Syracuse dominates Colgate in 66-24 victory

The roar of the crowd rose to a crescendo, echoing off the arches of the JMA Wireless Dome as a sea of orange and burgundy enveloped the stands. The Battle of Central New York, Syracuse versus Colgate, was not just another game in the annals of history. It was a rivalry with a valorous heritage dating back to 1891, and the Orange led the all-time series 32-31-5. This matchup was not merely another number on a record but a moment etched in history forever.

Syracuse dominated the game, defeating Colgate 66-24. The game marked a breakout night for the Orange’s younger talent. Many freshman and underclassmen recorded their first career touchdowns and big-play moments, complementing redshirt junior quarterback Steve Angeli‘s six-touchdown performance. Angeli tied the Syracuse football record for total touchdowns in a single game, joining Jim Brown and Eric Dungey.

Going into the first quarter, the game had already looked to be decided. 

The Raiders won the coin toss and started the game on offense, but the Orange defense came out strong and gained possession after only two minutes into the first quarter. 
The Orange scored first with redshirt junior quarterback Steve Angeli throwing a 26-yard dime to senior wide receiver Justin Ross-Simmons for an Orange touchdown. 

Syracuse’s dominance continued as sophomore defensive back Braheem Long Jr. showed his ability to compete with an impressive two-play sequence with his first collegiate sack, followed by an interception. After not being able to make a big offensive play, Colgate got on the scoreboard with a 40-yard field goal. 

But that feeling of potential was stripped away quickly after junior wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. recorded his first touchdown of the night, bringing the score to 14-3.

Late into the first quarter, it became clear this was a night of firsts — the Orange had a clear and comfortable lead on the Raiders. 

Redshirt junior running back Will Nixon recorded his first touchdown of the season, while freshman wide receiver Darien Williams documented his first-ever collegiate touchdown.

“It felt good,” Williams said. “It was my first time, and I’m excited for what the rest of the season holds.”

Freshman defensive back Demetres Samuel Jr. also had a standout night, recording his first collegiate catch, pick and punt return. 

Gill Jr. continued to prove his playmaking ability, catching a 35-yard touchdown for his second touchdown of the night, despite missing a score on one of two incomplete passes, intended for him and junior wide receiver Johntay Cook. 

“You always get excited to see kids get a chance to play football,” head coach Fran Brown said about underclassmen getting their first snaps on the field. “It’s not just about the team; it’s about the communities, the fan base, it’s everything.”

The half ended with Syracuse showing that history repeats itself, leading Colgate 38-3. 

The Raiders gained a slight boost in confidence in the second half. Zach Osborne continued to have great chemistry with Jake Stearney and Reed Swanson. They consistently completed passes to gain the Raiders their first two touchdowns of the night. 

This performance is a far cry from their last meetup with the Orange in 2023, when they were completely shut out, losing 65-0. This shift highlights Colgate’s strategic adjustments, allowing it to narrow the gap this time. 

Colgate improved their third-down conversion rate from a dismal 10% the last matchup to a more respectable 40% on Friday, illustrating their ability to maintain momentum on crucial plays. Treyvhon Saunders is now only 11 receptions away from becoming Colgate’s all-time reception leader, further showcasing their progression. The quarter ended with Syracuse leading 45-17.

The final quarter should have been a steady closeout for the Orange, but the Raiders weren’t ready for their ride back to Hamilton just yet. 

Angeli got in on all the action and ran for his first rushing touchdown of the season off a 1-yard rush. Colgate answered with a 44-yard touchdown from Cole Fulton. 

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Rickie Collins came in for his first snap of the season, and a possession later, he also threw his first pick and was subbed out of the game. 

After a few back-and-forths between the two teams, Collins got his second chance and made the most of it. He recorded 12 rushing yards, followed by his first touchdown of the season, completed to freshman wide receiver Gabe Daniels for their shared season first. Freshman quarterback Luke Carney was then able to get his own taste of success when he garnered his own 6 points. 

With the win, Syracuse now sits at 2-1 for the season and 2-0 at home. The Orange will be on the road next week against No. 12 Clemson for the first game of ACC play.