For Syracuse, the run game was on full display in their season opener.
Sean Tucker ran for a career-high 181 yards and a touchdown to help lift Syracuse over Ohio, 29-9 on Saturday.
Afterwards, Tucker gave credit to his offensive line.
“It was a good win today,” Tucker said. “I just want to give my credit to my O-line. They opened up a lot of holes for me, got some good blocks and let me get up to the second level and do what I can do.”
Quarterback Tommy DeVito added 49 rushing yards for the Orange.
The lack of a run game, along with a fragile offensive line, played a large role in the struggles Syracuse endured last year.
It’s only one game, however, 283 team rushing yards and three touchdowns is a good start when looking to create distance from a 1-10 season.
Syracuse averaged 6.4 yards per carry against Ohio. The offense converted on eight out of 12 attempts on third down.
“It feels good to start off on the right foot,” Tommy DeVito said. “It definitely helps get that bitter taste out of your mouth that we’ve been holding onto for a long time now. But, we have another opponent coming up next week and we have to focus on them.”
And that opponent will be Rutgers in what will be the home opener for Syracuse. The Scarlet Knights are coming off an impressive 61-14 win over Temple.
As good as the Orange were running the ball against Ohio, they’ll have a formidable challenge going up against Rutgers’ run defense.
Syracuse will need more of what Tucker brought to the field against Ohio. Furthermore, the O-Line must continue to build on their impressive showing.
For time being, a good start to the season is exactly what the Orange needed.
Image: Anthony Warner
