In its home opener at the Carrier Dome, Syracuse (2-0) trounced Wagner (1-1), 62-10, on Saturday afternoon. In each of head coach Dino Babers’ three years at Syracuse, the Orange have hosted an FCS opponent.  In 2016, Syracuse defeated Colgate, 33-7. In 2017, SU handed Central Connecticut State a 50-7 loss to open the season. Syracuse’s second game of the season wasn’t much different than those of years past, featuring 456 yards on 80 plays.

Below are three fast reactions to the Syracuse win.

Turnover chain

Last season, Syracuse totaled four interceptions in 12 games. In 2018, the Orange have four in eight quarters of football.

On Wagner’s first third down of the game, Andre Cisco undercut a drag route across the middle and picked off the pass to give SU the ball on the Seahawks 25-yard line. The Orange punched the ball in seven plays later.

On Wagner’s sixth offensive snap of the game, Cisco snagged another Seahawks pass. As Wagner quarterback T.J. Linta started his throwing motion, SU defensive end Kendall Coleman dug his facemask into Linta’s chest. The hit had a clear effect on the throw, which never made it to its intended target as Cisco cut off the short comeback and returned the ball an additional five yards. SU, again, scored on the ensuing possession.

Last week against Western Michigan, Cisco snagged a ball that had been jarred loose by Scoop Bradshaw for the first interception of his career.

Special moments

Twice Wagner punts led to excellent SU field position, one of which resulted in a touchdown.

Late in the first quarter, Wagner punter Eric Silvester dropped the snap. As he reached down for the ball, SU tight end Ravian Pierce smacked the punter, dislodging the football. Wagner would recover but the field possession inevitably led to another SU touchdown.

In the second quarter, things only got worse for Silvester and the Seahawks. A pack of Syracuse defenders ran free through the Wagner backfield. Silvester’s punt never picked up positive yardage as Sean Riley swooped in to tip it. With the ball free in the air, freshman defensive back Trill Williams snatched the loose ball and took one step into the end zone for an Orange touchdown.

New kids on the block

In Syracuse’s season opener against Western Michigan, Jamal Custis was the only Orange receiver with a reception. Sean Riley, Devin Butler and Nykeim Johnson joined that list against Wagner.

Riley’s first touchdown of the year came off Custis’ hands. The redshirt senior bobbled the pass, leaving it hanging in the air. The 5-foot-8-inch Riley snuck between Wagner defenders and dove for the falling ball. The 16-yard touchdown was Riley’s first catch of the 2018 season.

Later in the quarter, Taj Harris broke free on a slant route across the middle of the field. After bringing the ball in to his body, Harris ran alongside his defender who eventually whipped Harris around and into the end zone. The 24-yard touchdown was Harris’ first catch in his career.

With less than a minute remaining in the first half, SU quarterback Eric Dungey found his last new target. Johnson, split out wide by the Wagner bench, bursted on a vertical route headed to the end zone. With all Wagner defenders in his rearview, Johnson reeled in his first career touchdown reception.

Published on September 8, 2018 at 7:02 pm

Contact Josh: jlschafe@syr.edu | @Schafer_44