A 21-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Ross Krautman helped Syracuse University edge Tulane University, 37-34, Saturday in a non-conference game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Krautman's kick split the uprights as time expired and propel the Orange to 4-2 overall, just two wins away from becoming bowl eligible.
(Check out: SB Nation New York's game recap and post-game article; Syracuse Football: Dorian Graham Strong In Victory Over Tulane.)
Before the Orange faithful move onto their bye week, which will be followed by a huge home game against the University of West Virginia, Friday, Oct. 21, lets take a look at Saturday's postgame quotes and reactions -- courtesy of the Tulane Athletic Department.
Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone
"It's what we've been pointing at. We want to get out front in the conference play and get a chance to get the first one. Try to play with a lead when you come to the conference rankings when you try and play down the
SU senior quarterback Ryan Nassib
On the struggles by the offense and defense the past few weeks:
"That's how the game works sometimes. We just need to start doing a better job of executing on both sides of the ball. Last week the offense struggled, so we made it a point came out and do our job and do what we are capable of. As the quarterback of the offense that is really all I can handel. We just have to support the defense and keep their spirits up. They make plays, too, and they have won a lot of games for us. Sometimes it's just up to the stats."
On whether he would recommend the fans come out and watch their next game:
"If you don't have any heart conditions, come on out, it's going to be fun. We play in a lot of situations that you dream of as a kid. Two minutes to go to win the game. Let's see what you got. We're a lot of fun to watch and we need all the support we can get."
On heading home at 4-2:
"We are going home happy. We've played this game long enough and we know that wins are easy to come by. It's not easy to win at this level. You can't get to high on it or get to low on it. We buckled up and pulled it out tonight."
SU senior wide receiver Dorian Graham
On if he was surprised on his role tonight:
"We practice everything that we executed in the game. During the week that is what we planned for, execute these plays and tonight we did what we had to do."
On how he is making an impact this season:
"It feels great. It goes back to the saying `hard work pays off' and that is what came about for this game. I am glad to execute and help my team get a win."
SU's Krautman
On kicking his second game-winning field goal of the season:
"It feels great when the game comes down to a game winning field goal. I have to thank the offense, defense, the snapper and the holder, because without them the ball doesn't go through the uprights."
On how the line protection was difference from last week:
"Everything was great this week. We perfected it during practice. It all starts during practice. We spent a lot of time this week doing field goal unit. We got the times faster, of me going to the ball, and made some line adjustments. We just perfected it."
SU senior tailback Antwon Bailey
On the quick start offensively:
"It was very important. Not only for the defense, to keep them off the field, but for the offense to get (the offense) back on track."
On the intensity lagging after taking the early lead:
"I don't think the intensity lagged, we made a few mistakes here and there, but I don't think the intensity lagged. We are all out there competing and trying to win a game and we just made some mistakes."
On the difference, offensively, between the first half and second half:
"Tulane played a heck of a football game, they really came out there and fought. As an offense we didn't execute (in the second half). We stalled on a lot of drives early, so it was a mixture of good defense and poor execution."
On the feeling of heading home 4-2:
"It is a great feeling. We are 4-2. You can't ask for much more coming out of this game. We didn't win big, but we won. So it's a great feeling."