As the new season dawns, Syracuse's football program is set to kick off its campaign this Saturday on home turf, welcoming FCS opponent New Hampshire. Head coach Fran Brown expresses a sense of renewed hope and determination for his team's fresh start.
The previous year saw the Orange stumble after a promising 3-1 beginning, largely due to quarterback Steve Angeli's season-ending Achilles injury. This setback led to a challenging period, as Syracuse concluded the season with eight consecutive losses, some by significant margins. However, with Angeli, a former Notre Dame signal-caller, now fully recovered, the team is poised to reverse its fortunes in Brown's third year at the helm. Coach Brown emphasizes his core expectation: for his squad to compete with maximum effort, ensuring both players and staff are prepared to deliver an engaging performance for their supporters.
Beyond Angeli's anticipated return, attention will also be on wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons, who has been navigating an eligibility dispute. Despite the legal complexities, Coach Brown anticipates Ross-Simmons will be available for the upcoming game, highlighting the importance of his presence and the team's excitement for his return. Meanwhile, New Hampshire enters the contest with a 0-1 record, having suffered a 28-14 defeat to Albany in their season opener. The Wildcats' coach, Sean Goldrich, acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly after yielding 374 rushing yards and incurring 11 penalties. However, he maintains that his team displayed resilience and a fighting spirit, with quarterback Brooks Bentley showing flashes of potential by completing 19 of 27 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns in their first outing.
This early-season matchup presents a valuable opportunity for both teams to demonstrate their resolve and set a positive tone for the challenges ahead. Syracuse aims to build momentum from the outset, fueled by a renewed sense of purpose and the return of key players, while New Hampshire seeks to prove its capability for fierce competition and overcome initial hurdles. The spirit of sportsmanship and competitive drive will undoubtedly be on full display, showcasing the dedication and passion inherent in collegiate athletics.
