Second Half Thread: Syracuse Leads Boston College, 10-7

A messy first half between the Syracuse Orange (3-8, 1-6) and Boston College Eagles (3-8, 0-7) has SU up 10-7 at the Carrier Dome this afternoon. Neither offense has really been able to get things going consistently, but turnovers and penalties have assisted both teams in getting on the board. The Orange fumbled away an option pitch to give BC great field position for its early touchdown. In the second quarter, the Eagles threw two interceptions, one of which led to a Syracuse field goal.

In Scott Shafer's last game as Orange head coach, the SU defense appeared to come out flat once again, but has picked things up since. With the two aforementioned turnovers (INTs by Antwan Cordy and Cordell Hudson, respectively), a ton of pressure by Ron Thompson in particular, and gradually improving abilities to stop the run, Syracuse is getting what it needs from the defense and then some. Beyond the touchdown drive on a short field, BC hasn't really moved the ball a ton -- just 80 yards and three first downs.

Beyond turnovers, it's been all about penalties. The two teams have combined for 13 total (eight for BC, five for SU), for a grand total of 139 yards. Syracuse's successful touchdown drive alone was assisted by 44 penalty yards.

***

As for the Orange offense, they've struggled similarly to Boston College's. SU has 100 total yards, including Zack Mahoney's 54 yards through the air. Jordan Fredericks leads the team in rushing, with 22 yards on five carries. While Ervin Philips has the team's long touchdown, it's been Steve Ishmael running the show on offense. Tim Lester's offense is finally using the Orange's best receiving option to its advantage, as the sophomore has hauled in three catches for 43 yards.

Syracuse gets the ball at the half. Here's hoping they can pull out the win for Shafer's last game, some respectability and of course, some #OrangeEagle points.