The Syracuse University football program used a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback last Thursday to earn a 36-29 overtime victory over non-conference opponent Wake Forest. The Orange used a very solid performance from senior quarterback Ryan Nassib, who completed 20-of-28 passe for 178 yards and three touchdowns, and senior wide receiver Van Chew, who caught the game-tying, 2-point conversion that tied the contest at 29 and the game-winning TD that came on SU's first possession of OT, to begin the season 1-0.
The Orange's spectacular comeback, however, masked a very poor start to the season. For three quarters, the Demon Deacons dominated SU, but when Wake Forest's starting quarterback Tanner Price exited the game because of a knee injury the game's momentum turned in SU's favor.
On Saturday at 4:30 p.m., SU will host FCS opponent the Rhode Island Rams at the Carrier Dome with hopes that it can build on Thursday's fourth-quarter performance. The match up shouldn't be the toughest test for the Orange, but no BCS-conference program wants to take an opponent like Rhode Island lightly because a bad loss can hurt a team's post-season aspirations.
As SU moves closer to game time, SB Nation New York will update this storystream. So, check back for more news on the non-conference contest between Syracuse and Rhode Island. Also, follow us on Twitter at SBNationNY and Jared_E_Smith.