Syracuse’s offense explodes in 52-33 win over Western Michigan

By Jonathon Hoppe

CitrusTV Football Reporter

SYRACUSE, NY — After losing two-straight games in blowout fashion, Syracuse needed a bounce-back win. The Orange put those two loses behind them and topped Western Michigan, 52-33, to move to 2-2 on the season. Orange quarterback Tommy DeVito had his best game in a Syracuse uniform, throwing four 287 yards and four touchdowns. On top of that, the redshirt-sophomore ran for 85 yards and a score.

“I thought it was really cool that he started the game and finished the game with the same amount of interceptions,” Syracuse head coach Dino Babers said. “That’s always a goal of a great quarterback.

Prior to Saturday, DeVito hadn’t started a game at Syracuse without throwing an interception. Frankly, the Orange offense hadn’t looked like itself in the first three weeks.

“Attention to detail… This week in practice we took advantage of everything. Just trying to get balls out to playmakers and let them make plays,” DeVito said.

DeVito connected with eight different targets, including six hookups with transfer wide receiver Trishton Jackson. The most dazzling play of the game came in the third quarter when DeVito heaved it down the sideline and found Jackson for a 59-yard TD pass.

The Orange played without safety Andre Cisco and corner back Ifeatu Melifonwu, but Babers expects both of them to be back really soon. Syracuse did just enough on defense to hold off a fiery Broncos team. Defensive end Alton Robinson stepped up with a strip, the first of three takeaways for the Orange.

Western Michigan was led by running back LeVante Bellamy, who ran for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Babers was complimentary of former SU assistant Tim Lester’s Broncos team, saying things could have gone differently if WMU could have avoided injuries at major positions.

Overall, Syracuse gets a much-needed win against a capable Western Michigan team. The offense seems to be clicking. Now, it’s about getting healthy for a four-game ACC stretch that will change the outlook of the Orange’s season. Before that, FCS-opponent Holy Cross comes to the Dome next weekend at noon.

jahoppe@syr.edu | @jahop23