All eyes will be on true freshman starting quarterback Eric Dungey today against Wake Forest. The Oregon native is making his first ever start for the Orange with Terrel Hunt out for the season. Dungey’s potential has been the main talking point this week leading up to SU’s ACC opener. This is his first real chance to be evaluated.
It’s also the first chance for Syracuse’s secondary to be truly evaluated. The Orange’s defensive backfield is the most inexperienced unit on the team. Of the four starters, only cornerback Julian Whigham played significant minutes last season. Cornerback Corey Winfield and safety Antwan Cordy were used sparingly in 2014. Rodney Williams, SU’s other safety, missed the majority of last year due to injury.
The reason Wake Forest provides a threat to SU’s secondary is because of redshirt sophomore tight end Cam Serigne. The 6’ 3’’ Virginia native was Wake’s leading receiver last year catching 54 passes for 531 yards and five touchdowns. Serigne caught one of his five touchdowns last year against Syracuse when the Orange demolished the Demon Deacons on the road 30-7. He already has one score this season.
Rhode Island didn’t have a big time receiver in week one and it showed. URI quarterback Paul Mroz finished the game with only 60 passing yards and Syracuse went on to win 47-0. The Orange’s defense could not have played any better; the unit led the nation in total defense after the victory.
Obviously that’s not sustainable. Syracuse will give up some plays through the air against Wake Forest today. How often this occurs and for how many yards will give fans an idea of what to realistically expect from the Orange’s secondary going forward. Right now, the SU faithful is in the dark.
Follow us @OrangeFizz to stay up-to-date on SU football news.
Posted: Connor Morrissette 
