The Football Writers’ Association of America names its national team of the week every Monday during the season, and this week, that honor went to the Syracuse Orange.
While I’m an FWAA member myself, I don’t log votes on the weekly things like this. Still, I obviously approve of the conclusion they came to.
The FWAA commended SU for its highest-ranked victory since 1984 (Nebraska), and Eri Dungey’s strong performance. For a refresher, the junior quarterback threw for 278 yards and three touchdowns, while running for another 61 yards. Dungey, Parris Bennett and Ervin Philips all received ACC player of the week honors for their respective performances.
"I'm very proud of the young men. The seniors, Zaire Franklin, Parris Bennett, Steve Ishmael, Ervin Philips, Jamar McGloster – that senior class," Syracuse head coach Dino Babers said. "Three head football coaches. All the things they've been through. To have an opportunity like that is something they will never forget for the rest of their lives."
In pulling off the 27-24 upset, Syracuse scored the most total points and amassed the most total yards against Clemson this year. The Orange defense also sacked Tigers QBs four times, while holding them to just 113 yards rushing.
As the FWAA notes, this is just the second time the Orange have won the team of the week honor since 2004 (when they beat Boston College in the final week of the season -- the Diamond Ferri game).
This is Syracuse's second time to win the FWAA award, and first since 2004.
SU is the first ACC team to win the award this year too. Previous winners included UCLA, Oklahoma, Northern Illinois, TCU, Troy and Iowa State.