Syracuse University is gearing up for an exciting weekend as students return to campus and the Syracuse Orange football team prepares to kick off its season against the University of New Hampshire (UNH) on Saturday, September 5, at noon. With classes back in session, the anticipation for the game is palpable among the student body, many of whom are hopeful for a commanding victory.
The Orange enter the matchup heavily favored, with a spread of -34.5 points, suggesting a blowout is expected. This optimism is fueled by the return of star quarterback Steve Angeli, who is back on the field after recovering from an injury that sidelined him last season. Angeli had previously led the nation in passing yards before his injury, making him a key figure for Syracuse this year. Student Tristan Schneider expressed his expectations, stating, "He (Angeli) led the nation in passing yards before he got hurt, so I’d expect it again."
Other students echoed Schneider's sentiments, highlighting Angeli's potential to not only secure victories but also uplift the team's morale. Kaylie Sheedy, another Syracuse student, commented, "I’m looking forward to him not only bringing us to victory, but bringing the team morale up." Sean Costa added to the excitement, saying, "Oh, I’m so excited. Angeli is going to be great, and it’s great to have him back."
Head coach Fran Brown is entering his third season with the Orange, aiming to improve upon a challenging 3-9 record from the previous year. Schneider remains optimistic about Brown's leadership, recalling a more successful season just two years ago when the team finished 10-3. He stated, "I got a lot of faith. He (Fran Brown) is a proven winner, so I believe he can do it again."
On the defensive side, sophomore linebacker Antoine Deslauries is expected to play a pivotal role. After an impressive freshman season that earned him All-American honors, Deslauries is seen as a player to watch. Costa, a fan of the linebacker, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "You know I’m a big fan of the linebacker. He’s Canadian, Deslauries, I’m a big fan of him, and love his game, and I wanna see him take some heads off."
The excitement surrounding the upcoming season is particularly strong among first-year students like Kaylie Sheedy, who has already purchased season tickets for both football and basketball. She stated, "I’ll be going to every single football game; I’ve got all my gear ready." This enthusiasm reflects a broader culture of support for the Orange, as students prepare to rally behind their team.
As the first few weeks of classes conclude, the Syracuse Orange football team is set to take the field against UNH, with hopes of starting the season on a high note. Costa summed up the anticipation, saying, "I’m most excited to see Syracuse dominate UNH." The upcoming game promises to be a thrilling beginning to what many hope will be a successful season for the Orange.
Leave a Comment