SYRACUSE (AP) -- The numbers don't lie: The Syracuse defense ranks near the bottom of the Big East in most categories.
Among the eight teams in the conference, the Orange (3-2, 0-1 Big East) are eighth in scoring defense (26 points per game), third-down conversions allowed (44.2 percent) and fourth-down conversions allowed (62.5 percent). And they rank seventh in total defense (382.6 yards per game), pass defense (280.6 ypg), first downs allowed (23.6 per game), and red-zone defense (seven touchdowns and nine field goals allowed in 19 chances).
Clearly, this defense is not the one that finished ranked seventh nationally in 2010 as the Orange prepare to play at Tulane (2-3) on Saturday night.
Still, there are positive signs for a unit that's been ravaged by injuries, and it showed in Saturday's 19-16 double-overtime loss to Rutgers in the Carrier Dome. The Orange defense registered five sacks among 11 tackles for a loss, held the Scarlet Knights to 5 yards rushing on 38 attempts, forced four turnovers (three fumbles and one interception), had six pass breakups, and scored a touchdown.
"Defensively, we played well enough to win that game, and I think we're getting better and better defensively as we go," head coach Doug Marrone said.
Freshman linebacker Dyshawn Davis, who had two of the sacks, caused a fumble that Ri'Shard Anderson, hand brace and all, picked up and raced 66 yards for a touchdown on Rutgers' second play from scrimmage.
That was a real breakthrough for a team that's floundered for the better part of the last decade. It was the Orange's first defensive touchdown since 2006.
"We see a lot of maturity now, people growing up," said hard-hitting strong safety Shamarko Thomas, who's almost fully recovered from a hamstring injury suffered nearly three weeks ago in a loss at Southern California. "That's helping us as a whole defense. On Saturday, I saw a whole lot of difference in communication out there - Dyshawn communicating with the safeties and stuff."
Anderson is one of 10 players who have made their first career starts on defense this season. Half started in the season-opener against Wake Forest, and since then defensive end Torrey Ball, cornerback Keon Lyn, safety Jeremi Wilkes, defensive tackle Corey Boatman, and linebacker Siriki Diabate have started due to injuries on the first string.
"They're doing fine without me," said Thomas, who was leading the team in tackles before his injury. "But I'm happy to be back. I'm just going to keep pushing them, try to help them out as best I can."
Standout defensive end Chandler Jones returned to practice this week but will not play against Tulane. Thomas and nickel back Olando Fisher are expected back, though, and that should give the team a boost.
"I'm very excited about the progression of the younger players and how they're coming along in the system, and I'm excited to get some of our veterans back," Thomas said. "What that will do is create depth where we will not lose a lot from the first group to the second group no matter who it is."
Two defensive lapses cost Syracuse in the end. Rutgers wideout Mohamed Sanu broke free for a touchdown with 2:09 left in regulation that sent the game into overtime, and just before halftime free safety Phillip Thomas dropped an easy interception with an open field in front of him.
"I still have nightmares about it," said Phillip Thomas, who leads the team with three interceptions. "I knew I could have saved the win for us, but I can't dwell on it."
At least Syracuse won't have to worry about Tulane wideout Ryan Grant. He's been out since pulling a groin in the season-opener and had sports hernia surgery this week.
(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
