Orange announce 2014 football schedule

Syracuse University football's quest for a fourth consecutive bowl victory begins with the 2014 home-opener against Villanova on Saturday, August 30 at the Carrier Dome. The home schedule also includes games against Maryland (Sept. 20), Louisville (Oct. 3; ESPN or ESPN2), Florida State (Oct. 11), North Carolina State (Nov. 1) and Duke (Nov. 8). Syracuse will play Notre Dame in New York's College Classic on September 27 at MetLife Stadium. The 2014 road schedule includes contests at Central Michigan (Sept. 13), Wake Forest (Oct. 18), Clemson (Oct. 25), Pittsburgh (Nov. 22) and Boston College (Nov. 29).

"We are focused on continuing the momentum from our third consecutive bowl win into the 2014 season, beginning with the home opener against Villanova," said head coach Scott Shafer. "We play eight bowl teams from 2013, including five in the Carrier Dome in front of our home crowd. Preparations are already underway for the challenge that lies ahead."

The 2014 Orange will feature 17 returning starters, including seven on offense, seven on defense and three specialists. Fans are invited to get a preview of the team at the annual Spring game on Saturday, April 19 at the Carrier Dome.

"We are super excited about the 2014 schedule," said Syracuse Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross. "With three bowl wins in the last four years, this represents the kind of challenge and opportunity I know Coach Shafer will be really fired up about! Our returning team wants to keep the momentum from last season to reach higher goals and represent for the community. We sure hope our fans can come out and continue to support the Syracuse football team, which has high expectations."

2014 SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

August

30 VILLANOVA

September

6 OPEN

13 at Central Michigan

20 MARYLAND

27 vs. Notre Dame (MetLife Stadium) New York's College Classic

October

3 LOUISVILLE ESPN/ESPN2

11 FLORIDA STATE

18 at Wake Forest

25 at Clemson

November

1 NC STATE

8 DUKE

15 OPEN

22 at Pittsburgh

29 at Boston College