SYRACUSE -- Syracuse University kicker Ross Krautman is the Big East Conference Special Teams Player of the Week and linebacker Derrell Smith earned Big East Honor Roll accolades for the performances in the Orange’s 13-10 victory over Rutgers. The win puts Syracuse in position to go to a bowl game for the first time since 2004.
A senior captain, Smith notched 1.5 sacks, along with ten tackles against the Scarlet Knights. Smith leads the defense and ranks 18th nationally with 5.7 solo tackles per game. Smith’s 8.5 tackles per game also rank him fifth in the Big East. Smith has also recorded 4.5 tackles for a loss, along with having forced three fumbles this season.
Krautman converted the game winning field goal Saturday, when he kicked a 24-yard-attempt through the uprights with 1:07 remaining in the game. Along with the game winning field goal, Krautman converted a 48-yard-attempt and an extra point against Rutgers. In 2010, Krautman has hit 15-of-16 field goals for a 93.8 percentage, which leads the Big East and ranks fourth nationally among kickers who have made at least 10 field goals. Krautman has now been named to the Big East Honor Roll for the last four consecutive weeks.
Syracuse returns to the Carrier Dome this Saturday, November 20 to take on the University of Connecticut. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and the game will be broadcast by ESPNU.
Courtesy: SU Athletics
