SYRACUSE -- Syracuse had plenty of chances to earn its first win over a top ten team since 2002. The fact of the matter is for the third time in as many conference games, they killed their chances with mistakes.

Questionable officiating aside, Syracuse trailed 14-7 late in the 2nd quarter when Greg Paulus tried to hit Mike Williams, who either tripped or was pushed to the turf, but instead the ball was picked off by Cincinnati's Drew Frey. In the third quarter with the Orange down 21-7, Delone Carter fumbled on first and goal from inside the Bearcat ten yard line. Take those turnovers away and we have a close game that perhaps the Orange win.

If you ask any Orange fans what happened they'd say in all likelihood "the refs". While Syracuse only had one more penalty than the Bearcats, Cincy was the beneficiary of some controversial calls none of which was bigger than when it appeared several lineman were down field after a botched field goal attempt turned into a touchdown pass and a touchdown lead for the Bearcats.

While SU does fall to 3-5 on the year, a bowl game is still feasible. Will the Orange be favored in any of its final four games? It's hard to say, maybe Louisville and Rutgers in the Dome, but let's say they win those two games, they need to beat either #16 Pittsburgh next week, or Connecticut in the season finale, none of which will be easily accomplished.