Tennessee has beaten Syracuse 45-26, giving Syracuse its first 0-1 start since 2020. The battle between the two orange schools felt like a never-ending test of attrition, as the number of injuries, including fake ones, made this a long watch. Still, the game showed some positives and optimism for Syracuse, but also a lot of holes. Here’s the reaction to game one.
Syracuse vs. Tennessee Reaction
Syracuse’s Flaws: Struggling to Respond to Tennessee’s Spread Offense
From the get-go, the Vols excelled with their spread offense, utilizing the RPO to catch the Orange lacking. Syracuse couldn’t break through the line and struggled mightily to react to the RPO. Running backs DeSean Bishop and Star Thomas both ran for 80 yards, attacking the middle of the field untouched. In the end, Tennessee ran for over 200 yards.
The Vols did just as well through the air, as Joey Aguilar threw for three touchdowns and over 200 yards. Syracuse created pressure at times, but ultimately had zero sacks, allowing Aguilar to carve up the second and third levels.
Not Capitalizing on Big Moments
For the entire game, it felt like Syracuse couldn’t capitalize on big moments and opportunities. Aguilar’s fumble in the first quarter was supposed to be the moment the Orange got back in the game, but instead, they fumbled the next play for a scoop-and-score. After Yasin Willis scored in the first, cutting it to 10. Then, Aguilar found Braylon Staley for a 73-yard bomb. At the end of the first half, Dion “Tank” Wilson Jr. had Bishop for a third and long, but Bishop escaped and ran for 47 yards, leading to a touchdown. Moments like these diminished the Orange’s momentum and game plan.
What Worked Well: Playmakers Stepped Up
A bright spot for the Orange this week was establishing a run game behind Willis. He was by far the MVP for the Orange, running for three touchdowns. He looked physical up the middle and quick on the outside, especially on the goal line. He ended up running for 91 yards on a grueling 23 carries.
Through the air, receivers Johntay Cook II and Justus Ross Simmons looked effective. Both guys excelled over the middle, racking in 50 yards each. Cook would score the only receiving touchdown out of a bunch formation, scoring on an out-route.
Flashes from Angeli
Steve Angeli, in only his second start, didn’t get the outcome he desired, but still, he offered consistency and poise. He would throw for 274 yards, throwing to eight different targets and completing one touchdown. What impressed me the most about Angeli was his confidence, especially on fourth down. He would complete a fourth-and-ten, and a fourth and short, where he escaped a sack and shoveled a pass to David Clement when the play seemed dead. The only clear setbacks for him were his ball security and rushing yards. He fumbled twice and ran for -27 yards, which was heavily due to the offensive line’s inexperience together. For those who already want to replace Angeli, give it time; the accuracy and resilience are there.
For next week’s game against UConn, we will learn a lot about the Orange and how they learn from this setback. The keys to next week’s game and beyond will be if the offensive line can settle in, if the defensive line can create pressure, and if Demetres Samuel Jr. can continue to adjust.
Lastly, I once again got a prediction wrong, saying it would hit the under. So, for next week’s prediction, I recommend that all of you bet against me. Enjoy the rest of week one.
Main Photo: Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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