Five Takeaways: Syracuse 35 Wake Forest 31
Syracuse knocked off Wake Forest 35-31 to clinch bowl eligibility for the second straight season. Here are five takeaways from the victory.
1. Credit to the Players and Coaches
This could not have been an easy week. Not only dealing with the firing of their head coach, but also game planning without knowing the availability of your quarterback while trying to focus on the opponent. That is not easy to do, yet these guys clearly did. They played with energy, effort and enthusiasm and pulled out a win. Kudos to them for that. Similarly, the coaches had to adjust to no longer having their boss calling the shots. Credit to Nunzio Campanile for his leadership and to the other assistants for getting the players ready.
2. Garrett Shrader
I cannot imagine the level of discomfort and pain Garrett Shrader has been dealing with the last several weeks. He was clearly unable to throw the ball the last three games, but was good enough to do that in this one. He gutted it out, threw for 173 yards with three scores and ran for 46 yards with another touchdown. A nice way to go out in his final home game at Syracuse.
3. Defense
The defense surprisingly struggled all game. Wake Forest has been one of the worst offenses in the ACC all season, but racked up 31 points against the Orange. Syracuse's defense had been playing well the last three weeks, which is why this performance was a bit of a shock. That said, when it mattered the most, the defense stood up and made a play. Whether it was holding Wake Forest without points after Syracuse's lone turnover of the game or making a stop on fourth and goal with the Demon Deacons poised to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. The biggest struggles in this one were rushing the passer and coverage.
4. Damien Alford
We have been waiting for a breakout performance from Damien Alford all season and finally got it in the regular season finale. Alford was fantastic, making big play after big play. He finished with four catches 126 yards and two touchdowns. Alford participated in the senior walk, but still has two years of eligibility remaining. It will be interesting to see what his future holds.
5. Going Bowling
With all of the craziness, drama and injuries this season, Syracuse was still able to get to bowl eligibility. A good reward for the seniors and an opportunity to get 16 extra practices for the new coach to evaluate the current players. If I had to guess, I would say the Pinstripe or Fenway Bowl are the most likely destinations. I am sure, however, the players would prefer a warmer location.
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