Colgate Raiders

Syracuse Football: Final thoughts on season opener

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Syracuse football team opened up the 2016 season with a big win. Now what’s next for the Orange as they head to play Louisville?

On the night Florida Georgia Line might have taken away some of the fans from the Carrier Dome. The Syracuse football team gave those in attendance a show of its own with a decisive 33-7 victory over the Colgate Raiders.

But even after becoming the first Syracuse football coach since Paul Pasqualoni to win his first game at the helm, Dino Babers acknowledged the product we saw on the field isn’t done improving.

“That will be the slowest game you’ll ever see us play,” Babers said following the win that improved Syracuse football coaches to 20-9 in their debuts.

Since Babers arrived last December, there had been a high level of anticipation surrounding this football program. Particularly as it pertained to the revamped offensive philosophy.

A lengthy six-minute drive to begin the game by the Raiders, which ended in an Owen Rocket touchdown (the only points of the game for them), caused that eagerness to increase just a bit.

But the wait proved to be worth it, as the Orange took no time rectifying coach Babers’ “visualize this” scenario. With the first glimpses of his high-octane, up-tempo offense that out-gained the Raiders 554-143.

Sep 2, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange quarterback Eric Dungey (2) drops back to pass against the Colgate Raiders during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Spearheading that attack was Eric Dungey, who went 34-of-40 for 355 passing yards, 25 rushing yards and two touchdown passes. All night, he looked extremely comfortable in the new offense displaying accuracy and making sound decisions.

Though the offensive line had its share of struggles over the course of the game, Dungey was able to elude the defensive pressure for most of the night. And following the game, Babers made mention of the importance of Dungey’s mobility.

“Dungey’s legs are a valuable part of what he does,” Babers said. “We don’t want to take his legs away. We just want to make him the Russell Wilson of the ACC.”

Perhaps the highlight of his night is that he made it into the second half. Which is something a Syracuse quarterback hadn’t done in three years.

The fast paced offense featured six different receivers tallying at least one reception, including Erv Philips. Philips tied Art Monk’s single game record of 14 receptions.

But it was Maryland transfer Amba Etta-Tawo who successfully ingratiated himself with the Syracuse faithful, finishing with 210 yards (5th most in a single game in program history) and a touchdown.
While Syracuse was able to comfortably beat Colgate, Louisville will be the real test. They’re coming to town this Friday, fresh off a 70-14 blowout victory in its season opener.