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The Syracuse Orange nonconference schedule is among the toughest in the FBS this season – and it has been proven it in the loss column. The Orange lost three games so far, to teams with a combined record of 11-1.
The latest defeat came at the hands of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 17-10 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Sept. 22.
Ryan Nassib had a pedestrian performance compared to his first three games. He completed 21 of 31 passes for 228 and a touchdown, but was intercepted twice as well. Alec Lemon had 106 receiving yards and Marcus Sales had 32 yards and a touchdown. Jerome Smith and Prince-Tyson Gulley combined for 100 rushing yards. Ross Krautman made a 33-yard field goal.
Against a defense that has been statistically among the poorest in the country, the Orange managed a mere 350 total yards.
Minnesota's offense came primarily from Donnell Kirkwood who rushed 28 times for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns. Quarterback Max Shortell completed 16 of 30 passes for 231 yards.
The Orange have a week off before hosting Pitt at the Carrier Dome Oct. 5.