Syracuse Team Report

The Syracuse Orange started of the year slow, but now they are moving in the right direction putting up over 50 points their last two games.

Game: Syracuse 52, Tulane 17. QB Terrel Hunt celebrated his first career start by throwing for four touchdown passes and also rushing for a touchdown. It was a nice tune-up for the Orange, which embarks on its ACC schedule in two weeks.

Takeaway: The Orange has it rolling after a rough start, pulling to 2-2 and certainly gaining some confidence.

This was more satisfying that the whipping of overmatched Wagner a week earlier, though it's still far from a breakthrough victory. The Orange figures to have several chances for that kind of outcome in the coming weeks.

QB Terrel Hunt made his first start a week after a stellar outing in a relief role. He seems to have clearly entrenched himself as the starter, and now he should have more time to refine things with the coaching staff. Coach Scott Shafer can direct his staff to iron out details of the game plan with Hunt as the first stringer.

Both Syracuse victories have come in the Carrier Dome, where Hunt has become popular already. The defense is due kudos as well, but with a compelling story unfolding at the quarterback position sometimes that's overlooked on the surface.

Syracuse will take a break in the schedule before finally starting the ACC portion of its slate. That will come against preseason favorite Clemson.

Next: vs. Clemson, Oct. 5