Syracuse Football couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2017 season, blowing out Central Connecticut 50-7.
The Syracuse Orange jumped out to a 31-0 halftime lead and were never in danger of losing this one against Central Connecticut.
Eric Dungey accounted for three first-half touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) and finished the day completing 28-of-35 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
He was also the team’s leading rusher, picking up 51 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries, including an 11-yard scamper into the end zone to open the scoring in the first quarter.
Dungey threw touchdown passes to three different receivers—Ervin Phillips (14 yards), Moe Neal (52 yards) and Ravian Pierce (five yards). Steve Ishmael was the team’s top receiver on the day, hauling in 12 catches for 134 yards.
The Orange defense held the Blue Devils’ offense to just 167 yards of offense, breaking just once in the third quarter. Central Connecticut receiver Jose Garcia beat two defenders down the left sideline and caught a perfect 24-yard pass from quarterback Jake Dolegala for their only touchdown.
As you’d expect, head coach Dino Babers was pleased with the outcome.
“Overall I thought it was a good solid game. Football teams grow the most between their first and second game and we are looking for a lot of growth coming into our next game vs. Middle Tennessee.”
Up Next
The Orange will look to make it two in a row when they welcome Middle Tennessee State to the Carrier Dome on Saturday, Sept. 9. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET