For the second week in a row, Syracuse’s offense sputtered, leading to a double-digit loss. The Orange fell 31-18 to SMU on Saturday, slipping to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in ACC play. It also marked the first two-game skid under head coach Fran Brown.
The day turned more concerning when receiver Justus Ross-Simmons exited with an injury and later appeared on crutches.
Syracuse had early momentum after its defense forced a three-and-out, setting up the offense at SMU’s 42. But the Orange were stopped twice at the goal line and turned it over on downs. The next drive ended in an interception, leading to an SMU field goal. That sparked four straight Mustang scoring possessions and a 24-3 halftime deficit.
The defense regrouped in the third quarter, shutting out SMU, but the offense managed just 11 total yards in that frame. Rickie Collins finally engineered an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in the fourth, cutting the deficit to 31-10. Syracuse’s late rally included a safety and a Collins touchdown pass to Dan Cook, but a failed onside kick sealed the result.
Syracuse now enters its bye week before hosting rival Pittsburgh at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday, October 18.
GAME RECAP LINKS
- Syracuse drops back-to-back games for 1st time under Fran Brown in loss at SMU (DailyOrange.com)
- Mustangs Hold Off Orange, 31-18 (Cuse.com)
- Rickie Collins’ growing pains hold back Syracuse in loss at SMU (Axe’s quick takes) (Syracuse.com)
- Syracuse football: Orange offense stalls in 31-18 loss to SMU (NunesMagician.com)
- Observations from SU’s loss to SMU: 4th-down nightmare, Collins’ picks (DailyOrange.com)
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
FRAN BROWN’S POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].