Previewing the Syracuse Offense

On Saturday the Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team will travel to Syracuse, New York to take on the Syracuse Orange at 3pm in the Carrier Dome.

Syracuse comes into the game with a record of 4-5 overall and 2-3 in the ACC. They are coming off of a 27-24 loss at Florida State. Their worst loss is a 30-23 loss at home against Middle Tennessee State. Their best win by far is a 27-24 home win over then 2nd ranked (now 4th ranked) Clemson.

The Orange are averaging 29.11 points per game, and have scored 262 total points this season. They average 158.4 rushing yards per game, 3.8 yards per carry, and have 13 rushing touchdowns. They average 297.44 passing yards per game, 6.48 yards per pass, and have 15 passing touchdowns. Syracuse averages 455.9 yards per game, and 5.2 yards per play.

The offense is led by junior quarterback Eric Dungey, who is dealing with an injury, but is expected to play on Saturday. On the season Dungey is 225-377 for a 59.7 completion percentage, 2495 yards, and 14 passing touchdowns. Dungey has thrown 9 interceptions and has been sacked 26 times.

Senior Zack Mahoney is the backup quarterback, and would be expected to start if Dungey is unable to play.

Dungey is also the leading rusher with 595 yards on 143 carries. He averages 4.2 yards per carry and has 9 rushing touchdowns.

Junior running back Dontae Strickland has 119 carries for 423 yards and 3 touchdowns. He averages 3.6 yards per carry.

Sophomore running back Moe Neal has 48 carries for 216 yards and a touchdown. He averages 4.5 yards per carry.

The receiving corps is led by seniors Steve Ishmael and Ervin Philips. Ishmael has 78 receptions for 986 yards and 5 touchdowns. He averages 12.6 yards per catch. Philips has 73 catches for 733 yards and 3 touchdowns. He averages 10 yards per reception.

Receivers Devin C. Butler and Jamal Custis, tight end Ravian Pierce, and running backs Moe Neal and Dontae Strickland also play a big role in the passing game.

Senior kicker Cole Murphy is 26-27 on extra points and 17-21 on field goals. He has missed 4 attempts from 40-49, but made his season long attempt from 53 yards.

The Wake Forest secondary is going to have a lot of trouble with the Syracuse passing attack, especially without Jessie Bates III, the clear defensive leader on this team.

Hopefully the rest of the defense will show up with a chip on their shoulder after giving up a Notre Dame record 710 yards last week.