Syracuse football game day: Everything to know about the Middle Tennessee State matchup
Todd Michalek | Contributing Photographer
Syracuse will look to down Middle Tennessee State, its first FBS matchup of the year, a week after dominating Central Connecticut State, 50-7
UPDATED: Sept. 10, 2017 at 10:33 p.m.
Eight days after Syracuse’s 50-7 drubbing over Central Connecticut State, SU hosts its first FBS opponent of the season in Middle Tennessee State. Former SU head coach Scott Shafer returns to the Carrier Dome as MTSU’s defensive coordinator. MTSU is coming off of a 28-6 loss to Vanderbilt in Week 1. Kickoff between SU (1-0) and MTSU (0-1) is Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
How can you watch the game? The game will air on ACC Network Extra.
What’s the biggest storyline? Without question, Shafer’s return. “He’s going to want to draw some blood,” former SU defensive tackle Steven Clark said. There are 37 players left on Syracuse’s roster whom Shafer coached. SU head coach Dino Babers addressed Shafer’s return early in the week.
Where did all of this experience come from? Partly thanks to graduate transfers. Babers has brought on five since he took the head coaching gig at SU, including Amba Etta-Tawo and three defensive players this year.
What’s to know about MTSU? Here’s a scouting report, player to watch and more.
Eric Dungey had a huge game last week, but he has yet to play a full season. With health, the junior signal-caller has a chance to show his arm’s abilities for a full season.
Who will win the game? Our beat writers predict a Syracuse victory.
What’s new about the offense? Newcomers Chris Elmore and Ravian Pierce bolster the heavy package, strengthening the offense.
What’s the status of Antwan Cordy? Babers didn’t get into specifics, but SU’s redshirt junior safety returned to practice this week after exiting last week’s game in the first quarter.
How is senior kicker Cole Murphy viewing the 2017 season? He’s hoping to replicate the success he’s had in the Dome when on the road.
What else is there to know about the Blue Raiders? We spoke with MTSU beat writer Erik Bacharach of The Daily News Journal for insight.
How could Hurricane Irma affect Syracuse? Both Florida State and Miami will not play this weekend due to the storm, and 19 Syracuse players grew up in Florida. They took to social media to express their concerns.
Published on September 9, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Contact Matthew: mguti100@syr.edu | @MatthewGut21
