Florida (7 p.m. on ESPNU).<br>-- Pittsburgh at Notre Dame (3:30 p.m. on NBC)</p>
<p>By next week, the standings could look like this if all the favorites earn victories (Cincinnati beats Syracuse; Louisville defeats Temple; South Florida downs UConn).</p>
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget conference_standings clearfix">
<h3>Big East Conference Standings</h3>
<div class="pane-body">
<p class="updated">(updated 10.28.2012 at 2:01 AM EDT)</p>
<div>
<table cellspacing="0" class="standings zebra sbn-pte-table">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th></th> <th colspan="2">Conf</th> <th colspan="2">Overall</th>
</tr></thead>
<thead><tr>
<th></th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/rutgers-scarlet-knights">Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>7</td>
<td class="td-last">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville Cardinals</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>9</td>
<td class="td-last">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/cincinnati-bearcats">Cincinnati Bearcats</a></td>
<td>2<br>
</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>6</td>
<td class="td-last">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>4</td>
<td class="td-last">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/temple-owls">Temple Owls</a></td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td class="td-last">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/pittsburgh-panthers">Pittsburgh Panthers</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>4</td>
<td class="td-last">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/south-florida-bulls">South Florida Bulls</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3<br>
</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/connecticut-huskies">Connecticut Huskies</a></td>
<td>0</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p>However, things could look like this if Syracuse upsets Cincinnati and the rest of the favorites go onto win.</p>
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget conference_standings clearfix">
<h3>Big East Conference Standings</h3>
<div class="pane-body">
<p class="updated">(updated 10.28.2012 at 2:01 AM EDT)</p>
<div>
<table cellspacing="0" class="standings zebra sbn-pte-table">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th></th> <th colspan="2">Conf</th> <th colspan="2">Overall</th>
</tr></thead>
<thead><tr>
<th></th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/rutgers-scarlet-knights">Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>7</td>
<td class="td-last">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville Cardinals</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>9</td>
<td class="td-last">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>5</td>
<td class="td-last">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/temple-owls">Temple Owls</a></td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/cincinnati-bearcats">Cincinnati Bearcats</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>5</td>
<td class="td-last">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/pittsburgh-panthers">Pittsburgh Panthers</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>4</td>
<td class="td-last">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/south-florida-bulls">South Florida Bulls</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/connecticut-huskies">Connecticut Huskies</a></td>
<td>0</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p>Things could get chaotic if Syracuse and Temple both win.</p>
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget conference_standings clearfix">
<h3>Big East Conference Standings</h3>
<div class="pane-body">
<p class="updated">(updated 10.28.2012 at 2:01 AM EDT)</p>
<div>
<table cellspacing="0" class="standings zebra sbn-pte-table">
<thead class="super-head"><tr>
<th></th> <th colspan="2">Conf</th> <th colspan="2">Overall</th>
</tr></thead>
<thead><tr>
<th></th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/rutgers-scarlet-knights">Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>7</td>
<td class="td-last">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>5</td>
<td class="td-last">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville Cardinals</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>8</td>
<td class="td-last">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/temple-owls">Temple Owls</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>4</td>
<td class="td-last">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/cincinnati-bearcats">Cincinnati Bearcats</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>5</td>
<td class="td-last">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/pittsburgh-panthers">Pittsburgh Panthers</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>4</td>
<td class="td-last">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/south-florida-bulls">South Florida Bulls</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/connecticut-huskies">Connecticut Huskies</a></td>
<td>0</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p>All-in-all, it seems like the winner of the league will have just one conference loss. Louisville got a leg up on Cincinnati last week with a victory over the Bearcats, while Syracuse, Rutgers and Temple still need to play both schools.</p>
