Syracuse University's football team suffered a significant setback on Saturday, losing 38-3 to Duke at home. The loss, marked by offensive struggles and three turnovers, drops the Orange to a 3-2 season record just one week after a historic victory over Clemson.
Key Takeaways
- Duke defeated Syracuse with a final score of 38-3.
- Syracuse committed three costly turnovers, including one interception and two fumbles.
- The loss moves Syracuse's season record to 3-2.
- Quarterback Rickie Collins, starting for the injured Steve Angeli, finished with 229 passing yards.
Early Errors Set the Tone
The game began on a difficult note for Syracuse. On the opening drive, quarterback Rickie Collins threw an interception, giving Duke excellent field position. The Blue Devils capitalized on the mistake, converting the turnover into an early field goal and a 3-0 lead.
Syracuse mounted a response on its next possession. The drive was highlighted by an impressive run from Yasin Willis, who hurdled a Duke defender for a substantial gain. This offensive push culminated in a field goal, tying the game at 3-3. However, this would be the only score for the Orange all afternoon.
Duke quickly regained control. With just over three minutes left in the first quarter, running back Nate Sheppard broke free for a 49-yard touchdown run, giving the Blue Devils a 10-3 advantage they would not relinquish.
Duke Extends Lead Before Halftime
The second quarter proved decisive as Duke's offense found its rhythm and Syracuse's struggled to keep pace. An early turning point came on a controversial play where a fumble was awarded to Duke, shifting momentum further in the visitors' favor.
Second Quarter Scoring
Duke scored 14 unanswered points in the second quarter, establishing a 24-3 lead by halftime. This offensive surge effectively put the game out of reach for Syracuse.
Following the fumble recovery, Duke quarterback Darian Mensah connected with Cooper Barkate for a 34-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 17-3. The same duo connected again just before halftime on a short pass for another touchdown. This score pushed Duke's lead to 21 points, creating a significant deficit for the Orange heading into the second half.
Offensive Struggles Continue for Syracuse
Despite forcing Duke to punt on its first two possessions of the third quarter, the Syracuse defense eventually showed signs of fatigue. The offense was unable to generate any scoring drives, putting constant pressure on the defensive unit.
Duke's offense broke through again in the third quarter when Nate Sheppard recorded his second touchdown of the game, this time on a 12-yard run. This score increased the Blue Devils' lead to 31-3 and further deflated the home crowd.
A Tale of Two Weeks
The 38-3 loss was a stark contrast to the previous week's performance. Last Saturday, Syracuse celebrated its first-ever victory at Clemson, a major program milestone. This week's result brings the team back to reality as they prepare for their next opponent.
The offensive difficulties were consistent throughout the game. Rickie Collins completed 24 of his 36 pass attempts for 229 yards but was unable to lead the team into the end zone. The offense was further hampered by two lost fumbles in addition to the early interception.
Game Summary and a Look Ahead
Duke sealed its dominant performance early in the fourth quarter. Anderson Castle added another rushing touchdown, bringing the final score to 38-3. With the outcome decided, many Syracuse fans were seen leaving the stadium.
Final Game Statistics
- Final Score: Duke 38, Syracuse 3
- Syracuse Turnovers: 3 (1 interception, 2 fumbles)
- Rickie Collins (SU QB): 24/36, 229 yards, 1 INT
- Nate Sheppard (Duke RB): 2 rushing touchdowns
- Cooper Barkate (Duke WR): 2 receiving touchdowns
The loss marks a critical point in the season for Syracuse. After an exhilarating win, this lopsided defeat highlights areas needing significant improvement, particularly in offensive execution and ball security.
With its record now at 3-2, Syracuse must regroup quickly. The team will travel for its next game, facing SMU next Saturday. The upcoming matchup will be a crucial test of the team's ability to bounce back from a difficult loss and get their season back on track.