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ORANGE GAME WEEK: Syracuse football returns from bye week for road matchup against UConn (preview)

ORANGE GAME WEEK: Syracuse football returns from bye week for road matchup against UConn (preview)

Syracuse football returns from its bye week Saturday when the Orange travel to Storrs, Connecticut, to take on UConn in a non-conference matchup. Kickoff is set for noon at Rentschler Field, with the game airing on CBS Sports Network. Syracuse enters the game looking to improve to 3-1 while continuing a difficult stretch away from home.

The Orange have been one of the nation’s best defensive teams through three games under defensive coordinator Vince Kehres. Syracuse is allowing 258.7 yards per game, which ranks 18th nationally and fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Orange also rank sixth nationally in passing defense, allowing 134.7 yards per game, while ranking eighth in passing efficiency defense, eighth in first-down defense and 20th in tackles for loss.

Syracuse’s defense most recently held Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Heintschel to 123 passing yards. Heintschel entered that matchup averaging 297.8 yards per game through the air. Overall, Syracuse has improved its total defense by 169 yards per game from last season, the largest improvement among Football Bowl Subdivision teams.

Saturday marks the 15th all-time meeting between Syracuse and UConn, with the Orange leading the series 8-6. Syracuse has won six consecutive meetings, including each of the last two in 2024 and 2025. The teams previously met as conference opponents in the Big East, and Saturday will mark Syracuse’s first trip to Rentschler Field since 2022.

The matchup comes during a 35-day stretch between Syracuse home games, one of the longest such stretches in the country. The Orange played California on September 12 and will not return to the JMA Wireless Dome until October 17 against Louisville, with three road games and a bye separating those contests.

Syracuse could also have another offensive weapon nearing his debut. Wide receiver Calvin Russell III, the highest-rated recruit of the modern recruiting era in Syracuse program history, has missed the first three games after suffering an injury during spring practices. His availability and potential workload will be worth watching as the Orange return from their bye.

There are also several connections between the programs. UConn offensive coordinator Nunzio Campanile, defensive line coach Joe Schaefer and assistant offensive line coach Phil Guard previously worked on Brown’s Syracuse staff. On the other side, Syracuse defensive coordinator Vince Kehres, defensive backs coach Perry Eliano and defensive analyst Dan Bolden previously worked with UConn head coach Jason Candle at Toledo.

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