The SU Football Team senses a new beginning as they prepare for Pittsburgh this Friday night at the Carrier Dome. After going a disappointing 1-3 in September to start, they plan on starting fresh in October as they enter their final Big East schedule.
"We're putting those (first four) games behind us," says running back Jerome Smith, "and now we're into the Big East so there's a sense of urgency now."
The Orange will receive a boost with the return of 2011 All-Big East left tackle Justin Pugh, who's been out with a Calf injury. Pugh says he has his own motivation heading into Friday's game.
"It's my first game back," says an excited Pugh, "I've never beaten Pitt so I'm a little amped for that, I'm just ready to get out there and play and beat these guys."
The Orange they need to start winning games soon, needing to go 5-3 in the final eight games to guarantee themselves a Bowl Game.
"We know we have to win at least five of the next eight games," says Pugh," we have to guarantee we get a Bowl Game. There's a heightened sense of urgency, but you never want to put too much into a game. You want to approach every game like it's the same type of mentality."
"We're a comfortable football team", says quarterback Ryan Nassib, "we know how good we are and how good we can be, Really it's just a thing of going out there and taking care of business and coming up with wins."