<p>If you'd like a rundown of each team's upcoming schedules, here you go:</p>
<p><b>Syracuse Orange</b></p>
<p>Nov. 3: @ Cincinnati<br>Nov. 10: vs. Louisville <br>Nov. 17: @ Missouri* <br>Nov. 23: @ Temple</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/rutgers-scarlet-knights" class="sbn-auto-link">Rutgers Scarlet Knights</a> </b></p>
<p>Nov. 10: vs. Army<br>Nov. 17: @ Cincinnati<br>Nov. 24: @ Pittsburgh<br>Nov. 29 (Thurs.): vs. Louisville</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/louisville-cardinals" class="sbn-auto-link">Louisville Cardinals</a></b></p>
<p>Nov. 3: vs. Temple<br>Nov. 10: @ Syracuse<br>Nov. 24: vs. UConn<br>Nov. 29: @ Rutgers</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/cincinnati-bearcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bearcats</a> </b></p>
<p>Nov. 10: @ Temple<br>Nov. 17: vs. Rutgers<br>Nov. 23: vs. South Florida<br>Dec. 1: @ UConn</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/temple-owls" class="sbn-auto-link">Temple Owls</a></b></p>
<p>Oct. 27: @ Pittsburgh<br>Nov. 3: @ Louisville<br>Nov. 10: vs. Cincinnati<br>Nov. 23: vs. Syracuse</p>
<p>So, Big East football fans: Who do you got? (Vote in the poll below.)</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/rutgers-scarlet-knights-football/2012/10/29/3570580/rutgers-syracuse-big-east-football-standigns-scenariosJared Smith2012-10-28T14:39:30-04:002012-10-28T14:39:30-04:00Nassib answers call in thrilling victory at USF
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P-NPs9IEeo8lz8Zp7uzQlz7UmpE=/0x16:600x416/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2173645/gyi0062259860.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andy Lyons</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Trailing by 20 points at halftime Saturday, the Orange needed to score points in the second half if it wanted to pull out a road victory. Behind the arm of senior quarterback Ryan Nassib, Syracuse did and in the process saved its season.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> football program needed a legendary second-half performance from its senior quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37776/ryan-nassib">Ryan Nassib</a> Saturday if it wanted to rally and earn a Big East Conference road win for the first time since Nov. of 2010. And, wow, did it ever get it.</p>
<p>Trailing by 20 points at halftime, Nassib helped lead Syracuse on five second-half touchdown drives, including a spectacular game-winning one that marched 75 yards on eight plays in just 1 minute, 20 seconds. The drive was capped by a one-yard touchdown reception by senior wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75625/alec-lemon">Alec Lemon</a>, who capped the scoring and gave the Orange a 37-36 lead with :03 remaining.</p>
<p>The Nassib to Lemon pitch-and-catch not only polished off a remarkable rally and helped the Orange escape Tampa, FL with a one-point league victory. It also completed the signal caller's most memorable performance of his three-season career, and it couldn't have come at a better time.</p>
<p>A loss to USF would have seemingly killed SU's hopes of reaching the six-win mark that allows a program to become bowl eligible. The Orange would have dropped to 3-5 overall and be forced to win three of their last four games to finish at 6-6, a tough task considering the upcoming schedule features: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/cincinnati-bearcats">Cincinnati Bearcats</a> (road), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville Cardinals</a> (home), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a><span class="sbn-auto-link"> (road)</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/temple-owls">Temple Owls</a> (road).</p>
<p>However, Nassib's second-half performance (18-for-224 with 258 yards and four touchdowns) helped completely turn the tides on the season.</p>
<p>The comeback started at the beginning of the second half with a seven-play, 84-yard touchdown drive that ended on a beautiful 31-yard strike to junior wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114548/jarrod-west">Jarrod West</a>. Kicker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114532/ross-krautman">Ross Krautman's</a> extra point capped the drive that took just 2:34 and cut USF's lead to 23-10.</p>
<p>Syracuse closed within six points, 23-17, after Lemon polished off a five-play, 45-yard touchdown drive with a five-yard run. The score was setup by a blocked punt by the special teams, which gave its offense the ball inside Bulls' territory.</p>
<p>A fumble by USF running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37691/demetris-murray">Demetris Murray</a> on the first play of the ensuing drive was recovered by SU senior safety Shamarko Thomas. Soon after, Nassib hit senior wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37778/marcus-sales">Marcus Sales</a> with a five-yard touchdown pass to help the Orange take a 24-23 lead with 6:10 remaining in the third quarter.</p>
<p>Let me say that again: After failing to score more than three points in the first half, which featured four of six offensive drives marching inside USF territory, the Orange tallied 21 points in less than 8:50.</p>
