Saturday, September 27, 2014 - 8:00 pm ET
TV: ABC
MetLife Stadium
East Rutherford, New Jersey
By Michael Castellano
Syracuse will face-off against #8 Notre Dame this Saturday from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The last time the Orange played in an NFL stadium it was hoisting the Texas Bowl trophy last December when they beat Minnesota 21-17 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Let's take a look at some notes to keep in mind as the Orange prepare to take on the Irish in their last non conference game before ACC play begins.
Unfamiliar Foe
The last time Syracuse and Notre Dame squared off was in 2008 when the Orange stunned the Irish 24-23 with quarterback Cameron Dantley at the helm. The win was the highlight of a disappointing 3-9 season which ultimately marked the end of Greg Robinson's reign as head coach.
Home Field Advantage?
Although the game will be played at a neutral site in MetLife Stadium, Syracuse is officially listed as the home team for this contest. The Irish will play their second of three games this season in an NFL stadium. Notre Dame is 3-1 in pro stadiums since 2012, their lone loss coming to Alabama in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game at Sun Life Stadium. They are also 5-2 when they play on ABC dating back to 2012.
Run Terrel Run
The Orange running game will be going up against an Irish defense that ranks 24th in the nation in yards allowed at 315 per game. Terrel Hunt is coming off a career best 156 rushing yards against Maryland last Saturday. The dual-threat QB also leads the team in rushing, totaling 273 yards so far this season. RB Prince Tyson Gulley added 138 yards on the ground for the Orange against Maryland.
Famous Father and Son Connections
The Irish have three players who are the sons of famous athletes. Torii Hunter Jr. is the son of Major Leaguer Torii Hunter, Corey Robinson's father is NBA legend David Robinson, and Austin Collinsworth is the son of former NFL player and current sportscaster Chris Collinsworth. Torii Hunter Jr. will make his college debut this Saturday against the Orange. The sophomore WR redshirted last season and was sidelined early this year after battling injuries. WR Corey Robinson has five receptions on the year totaling 99 yards including a TD two weeks ago in an Irish win over Purdue. Fifth year senior and Notre Dame captain Austin Collinsworth is in line to make his season debut Saturday against Syracuse. He has been sidelined with an MCL strain which he suffered two days before the season opener against Rice.
Is the D For Real?
The Orange defense has been good thus far this season although against at best fair competition. It ranks in the top 50 nationally in yards allowed per game at just 325. The Syracuse defense allowed 31 points in the first half to Maryland last week, but the Terps only second half points came off a fourth quarter field goal. Defensive tackle Wayne Williams continues to be a force on the defensive side for Syracuse. He recorded three tackles while playing 15 snaps in the second half.
Excused Absences
Both teams will be without marquee players heading into Saturday's matchup. Syracuse receiver Ashton Broyld, who leads the Orange with 11 catches for 125 yards will miss the game with a lower leg injury. Notre Dame receiver Amir Carlisle is also out with a leg injury. Carlisle is second on the team with 11 catches this season.
No comments:
Post a Comment