SYRACUSE -- The Syracuse Orange had a chance to "show their stuff" on national television on Friday night, and boy did they show off. In what was surely the biggest win since Doug Marrone took over as Head Coach, the Orange dominated West Virginia on both sides of the ball in a 49-23 victory in front of 45,265 fans at the Carrier Dome. It was SU's first win over a top 15 team they beat Virginia Tech 50-42 in triple overtime back in 2002.
"I think the fans were a big part of helping us win," says Head Coach Doug Marrone, "it matters to these kids. These kids care about this community. This University cares about this community, and it's great to have people out there, and we feel the core values of this program reflect not only the University but also this community. So credit to those fans, they helped us win this game, and the game ball is for them too."
West Virginia's Geno Smith was the heralded quarterback heading into the game, but Ryan Nassib was the clear cut QB to beat on this night, helping himself to 4 touchdown passes and a rushing TD of his own. Three of those touchdown passes were to Nick Provo. Running back Antwon Bailey also registered his fourth consecutive game with over 100-yards rushing and at least one touchdown.
"We had a great plan," says Nassib, "we did a great job mixing up the pass and run, and our running game was doing well, and usually when that does well in our system it opens up the passing game. That's really how we were able to keep moving the ball so well."
SU's 49 points on offense was the most ever against West Virginia. The Orange also had a season-high 443 yards of total offense.
The Orange are now all set to hit the road on a high. They'll travel to Louisville next weekend to face the 3-4 Cardinals at the Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.