<p>During the 21-0 run, Nassib was 5-for-6 with 79 yards and two touchdowns.</p>
<p>However, despite being punched in the mouth and losing what seemed to be an insurmountable lead so quickly, the Bulls managed to pull themselves together and took a 33-24 lead with 10:43 to go in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>With the defense clearly playing one of its worst games in years, Nassib and the rest of the offense needed to answer. And they did, twice more.</p>
<p>The first touchdown drive marched 75 yards on 12 plays and ended with another Sales touchdown, this time from 19 yards out.</p>
<p>With the score cut to 33-31, USF tacked on a late field goal to push its advantage to 36-31. Luckily, there was enough time (1:23) for Nassib to work more of his magic.</p>
<p>In the first two plays of the drive, Nassib got large chunks of yardage as he found West for a 24 yards and Sales for 20. After two incomplete passes and facing a 3rd-and-10, Nassib found Sales again for 20 yards to move the ball to the USF 16-yard line.</p>
<p>A six-yard pass to Lemon moved the ball to the 10-yard line. After two five-yard penalties moved the ball back to the Bulls' 20, Nassib connected with Sales again for a 19-yard pass that marched the ball down to the 1/2-yard line.</p>
<p>As the clock ticked under 10 seconds to go, Nassib hurried the offense to the line of scrimmage and sneaked the ball in for a go-ahead score. However, a victory celebration was short lived after the play was ruled dead because USF called a timeout with :06 -- replays showed a Bulls defender would have been called for an offsides penalty if USF didn't call for time.</p>
<p>On the next play, Nassib took the snap from shotgun, rolled to his right and hit Lemon to complete a comeback that saved the season.</p>
<p>The funny thing is, for the first time this year Nassib looked extremely cool under pressure.</p>
<p>In the first half, USF had flustered him with some pass rush and the senior was inaccurate and couldn't help SU convert third-down situations.</p>
<p>At times this season that has been a common scenario for Nassib, who has failed to convert critical third downs or turned the ball over in key situations, individually hampering the offense's ability to score points.</p>
<p>The turnover woes had forced head coach Doug Marrone to essential call out his quarterback -- during Saturday's broadcast the ESPN3 announcers mentioned a conversation with Marrone, who said the quarterback was the one most responsible for SU's turnovers.</p>
<p>But facing the Big East's worst defense and seeing flashes of large production earlier in the season there was hope Nassib could find his rhythm and lead a second-half rally.</p>
<p>If Syracuse was going to get back into Saturday's contest it was going to be behind the arm of its senior leader.</p>
<p>He did. The conclusion was a 328-yard, four-touchdown and zero-interception performance that will go in the Syracuse football history books and keep fans from moving onto basketball season for at least one more week.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/syracuse-orange-football/2012/10/28/3565960/syracuse-football-at-usf-ryan-nassib-doug-marrone-alec-lemon-marcus-salesJared Smith2012-10-28T10:31:55-04:002012-10-28T10:31:55-04:00Orange lose...wait win, Big East thriller
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k4AZ3zUXGjVqYFKP2-sft2B2rWA=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828127/large_newyork.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> scored five second-half touchdowns Saturday to help earn a come-from-behind victory, 37-36, over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/south-florida-bulls">South Florida Bulls</a> in a Big East Conference football game at Raymond James Stadium. The win was highlighted by a last-second touchdown that helped the Orange (4-4, 3-1 Big East) overcome a 20-point halftime deficit.</p>
<p>The rally was so improbable, SB Nation's Syracuse blog, <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/">Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician</a>, began writing its game recap with four minutes left to go in the game. <a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2012/10/27/3565132/syracuse-37-usf-36-mr-marrones-wild-ride">The result was one as if the Orange lost</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>In a way, the 2012 Syracuse Orange football season is unique in that it is the singular most confusing season that I've ever had the pleasure/displeasure of watching. What happens in one game is completely outside of what happens in the next, and so on and so forth. So in that sense, it shouldn't be surprising that the Orange lost 36-31 to the South Florida Bulls, because, when you play a season like Syracuse has, what's considered a surprise?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Surprisingly, the game recap foreshadowed what was about to happen -- an unpredictable ending.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Syracuse football is like the football version of chaos theory. Drip them down your knuckle and you never know which way they're going to dribble down your hand. There's absolutely no way to predict it or assume it or allow for it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The victory helped SU reach the .500 mark for the first time this season and moved them into sole possession of third place in the Big East standings. Next Saturday, the Orange visit the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/cincinnati-bearcats">Cincinnati Bearcats</a> for a Big East contest (noon ET on Big East Network).</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/syracuse-orange-football/2012/10/28/3566260/usf-vs-syracuse-recap-reactionJared Smith2012-10-27T22:53:33-04:002012-10-27T22:53:33-04:00 Orange come back to defeat Bulls 37-36
