Syracuse Notebook
October 06, 2007 04:08 PM | General
October 6, 2007
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Post-game notes from Syracuse following West Virginia's 55-14 victory over the Orange at the Carrier Dome:
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| Freshman Jock Sanders scored his first career touchdown against Syracuse on Saturday.
All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks |
Game Captains
Game captains against Syracuse were senior defensive lineman Keilen Dykes, senior linebacker Andy Emery, senior fullback Owen Schmitt and senior cornerback Larry Williams.
Coach Rich Rodriguez selects game captains each week. Permanent team captains will be elected at the end of the regular season.
For Starters
There was one first time starter when WVU kicked off the Syracuse contest: sophomore wide receiver Wes Lyons.
A total of 39 players now have at least one game of starting experience. Tops on that list are senior defensive lineman Keilen Dykes (37), senior safety Eric Wicks (31), junior offensive lineman Ryan Stanchek (27), junior running back Steve Slaton (26) and senior wide receiver Darius Reynaud (25).
Mundy’s Interception
Ryan Mundy intercepted Andrew Robinson early in the first quarter. It marked his second interception in as many weeks. It marked the third straight contest and fifth out of the last six that WVU has intercepted at least one opponent pass.
Dating back to last year’s Gator Bowl, WVU has now forced at least one opponent turnover in the last seven contests.
Schmitt Happens
Senior fullback Owen Schmitt notched his first rushing touchdown of the season on a seven-yard run early in the first quarter. It marked his 10th career rushing touchdown. He scored his second rushing touchdown of the season late in the second quarter on a one-yard scoring strike.
He also tallied his first career punt against Syracuse.
White’s Touchdown Run
Patrick White’s one-yard touchdown run against Syracuse late in the first quarter marked his seventh of the season and eighth in his last seven contests. He also has rushed for 21 touchdowns in his last 13 contests.
White now boasts 32 rushing touchdowns for his career.
Dykes’ Interception for a TD
Keilen Dykes’ 19-yard interception return for a touchdown marked WVU’s first defensive score since 2005 (Jahmile Addae, 40-yard INT for a TD vs. Pitt). It also marked the seventh interception return for a touchdown during the Rich Rodriguez era. It was also the second interception returned for a touchdown in as many meetings with Syracuse in the Carrier Dome (Eric Wicks, 31-yard INT for a TD, 2005).
The score marked the first time a WVU defensive lineman scored a touchdown, in any form, since Jason Davis recovered an East Carolina fumble in 2000 at Mountaineer Field. WVU won that game 42-24, then Coach Don Nehlen’s final home game.
The last time a defensive lineman scored any points in a contest, ironically, came the last WVU faced Syracuse in the Carrier Dome. Ernest Hunter recorded a safety against the Orange in 2005.
McAfee’s Field Goals
Pat McAfee’s 49-yard field goal to close the second half marked his longest of the season. It marked the second-longest of his career. His previous long was a 51-yarder at Pitt last season.
McAfee then drilled his second field goal of the day, a 23-yarder, late in the third quarter marking the third straight and 10th time in his career he has kicked multiple field goals in a contest.
Reynaud’s TD Reception
Darius Reynaud’s 20-yard touchdown reception from Patrick White on WVU’s opening drive of the second half marked his 13th career receiving touchdown and sixth this season.
With the touchdown, Reynaud moves into a tie for ninth on WVU’s career touchdown receptions list with Brandon Myles (2005-07).
White’s Touchdown Pass
Patrick White’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Darius Reynaud was White’s seventh of the season and 28th of his career. He is now tied with Bernie Galiffa (1970-72) and Brad Lewis (1990-93) for eighth all-time in school history. Marc Bulger is WVU’s leader in that category, throwing for 59 in his career from 1996-99.
White’s TD Responsibility
Patrick White was responsible for two touchdowns on the day, giving him 60 for his career. He is just the third Mountaineer all time to record 60 or more touchdowns in a career (Rasheed Marshall/2001-04, 69; Ira Errett Rodgers/1915-19, 66).
Brown’s Touchdown Run
Jarrett Brown’s four-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter was his second of the season and fifth of his career.
Fourth Quarter Fumble
Johnny Dingle caused a fourth quarter fumble that Boogie Allen recovered. WVU has now recovered a fumble in five of its six games this season.
Sanders’ TD Run
Jock Sanders’ touchdown run in the fourth quarter marked his first career rushing touchdown.
WVU’s 55 Points Against Syracuse
WVU’s 55 points against Syracuse marked the seventh time and second this season under Coach Rich Rodriguez that the Mountaineers topped 50 points. WVU racked up 62 points in the season opener.
WVU’s 62 points against the Broncos and xx points against the Orange marked the first time under Rodriguez that WVU has scored 50 or more points in a two games in a single season.
Most Points Against the Orange
WVU’s 55 points against the Orange also marked the most points WVU has ever scored against Syracuse in 55 meetings. WVU’s previous high was 43 in the Mountaineers 43-0 win at Syracuse in 1993.
The 55 points were the most ever given up by Syracuse at home.
WVU’s Rushing Touchdowns
WVU tallied six touchdowns via the ground against Syracuse. The Mountaineers have now rushed for 97 touchdowns in its last 25 games.
WVU Passes for 200
WVU passed for 235 yards against Syracuse, marking the fourth time this season that WVU has reached the 200-yard passing mark in a game (249 vs. USF, 226 vs. Western Michigan and 202 vs. East Carolina).
West Virginia improves to 11-7 when passing for 200 yards in the Rich Rodriguez era.
30 Is Enough
With its 55-14 victory against Syracuse, WVU improves to 130-7-1 since 1980 when scoring 30 or more in a contest. WVU is now 48-1 since 2000 when scoring 30 or more in a contest.
Against Syracuse
WVU has now won six consecutive contests against Syracuse, dating back to 2002, marking WVU’s longest in the series. Syracuse now leads the all-time series 30-25.
