In Rickie Collins’ first career start at quarterback, Syracuse never found its footing in a 38-3 loss to Duke on Saturday before a sellout crowd at the JMA Wireless Dome.
The Orange (3-2) opened with promise when Collins connected repeatedly with Johntay Cook after a muffed kick return, but his floated pass was intercepted by Duke’s Caleb Weaver. After trading early field goals, Tripp Woody hit from 29 yards for Syracuse before Duke seized control with a 49-yard touchdown run by Nate Sheppard and two scoring grabs from Cooper Barkate to build a 24-3 halftime lead. A controversial second-quarter ruling overturned a potential first down for the Orange and gave the Blue Devils the ball, leading to another quick touchdown drive.
The second half brought more of the same. Syracuse’s defense forced two straight three-and-outs to open the third quarter, but the offense could not capitalize. Duke methodically extended its advantage with Sheppard’s second rushing score and a late 13-yard touchdown from Anderson Castle to cap the blowout.
Collins completed 24-of-37 passes for 229 yards in the loss, while Cook led all receivers with eight catches for 84 yards, and Yasin Willis added 63 rushing yards on 11 carries. The Orange defense allowed 503 total yards, including 235 yards on the ground.
GAME RECAP LINKS
- Rickie Collins stumbles in 1st start as SU gets pummeled by Duke 38-3 (DailyOrange.com)
- Syracuse football: Orange offense struggles in 38-3 loss to Duke (NunesMagician.com)
- Orange Fall at Home Against Duke (Cuse.com)
- Observations from Syracuse’s loss to Duke: Turnovers, Mensah in control (DailyOrange.com)
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].