Syracuse Orange

Syracuse opened with Steve Angeli, who returned from a torn Achilles and threw three touchdowns in a 66-3 rout of New Hampshire. But Angeli struggled with turnovers, throwing three interceptions against Cal, and was benched at Pittsburgh. Amari Odom started at UConn and delivered a 42-41 overtime win with six total touchdowns, then was unavailable at Virginia. Malachi Nelson started against Virginia and Louisville, showing promise but also throwing interceptions. The Orange have started three different quarterbacks in three weeks, and the offense has been functional with each, scoring 42 at UConn and 25 at Virginia. The uncertainty prevents opponents from game-planning for one skill set, but it also prevents Syracuse from establishing rhythm. With Angeli and Odom injured, the quarterback situation is dire, and the staff must find stability to salvage the season.

Syracuse allowed 5.3 yards per carry in 2025 and has not fixed the problem against Power Four competition. Pittsburgh ran for 245 yards and three touchdowns, with freshman Damon Ferguson Jr. gashing them for 102 yards and a 32-yard score. UConn's Cyncir Bowers ran for 163 yards and two touchdowns, including a 71-yarder, as the Huskies erased a 20-point deficit. Virginia's Jekail Middlebrook ran for 95 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns to complete a 10-point comeback. The only game in which Syracuse controlled the run was against FCS New Hampshire. The transfer-heavy defensive line (Dillan Fontus, Keyshawn Johnson, Tunmise Adeleye) and first-year coordinator Vince Kehres have shown promise but not proof against physical rushing attacks. Until the front seven holds up on early downs, the Orange will struggle to get off the field and keep opposing offenses from controlling tempo.

Syracuse leads the country in penalties and has been flagged repeatedly in key moments. The Orange committed 12 penalties for 130 yards against New Hampshire, nine for 90 yards at Pittsburgh (including a pass interference on third down that led to Fran Brown's unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a Pitt touchdown two plays later), and eight for 75 yards against Louisville, including three unsportsmanlike penalties in the first half. The kicking game has also been costly: Tripp Woody missed a 46-yard field goal and doinked a 31-yarder against Cal, and those six points were the difference in an 18-21 loss. In close games, hidden yards and missed kicks matter more, and Syracuse has yet to clean up these self-inflicted wounds. Until discipline improves, the Orange will continue to beat themselves.

Despite the quarterback turmoil, Syracuse has a reliable target in Umari Hatcher, who had 13 catches for 224 yards against Louisville, his fourth game over 100 yards this season, and leads the ACC in touchdown receptions. Freshman Calvin Russell III, who tore his Achilles in March, had his best game against Louisville with six catches for 53 yards and his first touchdown. Daunte Bacheyie has also impressed. The Orange play in the climate-controlled Dome, where they are 1-1 this season, and have no travel for home games. That home comfort should help a team breaking in multiple quarterbacks. If the offense can protect the ball and the defense can get stops, the home environment could fuel an upset or two down the stretch.

Syracuse is 2-4 and 0-4 in ACC play, with all four losses coming by margins of three, fourteen, three, and eight points. The Orange have lost 11 consecutive ACC games and 12 straight against Power 4 opponents, and have been outscored 78-36 in the second half this season. The remaining schedule includes road trips to North Carolina and others, and the team has already traveled 836 miles. The quarterback injuries and depth issues make every game a challenge. To turn the season around, Syracuse must find a consistent quarterback, stop the run, and eliminate penalties. The talent is there to compete, but the margin for error is thin, and the Orange must execute cleanly to avoid another losing season.