Here are a few observations from the first 30 minutes of action in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl between Syracuse and Kansas State.
- For much of the first half it felt like Kansas State was the team with the more consistent, more explosive offense. Two plays into the game the Wildcats got a 51-yard run from Daniel Thomas for a score. Yet, the game is tied at 14-14 and Syracuse has dominated in terms of total offense. The Orange have 242 yards to KSU’s 166. The Orange ran eight more plays, holding a 38-30 edge there.
- Syracuse was very fortunate not to be down 14-0 as Kansas State had a punt return for a touchdown wiped out by a penalty.
- I am guessing that the stadium is maybe two-thirds full. I have to say it looks beautiful as a football venue, and though it isn’t shaped like a traditional football stadium I don’t think there are any bad seats in the house.
- The playing surface is in great shape despite the blizzard that hit New York a few days ago, though you can see that it is very slippery along the edges of the field.
- Fabulous blitz pickup by Antwon Bailey on SU’s second touchdown, a 36-yard pass from Ryan Nassib to Marcus Sales. Bailey identified a corner blitz, and completely flipped the leaping Kansas State blitzer into the air, allowing Nassib to get the pass off.