It was a fine farewell party today as Syracuse played their last Big East Conference game today at Temple. Alec Lemon took the opening kickoff untouched 101 yards to set the tone. The Orange jumped on the Owls early and often, jumping out to a 38-0 halftime lead. Syracuse would go on to win 51-21 and will finish this year with an impressive 8-4 record. This is just the 2nd time since 2001 (2010), that Syracuse has won more than six games in a season.
Ryan Nassib had his best game of the season, throwing for over 350 yards and four touchdowns. Alec Lemon, who caught 11 passes in Missouri last week, followed up with 8 more receptions for 176 yards and an 80 yard score.
Despite getting crunched on the play, Ryan Nassib's pass found it's way to David Stevens for an early touchdown.
Alec Lemon celebrates his 80 yard touchdown at the end of the first quarter.
Syracuse Orange at Temple Owls
Jan 1,
1ST
2ND
3RD
4TH
SCORE
Syracuse Orange ()
21
17
7
6
51
Temple Owls ()
0
0
14
7
21
Team Stats Comparison
SYR
TEM
Total Offense
511
399
Rushing Yards
155
146
Passing Yards
356
253
First Downs
28
21
Punt Return Yards
33
29
Kick Return Yards
167
246
Total Yards
711
674
Turnovers
0
3
3rd Down Converstion
7-13
8-14
4th Down Conversion
0-0
0-0
2-Point Conversion
0-0
0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals
6-4-2
4-3-0
Penalties
5-35
4-40
Posession Time
22:51
13:09
Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING
SYR
TEM
8:49
(SYR) Alec Lemon 101 yard kickoff return
7
0
0:52
(SYR) David Stevens 3 yard pass from Ryan Nassib
14
0
0:01
(SYR) Lemon 80 yard pass from Nassib
21
0
SECOND QUARTER SCORING
SYR
TEM
6:24
(SYR) Marcus Sales 8 yard pass from Nassib
28
0
1:41
(SYR) Jerome Smith 2 yard run
35
0
0:09
(SYR) Ross Krautman 24 yard field goal
38
0
THIRD QUARTER SCORING
SYR
TEM
7:38
(TEM) Montell Harris 1 yard run
38
7
4:33
(TEM) Malcolm Eugene 10 yard pass from Clinton Granger
Conference Championship Schedule Conference USA - Central Florida (8-4) vs. Houston (10-2) ACC - North Carolina St (9-3) vs. #4 Georgia Tech (10-2) SEC - #9 LSU (9-3) vs. #2 Georgia (10-2) Pac 12 - #24 Washington (9-3) vs. #1 USC (11-1) MAC - Miami (OH) (9-3) vs. Northern Illinois (8-4) Big Ten #10 Nebraska (9-3) vs. #11 Purdue (9-3)
Today's big story in college football comes from Central Pennsylvania, where the Big Ten has announced Penn St will be removed from the conference beginning in 2013. The move was made after news came out about the University's lack of proper action in dealing with the crimes of former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.
The Nittany Lions, who finished 2012 at 7-5, are schedule to play Texas Tech at the Insight Bowl in Arizona this week. The team will play as an independent in 2013 while they search for a conference willing to take them in down the road. This leaves the Big Ten in a predicament of having just eleven teams in the conference. At this time, Notre Dame seems like a good fit, due to the fact that a deal has still yet to be finalized with the Big East. If the Irish do decide to go to the Big East, BYU could get strong consideration due to the fact that they aren't in a conference currently.
It should be interesting to see how the future of the Big Ten changes over the next few weeks. One storied franchise is out, who will get to fill their shoes?
In what will be remembered as one of the best bowl games of 2012, the Syracuse Orange and Miami Hurricanes needed three overtimes to determine the winner of the 2012 Champs Sports Bowl. The Hurricanes would trump Syracuse in the 3rd OT by scoring a touchdown after the Orange had settled for a field goal to start the frame. It was a terrific game in which Miami looked poised to win multiple times.
It was a low scoring first half, with both defenses playing well most of the game. Miami got on the board first calling a screen pass into a Syracuse blitz, resulting in an easy touchdown. Now in the 2nd quarter, the Orange would find the end zone. Prince Tyson Gulley ran one untouched up the middle to tie the game at 7. As the first half wound down, Syracuse went 3 and out with under a minute left, giving the 'Canes a last drive to end on a good note. While they only managed a field goal, that drive ended up being the difference after the game was over.
Coming out of halftime, Miami looked poised to take over control. Brandon McGee ran the 3rd quarter kickoff 98 yards to put the Hurricanes up 17-7. Syracuse refocused though, and Ryan Nassib threw his first of two touchdown passes to David Stevens 3 minutes later. Nassib was very well contained by the Miami defense, and had to rely on his check-downs most of the game. The quarterback limited his mistakes, playing well enough to put the team in position to win the game.
In the fourth quarter, the Orange would tie things up with 2:56 to go as Ross Krautman booted a 32 yard field goal just inside the left upright. With the score knotted at 17, Miami was driving with under a minute left. Just when it looked like they would enter field goal range and win the game, Ri'Shard Anderson lept into the air and intercepted a long pass inside the five. It gave Syracuse new life, and silenced the pro Miami crowd in the Citrus Bowl.
Syracuse would start first in overtime, but stalled out and kicked a field goal. Miami had another chance to take the game, and even faced a 1st and goal from inside the 1. After the first down run was broken up in the backfield, backup DT Corey Boatman sacked the quarterback to force third down. Miami tried to power it in with their fullback, but the defense was once again all over the play. Miami also settled for a field goal, sending the game to a 2nd overtime.
There were a total of 2 plays, and two penalties in overtime number two. First, following a false start, the Hurricanes would thread a pass down the sidelines for a spectacular touchdown grab by Allen Hurns. The play looked to be very close to the sideline, but was never reviewed by the booth. Syracuse would take over needing a touchdown to tie. After a Miami offsides, Nassib lofted a perfect pass to Alec Lemon on their first play, forcing a third OT.
Despite a great start to the 'Cuse's 3rd possession, where the team had the ball at 2nd and 4 from the 7 yard line, another stall-out occurred. Once again, the Hurricanes would need just one play. R Scott caught a 12 yard comeback route, and then launched Keon Lyn right over his back, crushing the hopes of Syracuse fans everywhere as he waltzed into the colored grass.
It was a valiant effort (and season) for Syracuse, one that will hopefully build a strong foundation for the team over the next few years. The team will lose stars such as Ryan Nassib, Alec Lemon and Marcus Sales. Will anyone be able to fill in their shoes next year?
Brandon Mcgee runs through a gigantic hole in route to his touchdown to open the 2nd half.
Ri'Shard Anderson gives the Orange new life late in the fourth quarter.
Allen Hurns hauls in a touchdown pass right on the sideline in overtime
Ryan Nassib finds Alec Lemon in overtime on a great pass.
Keon Lyn misses his tackle, allowing the 'Canes to win.