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The Syracuse Orange will look to get Win No. 1 when they host the FCS Wagner Seahawks this weekend. Let's find out what we're in for.
Teams: Syracuse Orange (0-2) vs. Wagner Seahawks (1-1)
Day & Time: Saturday, September 12th, 4:00 p.m. EST
Field: Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY)
Line: Syracuse -28
TV: ESPN3.com (no broadcast TV)
Announcers: Shawn Kenney & John Bunting w/Cat Whitehill (sideline)
Radio: Syracuse IMG Network
Wagner News: Wagner Athletics
Rivalry: First meeting (or is it???)
School Connections: You may remember Wagner WR Cody Morgan as Syracuse WR Cody Morgan (2009-2010). Lots of shared hometowns between the two schools and they'll be a grand total of eight Milford Academy alums on the field together. Also, Wagner TE coach Ryan Doyal graduated from Syracuse University in 2010 (and used to work for The Score).
Head Coaches: SU: Scott Shafer (1st Year, 0-2), Wagner: Walt Hameline (33rd Year, 214-128-2)
Last Year: The Seahawks got off to a rough start, losing their first three games to FAU, Georgetown and Monmouth. From there, they rattled off eight-straight wins to win the NEC conference and make the FCS Playoffs. They defeated Colgate in the first round but lost to Eastern Michigan in the second round to finish 9-4.
"Fear Me, I've Killed Hundreds Of Timelords": We turn to Shaun DePasquale, author of NFL Draft Diamonds, whose been keeping a close eye on Wagner RB Dominique Williams....
Williams started out his football career in Bridgeton, NJ idolizing Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, and dreaming of following in his footsteps on defense. After starting his first 2 seasons at SAM and Middle Linebacker for Bridgeton High, Dominique officially switched to running back his junior year, piling up 2,786 yards over his final 2 seasons. Amazingly, Williams drew no interest from major universities out of high school...
...The rest, as they say, is history. After losing a season to a knee injury, Dominique Williams has since become one of the most prolific FCS running backs in the country, amassing 2,708 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground in his last 2 seasons. Most importantly though, Williams has helped his team turn a 3-7 season in 2011, into a playoff run a year ago- and a top 25 ranking. Now he looks to put a bow on his college career with a statement in his senior season, and head to the next level.
Shades of Miguel Maysonet, anyone?
Last Game: Wagner's first home game of the season was spoiled by D3 Merrimack, who defeated the Seahawks 42-41. Williams led the Wagner attack with 120 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Fun Fact: Wagner has outscored their opponents 49-14 in the 2nd half this season (H/T: Shaun).
Fun Fact 2: Wagner QB Matt Misley is also the team’s punter. Don't get any ideas, Drew.