A 21-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Ross Krautman crossed the uprights as time expired and helped Syracuse University edge Tulane University, 37-34, Saturday in a non-conference contest at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. The kick capped a 12-play, 66-yard drive that allowed the Orange to escape with their fourth win of the season.
At one point in the second quarter, Tulane (2-1, 1-1 Conference USA) trailed 31-14, but the Green Wave scored 23-unanswered points to pull within 31-27. After a Krautman field goal, which came early in the fourth quarter and made it 34-27, the Green Wave tied the game with a 58-yard TD reception by freshman wide receiver Xavier Rush from junior quarterback Ryan Griffin.
With 2:53 remaining, Syracuse (4-2, 0-1 Big East) marched the ball, while milking the clock, down to Tulane's four-yard line. From there, Krautman nailed the game winner. The biggest play of the drive came on a third-and-four from SU's 36-yard line when it seemed the Orange were going to need to punt, but a roughing the passer penalty extended the drive.
Syracuse senior quarterback Ryan Nassib finished the game 19-of-34 with 186 yards and two TDs, both were caught by senior wide receiver Dorian Graham, who caught four passes for 55 yards. Senior tailback Antwon Bailey compiled 111-rushing yards, his fourth 100-yard rushing performance of the season.
For Tulane, Griffin was fantastic. He finished the game 24-of-30 with a season-best 320-passing yards and two TDs. Rush caught four passes for 135 yards and two TDs.
SB Nation New York blogged the Syracuse vs. Tulane game live. Check back for in-game and post-game updates. Follow along at SBNationNY or Jared_E_Smith.