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<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/syracuse-orange" class="sbn-auto-link">Syracuse Orange</a> trailed early and often, but mounted a last-minute drive to defeat the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/south-florida-bulls" class="sbn-auto-link">South Florida Bulls</a> on the road, 37-36.</p>
<p>Syracuse found themselves trailing 23-3 at half, but stormed back in the third quarter. The Orange scored three third quarter touchdowns, shaving the lead to 26-24 heading into the fourth quarter. After a Syracuse punt to start the fourth, each team traded touchdowns to push the score to 33-31. South Florida then went on a drive that chewed up 5:56, launching a field goal with 1:23 left to put the Bulls up 36-31.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37776/ryan-nassib">Ryan Nassib</a> and the Syracuse offense took over at their own 25 yard-line with only 1:23 left on the clock, but Nassib led the offense into the South Florida red zone. After two offensive penalties, Nassib completed a pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37778/marcus-sales">Marcus Sales</a>, who was stopped on the South Florida one-yard line with less then ten seconds left. On the next play, Nassib tossed a one-yard touchdown pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75625/alec-lemon">Alec Lemon</a> to give Syracuse a 37-36 win.</p>
<p>Nassib finished with 328 yards passing, completing 27 of his 40 pass attempts while tossing four touchdowns. Sales was Nassib's favorite target, hauling in nine receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114537/jerome-smith">Jerome Smith</a> led the Syracuse rushing attack with 127 yards on 28 carries.</p>
<p>South Florida had a strong day running the ball, finishing with 369 rushing yards. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75599/lindsey-lamar">Lindsey Lamar</a> was the team's leading rusher, picking up 145 yards and one touchdown on the ground on just ten carries. Quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37686/b-j-daniels">B.J. Daniels</a> had 134 yards rushing on twelve carries, and added 183 yards and a touchdown through the air.</p>
<p><b>Box Score Hero: </b>Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib, who went 27-of-40 with 328 yards passing while throwing four touchdowns and no interceptions.</p>
<p><b>Rankings Ramifications: </b>Neither team received any votes in either polls, and neither team should expect to rank in the polls next week.</p>
<p><b>But Did They Cover? </b>South Florida was a 7½-point favorite, failing to cover the spread.</p>
<p><b>For More On This Game:</b></p>
<p><i>For more on Cuse football, visit <a href="http://nunesmagician.com">Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician</a> plus <a href="http://newyork.sbnation.com">SB Nation New York</a>. And <a href="http://bigeastcoastbias.com">Big East Coast Bias</a>, for the time being.</i></p>
<p><i>For more on USF football, visit <a href="http://voodoofive.com">South Florida blog Voodoo Five</a>, plus <a href="http://bigeastcoastbias.com">Big East blog Big East Coast Bias</a>.</i></p>
<p><i><a href="http://bigeastcoastbias.com"><b>Next Week's Schedule:</b></a></i></p>
<p>Syracuse - at Cincinnati</p>
<p>South Florida - vs. Connecticut</p>
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https://newyork.sbnation.com/syracuse-orange-football/2012/10/27/3565044/usf-vs-syracuse-final-scoreConnor Moylan2012-10-27T21:42:33-04:002012-10-27T21:42:33-04:00Syracuse coming back, but still behind Bulls 26-24
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<p>The Orange played a quality third quarter, out-scoring the Bulls 21-3. Syracuse has cut into the South Florida lead, but still trail 26-24 heading into the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>Syracuse started the second half strong, scoring on their first three possessions of the half. The first drive ended with a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37776/ryan-nassib">Ryan Nassib</a> 31-yard touchdown pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114548/jarrod-west">Jarrod West</a>, while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75625/alec-lemon">Alec Lemon</a> punched in a four-yard touchdown run for the second score.</p>
