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Cal Shocks Syracuse in ACC Opener
13 Sep
Summary
- Syracuse lost its ACC opener 21-18 to Cal.
- Turnovers and 15 penalties proved costly for Syracuse.
- Key players like Tylik Hill and Calvin Russell III were sidelined.
The Syracuse Orange football team experienced a humbling 21-18 defeat against visiting Cal in their Atlantic Coast Conference opener, dropping their record to 1-1. The Golden Bears also now stand at 1-1.
Syracuse held a 12-0 lead in the second quarter but could not maintain it. Cal eventually took a 14-12 lead in the third quarter. Although Syracuse briefly regained an 18-14 advantage, a missed two-point conversion and two crucial fourth-quarter field goal misses, including one with three minutes remaining that could have tied the game, proved detrimental.
Quarterback Donny Angeli struggled, throwing for 306 yards with three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Starting running back Tylik Hill exited early with an injury after a strong start. LSU transfer Ju'Juan Johnson saw significant carries in Hill's absence, while other offensive weapons like Ross-Simmons made an impact despite Calvin Russell III remaining sidelined with an Achilles injury.
The Orange were plagued by 15 penalties for 132 yards, a statistic head coach Fran Brown will surely address. Despite superior offensive statistics in first downs and total yards, Syracuse's turnovers and penalties were the decisive factors in the loss. They will face Pitt next on Thursday night for their first road game.
