EVANSTON, Ill. — There weren’t many bright spots for Syracuse on Saturday.

But one player who exceeded expectations was Christopher Clark. The wide receiver finished with six catches for 66 yards and was arguably the Orange’s most consistent receiving threat.

With No. 2 receiver Adrian Flemming gone for the season and Jarrod West and Jeremiah Kobena’s efforts entirely nullified, SU needed a consistent presence in the receiving corps to complement Ashton Broyld.

“We needed somebody to step up,” Syracuse quarterback Drew Allen said, “and I feel like he took on that role and did amazing.”

Allen looked comfortable throwing to Clark throughout the game. He described him as a shifty guy who runs great, precise routes. Late in the first quarter, Allen hit Clark for three completions in a row.

First came a 22-yard gain down the left side. On the next pass, Clark was gobbled up by Ibraheim Campbell for no gain.

But Allen’s approach didn’t waver. He threw the ball to one of the few people who was making plays for SU’s offense. Clark caught a 14-yard pass and revitalized his torrid mini stretch.

His production continued in the second half. Clark, a 5-foot-11, 160-pound senior from Los Angeles, racked up three more catches for an additional 30 yards en route to a career night.

Said Clark: “Main thing I told myself is that when I came out I was going to do my job.”

Published on September 8, 2013 at 4:53 pm

Contact Trevor: tbhass@syr.edu | @TrevorHass