<p>Bulls running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37691/demetris-murray">Demetris Murray</a> fumbled the football on the first play from scrimmage following Syracuse's second touchdown, giving the Orange strong field position for a chance to go ahead. Nassib and the offense capitalized on the strong field position, with Nassib tossing a five-yard touchdown pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37778/marcus-sales">Marcus Sales</a> to give the Orange their first lead at 24-23 with 6:10 to go in the third quarter.</p>
<p>South Florida drove down the field after the third Syracuse touchdown of the quarter, as kicker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37693/maikon-bonani">Maikon Bonani</a> booted his fourth field goal of the day, a 41-yard field goal that put the Bulls ahead 26-24.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/syracuse-orange-football/2012/10/27/3564956/usf-vs-syracuse-scoreConnor Moylan2012-10-27T20:39:44-04:002012-10-27T20:39:44-04:00Halftime Update: Orange Trail Bulls
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> have struggled in the first half of their Big East matchup against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/south-florida-bulls">South Florida Bulls</a>, and currently find themselves trailing 23-3. Quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37776/ryan-nassib">Ryan Nassib</a> had an inconsistent first half, completing nine of his 16 pass attempts for 90 yards. The Orange had more success on the ground in the first half than through the air. Running back <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114537/jerome-smith" class="sbn-auto-link">Jerome Smith</a> rushed for 75 yards on 16 carries, good for 4.7 yards per carry. Fellow tailback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114527/prince-tyson-gulley" class="sbn-auto-link">Prince-Tyson Gulley</a> also chipped in 49 yards rushing on eight carries.</p>
<p>South Florida ran all over Syracuse in the first half, with two players logging 100 yards in the first two quarters. Tailback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75599/lindsey-lamar" class="sbn-auto-link">Lindsey Lamar</a> rushed for 110 yards and one touchdown on six carries, while quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37686/b-j-daniels" class="sbn-auto-link">B.J. Daniels</a> ran for 100 yards on six carries as well. The Syracuse pass defense played better than the rush defense, holding Daniels to 62 yards passing. South Florida kicker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37693/maikon-bonani" class="sbn-auto-link">Maikon Bonani</a> has had a solid first half, connecting on all three of his first-half field goal attempts, including a long of 46 yards.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/syracuse-orange-football/2012/10/27/3564790/usf-vs-syracuse-scoreConnor Moylan2012-10-27T19:48:12-04:002012-10-27T19:48:12-04:00Syracuse flat, trains USF 10-3
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<p>South Florida is running at will against Syracuse. The Bulls are averaging 6.4 yards per rush on 14 carries as the Orangmen fail to stop a mixed attack.</p>
<p>The Bulls opening drive netted a 1-yard touchdown run by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37691/demetris-murray" class="sbn-auto-link">Demetris Murray</a>, and a late-quarter field goal by Maikon Bonani opened up a 10-3 lead over Syracuse. Four different rushers have carries for USF, including a 19-yard scamper by quarterback BJ Daniels.</p>
<p>On Syracuse's first drive, the Orangemen failed to capitalize on a first-and-goal from the five, settling for a 20-yard field goal by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114532/ross-krautman" class="sbn-auto-link">Ross Krautman</a>.</p>
<p>Syracuse has yet to capitalize on a potent passing attack that is ranked 16th in the nation, with quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37776/ryan-nassib" class="sbn-auto-link">Ryan Nassib</a> just 3-of-6 for 36 yards. Running back <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114537/jerome-smith" class="sbn-auto-link">Jerome Smith</a> has eight carries for 41 yards, good for a 5.1 yards per carry.</p>
<p>Both teams are 1-3 on third downs in this game.</p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/syracuse-orange-football/2012/10/27/3564656/usf-vs-syracuse-scoreHammerheadT2012-10-27T12:02:46-04:002012-10-27T12:02:46-04:00Latest updates of Syracuse at South Florida
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<p>All you need to know about Syracuse's match up with USF.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a> visit the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/south-florida-bulls">South Florida Bulls</a> Saturday for a Big East Conference football game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL (7 p.m. ET on ESPN3 and Time Warner Cable Sports). The Orange (3-4, 2-1 Big East) will be looking for their second victory in as many weeks while the Bulls (2-5, 0-5) will be trying to snap a five-game losing streak.</p>
<p>The series between the two schools has been dominated by USF, which has earned wins in six of the seven meetings including last season's 37-17 victory at the Carrier Dome. In fact, in the Bulls' six victories over the Orange the average margin of victory has been 23.5 points.</p>
<p>Syracuse's lone win in the series came in 2010 when the Orange downed the Bulls, 13-9, on the road.</p>
<h5>Point spread</h5>
