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Syracuse Looks to Kick Off New Era Strong Against Ohio in Season Opener
Syracuse is gearing up for a fresh start as they host Ohio on Saturday afternoon. With a new head coach, a fresh face at quarterback, and a roster infused with talent, the Orange have high hopes as they look to start the season with a win.
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— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) August 31, 2024
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Syracuse’s New Leadership and Key Players
The Orange made a significant change last November by hiring Fran Brown, formerly the defensive backs coach at Georgia, as their new head coach. Brown steps in after Syracuse wrapped up a 6-7 season, a year that started strong with four straight wins but ended with a midseason slump that led to the dismissal of Dino Babers.
Wasting no time, Brown made waves in the transfer portal, notably bringing in former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord. McCord, who threw for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns for the Buckeyes last season, is eager to lead the Orange.
“(Saturday is) definitely a date that I’ve had circled on my calendar since the day I decided to come here,” McCord said, expressing his excitement for his Syracuse debut.
The Orange also bring back key contributors like running back LeQuint Allen, who rushed for 1,064 yards and nine touchdowns last season, and linebacker Marlowe Wax, who recorded 110 tackles and four sacks. These veterans, along with the new arrivals, are embracing Brown’s DART mentality—detailed, accountable, relentless, and tough.
“(I hope that Saturday), you can really see DART,” Brown said. “You can see that we play like that. And that it’s not just a saying. It’s who we are.”
Ohio’s Strong Finish and Key Players
Ohio enters this game on the heels of a strong 2023 season, where they finished 10-3, capping it off with a commanding 41-21 victory over Georgia Southern in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. The Bobcats ended their season with four consecutive wins, all by double digits.
Bobcats head coach Tim Albin knows the challenge that Syracuse presents and has voiced his respect for what Brown has done with the Orange.
“I always say: ‘We fear none, respect all.’ We have our hands full (this weekend),” Albin said. “Coach Brown’s done a really good job. I’m really impressed by the film that we’re studying.”
Leading the Bobcats’ offense is quarterback Parker Navarro, who shined in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. He’ll be supported by Rickey Hunt, who tied a school record with five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) in Ohio’s 2023 season finale.
Series History and Game Outlook
Syracuse has won all three previous matchups with Ohio, including a 29-9 victory in the 2021 season opener. As the Orange begin the Fran Brown era, they’ll look to Kyle McCord and their returning stars to set a winning tone for the season. Meanwhile, Ohio, riding high from last year’s success, aims to challenge Syracuse and continue their strong form under Tim Albin.
With both teams bringing new elements to the table, Saturday’s game is set to be an intriguing clash, marking the start of what both programs hope will be a successful 2024 campaign.
