Syracuse football opponents recap: Week Five

The Syracuse Orange picked up another win (this one against Holy Cross) over the weekend, and several past and future opponents did as well. Here’s a glance at the SU’s 11 other opponents and how they fared last week — just in case you’re looking ahead at all.

Liberty Flames (3-2, N/A)

Result: 17-10 win over New Mexico

Make it three-straight wins for the Flames, as they pushed past New Mexico to improve to 3-2 on the season. Both teams came in averaging over 30 points a game and 400 yards a game, but it was the defense that showed up at Williams Stadium. Liberty’s defense was outstanding in the first three quarters — holding the Lobos to 209 yards — and limited them to a season-low in both points and yards. Next up is a road contest against New Mexico State.

Maryland Terrapins (2-2, 0-1)

Result: 59-0 defeat vs. No. 12 Penn State

After whooping Howard 79-0 in its opening contest, Maryland was embarrassed on its home turf in Week 5 after Penn State held the Terrapin offense to 128 total yards — 60 on the ground and 68 through the air — under the Friday night lights. The Nittany Lions heavily outperformed Maryland in total yards (619 to 128), first downs (30 to 10), third-down conversions (9-of-13 to 4-of-15) and time of possession (33:25 to 26:35). They’ll head to Rutgers next as the start of a two-game road trip.

Clemson Tigers (4-0, 2-0)

Result: 21-20 win over UNC

The Tar Heels were a two-point conversion away from potentially upsetting the then-No. 1 team in the country, but Clemson narrowly escaped to win its 20th-straight regular season contest. After unconvincing wins over Texas A&M and UNC, many have questioned whether or not Clemson is among the best in the FBS. They’ll have a week off to regain their footing before hosting the Seminoles of Florida State.

Western Michigan Broncos (3-2, 1-0)

Result: 31-15 victory vs. Central Michigan

Head coach Tim Lester got his Broncos back on track after their double-digit loss to ‘Cuse the week prior, putting out their own lopsided victory over in-state rival Central Michigan. Junior linebacker Treshaun Hayward led Western Michigan’s defense with 11 tackles and a fumble recovery — one of three forced turnovers for the Broncos — while senior rusher LeVante Bellamy carried the ball 25 times for 105 yards and a score. Next up for the Broncos is a road contest against the University of Toledo.

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

Result: 31-13 loss at Florida State

North Carolina State dropped its ACC opener on the road this week, as three unanswered touchdowns by Florida State opened up a 24-6 lead that essentially put the game away. In a game in which the Wolfpack registered a season-high eight sacks and held the Seminole rushing offense to 53 yards, all the blame should go on the offense that only ran for 88 yards and converted 25 percent of its third downs. NC State will be off this week as they prepare to host the Orange next Thursday.

Pittsburgh Panthers (3-2, 0-1)

Result: 17-14 win against Delaware

Pittsburgh seemed to have a little bit of a hangover a week after its one-point upset over No. 15 UCF, but was still able to come out with a narrow win over the FCS’ Delaware. Backup quarterback and redshirt freshman Nick Patti drove his offense 90 yards in eight plays in the fourth quarter before connecting with redshirt junior wideout Taysir Mack in the end zone to retake their first-half lead and put away the Blue Hens at home. Now above .500 on the year, the Panthers will take on Duke in Durham, NC.

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

Result: 31-13 win over NC State

Florida State moved past .500 on the season and in conference play with a strong showing over North Carolina State this weekend. Grad-transfer quarterback Alex Hornibrook threw for a career-best 316 yards and three touchdowns in his first start for the Noles, and the entire offense went its third-straight game without a turnover. They’ll rest this week in preparation for a game at No. 2 Clemson two Saturdays from now.

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

Result: 27-24 loss to Wake Forest

Boston College dropped its first contest in ACC play this year to the nationally ranked Demon Deacons. The Eagles offense fought hard in the second quarter, erasing a 10-0 deficit to tie things at 17 before the half, but could only score once through the remainder of the game on a fourth-quarter touchdown. Junior running back AJ Dillon ran for a season-high 159 yards, but Boston College’s offense converted on just two of its 12 third-down attempts. The Eagles will try to get back to their winning ways next Saturday when they travel to take on Louisville.

Duke Blue Devils (3-1, 1-0)

Result: 45-10 shellacking over Virginia Tech

Duke wrecked the Hokies on the road Friday, as 422 total yards of offense led to six offensive touchdowns in what was an easy victory for the Blue Devils. Despite only gaining five yards in the opening quarter, Duke rattled off 31-straight points between the middle two quarters. Redshirt senior quarterback Quentin Harris competed 20-of-27 passes for 163 yards and two scores through the air, and added an extra 100 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Duke hosts Pitt next Saturday in an ACC, late-night bout.

Louisville Cardinals (2-2, 0-1)

Result: Bye

Louisville got the week off after its 11-point loss to Florida State last week, with its sights set on hosting Boston College this Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

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

Result: 27-24 win at Boston College

The Demon Deacons have quietly built a tremendous start to the season, outscoring its first five opponents by 74 points en route to an unblemished season, with a three-point win over Boston College to open up ACC play. Redshirt junior quarterback Jamie Newman tossed for 243 yards and two scores, and also ripped off his first 100-yard rushing game with 102. Wake Forest jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead and never trailed in the contest, out-possessing the Eagles by over 10 minutes. They’ll have the week off before hosting Louisville on Oct. 12.

Week 4 opponent W-L: 7-3

2019 total W-L: 35-18