Syracuse football opponents recap: Week Six

The Syracuse Orange sit at 3-2 (0-1) on the season and will bring nearly two weeks of rest into Thursday night’s game against the N.C. State Wolfpack (3-2, 0-1). But the Pack of one of several teams remaining on this year’s slate, so we look at how each of the Orange’s 12 opponents looked during week six.

Liberty Flames (4-2, N/A)

Result: 20-13 win at New Mexico State

One of the hottest teams on Syracuse’s schedule is Hugh Freeze and his Flames, who’ve rattled off four in a row after beginning the season 0-2 — this time with a 20-13 win over New Mexico State. Liberty’s defense forced three turnovers on the night, a unit that’s held its last four opponents to 16.75 points per game. They’ll ride this wave into their bye week with hopes of keeping things churning against Maine on Oct. 19.

Maryland Terrapins (3-2, 1-1)

Result: 48-7 win over Rutgers

The Terps rebounded from their humiliating 59-point shutout loss to Penn State the week prior with an overwhelming win at Rutgers on Saturday. Five touchdowns of 23 yards or more was the story of the day, as junior running back Javon Leake rushed for 65 yards and tallied three total touchdowns. Maryland will travel to Purdue next week as it searches for its first multi-game winning streak since opening up the season 2-0.

Clemson Tigers (4-0, 2-0)

Result: Bye

The No. 2 team in the country had a week off, after narrowly escaping the jaws of defeat last week to the Tar Heels last week. They’ll welcome Florida State into their home this Saturday for “Solid Orange Day.”

Western Michigan Broncos (3-3, 1-1)

Result: 31-24 loss at Toledo

The Broncos have followed up each win with a loss this season so far, this time falling to Toledo after besting Central Michigan the week before. Western Michigan fought back from a 24-7 halftime deficit — holding the Rockets offense to 134 yards and seven points out of the break — but they were unable to tie things up after a turnover on downs with a few minutes remaining. They’ll next play Miami University (OH) for their homecoming/family weekend.

Holy Cross Crusaders (2-3, 1-0)

Result: 21-14 win over Bucknell

Holy Cross bounced back nicely after losing to Syracuse, beating Bucknell behind a three-touchdown effort from QB Connor Degenhardt. Bucknell actually scored the first two touchdowns of the game — both in the second quarter — and then it was all Crusaders from there.

N.C. State Wolfpack (3-2, 0-1)

Result: Bye

Both the Orange and Wolfpack had the week off as they prepare to face off in Carter-Finley Stadium on Thursday night.

Pittsburgh Panthers (4-2, 1-1)

Result: 33-30 win over Duke

It wasn’t easy, but Pitt squeaked a narrow three-point win over Duke when junior quarterback Kenny Pickett found sophomore wideout V’Lique Carter on a 26-yard score to retake the lead with 38 seconds left in the game. The Panthers led 26-3 with three minutes left to play in the third quarter, and were still able to come out with the win even though the Blue Devils rattled off 27-straight points to take the lead with 1:30 remaining. Pittsburgh will head into its bye week with eyes set on ‘Cuse for an Oct. 18 showdown.

Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

Florida State Seminoles (3-2, 2-1)

Result: Bye

Just as its upcoming opponent Clemson, the Seminoles had the week off after a convincing victory over North Carolina State.

Boston College Eagles (3-3, 1-2)

Result: 41-39 loss at Louisville

Make that two straight ACC losses for the Eagles, who followed up their 27-24 loss vs. Wake Forest with another narrow defeat at Louisville. Over 500 yards of total offense usually makes for a good day, but not when your defense allows 664. The Cardinals were able to connect on a 41-yard field goal with 1:02 remaining, and BC’s final drive came up short to ensure the loss. They have next week off before a matchup with NC State.

Duke Blue Devils (3-2, 1-1)

Result: 33-30 loss vs. Pitt

After regaining the lead with a 27-0 run over in roughly a quarter of play, Duke wasn’t able to protect it for too long and fell to Pitt on their home turf — ending its three-game win streak. The Blue Devils will host Georgia Tech next Saturday for as part of their homecoming weekend.

Louisville Cardinals (3-2, 1-1)

Result: 41-39 win vs. Boston College

The extra week of rest was all Louisville needed to rebound from its loss at Florida State, narrowly edging out the Eagles at home to improve above .500 for the second time this season. An eight-play, 52-yard drive set up redshirt senior kicker Blanton Creque with a 41-yarder to seal the deal with just over a minute to play. The Cardinals will next travel to Wake Forest next week with a home matchup vs. Clemson looming in the near future.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-0, 1-0)

Result: Bye

The Demon Deacons got to sit on their couches this weekend, with no worries of their undefeated season falling out of place. They’ll pick things back up on Saturday when they host Louisville.

Week 4 opponent W-L: 5-3

2019 total W-L: 40-21