<p><a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/odds">According to oddsmakers</a>, SU will enter the contest as 3.5-point underdogs. The point spread is smaller than the opening line of 7.5 points that favored USF. This will be the fourth time this season Syracuse will enter a game as an underdog.</p>
<p>The over/under is currently set at 52 points.</p>
<h5>Injury report</h5>
<p>Syracuse will more than likely be without its short-yardage running back, sophomore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134364/adonis-ameen-moore">Adonis Ameen-Moore</a>, slashback, freshman <span>Ashton Broyld,</span> and No. 1 punt returner and safety, sophomore <span>Ritchy Desir</span>. The Orange, however, could see the return of kick return and slot wide receiver, sophomore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134360/jeremiah-kobena">Jeremiah Kobena</a>.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Bulls will be without their most experienced piece on the offensive line, senior left guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37710/mark-popek">Mark Popek</a>. Popek left last Saturday's 27-25 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville Cardinals</a> with an ankle injury.</p>
<p>Also out for USF will be running back Willie Davis, who mainly played on special teams. Questionable for the game will be senior safety <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37688/jon-lejiste">Jon Lejiste</a>; while senior running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37691/demetris-murray">Demetris Murray</a> (ankle) and junior defensive end Tevin Mims (groin) are probable.</p>
<h5>The quarterbacks<br>
</h5>
<p>Both squads enter the game with senior signal callers: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37686/b-j-daniels">B.J. Daniels</a> (USF) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37776/ryan-nassib">Ryan Nassib</a> (SU).</p>
<p>Daniels will be making his fourth career start against the Orange, a team he's had mixed results against. Last season, Daniels compiled 371 total yards of offense (117 on the ground) and scored a touchdown in a 37-17 victory; In '10, Daniels completed 9 of 23 passes with 124 yards and was held to minus-1 yards rushing in a 13-9 loss; the senior's first start versus SU featured 215 passing yards (12-for-20) and 32 rushing yards in a 34-20 win.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nassib will be making his third start against the Bulls. In the the previous two games, the senior has averaged 213 passing yards and 1.5 touchdowns.</p>
<p>Currently, Nassib leads the Big East in passing yards (309.14, ranked ninth in the nation) and total offense (322.14, 12th). Daniels averaged just 281.43 total yards per game (third in the conference).</p>
<h5>The scouting report</h5>
<p>The Orange are coming off a dominating 40-10 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/connecticut-huskies">Connecticut Huskies</a> last Saturday. SU leads the Big East in total offense (453.6 ypg), however, is ranked sixth in scoring offense (25.3). </p>
<p>The Orange are led by an up-tempo no-huddle offense that features senior wide receivers <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75625/alec-lemon">Alec Lemon</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37778/marcus-sales">Marcus Sales</a> being Nassib's top targets. Junior running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114537/jerome-smith">Jerome Smith</a> has emerged as SU's No. 1 option in the backfield. Last week, Smith ran for a career-best 133 yards on 19 carriers.</p>
<p>Defensively, SU has a stout run defense. Last week, the Orange held UConn to minus-6 yards rushing and two weeks prior to that held \Pittsburgh star running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75526/ray-graham">Ray Graham</a> to just 57 yards on 24 carries.</p>
<p>SU's Achilles heel is turnovers. The Orange are 3-0 when they have had fewer, or the same number of turnovers as their opponent, and are 0-4 when they have finished with more turnovers than their opponent.</p>
<p>USF is coming off a heartbreaking 2-point loss to Louisville last Saturday. The Bulls trailed by 11 points, however, was able rally but unable to close out the comeback in the final two minutes of the game.</p>
<p>Defensively, USF is struggling. The Bulls are ranked last in the Big East in total defense allowing 389.7 ypg and are allowing 27.4 points per game. USF is the only team in college football that does not have a defensive interception. Surprisingly, the Bulls have forced just one turnover of any kind in their last four games.</p>
<h5>Prediction</h5>
<p>Looking at everything, all of Syracuse's flaws (turnovers, pass defense) is what USF does a lot of or can't do very well. If the Bulls are going to be successful on offense it will need to use the arm and legs of Daniels, as the Orange have a history of struggling with duel-threat quarterbacks.</p>
<p>However, it seems Daniels will need to have a season-best game against SU to put up enough points. I think Syracuse's defense is up to the task of stopping Daniels.</p>
<p><b>Final score: Syracuse 30, USF 24</b></p>
https://newyork.sbnation.com/2012/10/27/3562560/syracuse-at-south-florida-odds-predictions-injury-news-and-scoutingJared Smith