Despite playing in the Carrier Dome, the Syracuse football team is used to playing on grass. Dino Babers has had his team practice on grass since the Orange began its camp in the summer.
This week SU takes on UConn on the road at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, a grass facility. It’s the first game on a real surface for the Orange in 2016.
For some people, grass versus turf doesn’t matter. Writing about a playing surface may not seem important, but it actually can make a major difference to players.
“Our bodies are feeling way better,” Syracuse receiver Brisley Estime said after being asked about the difference between grass and turf. “A couple years ago, when we practiced on turf, it was different. I’m happy to play on grass.”
While Estime prefers practicing on the real surface, Syracuse backup center Colin Byrne thinks SU will play just as well at UConn as the team would in the Dome, because of their exposure to grass.
“We practice on Hookway Fields every week,” Byrne said. “That’s something Coach Babers came through with. I think we’ll be very comfortable on the field because of what we’re playing on right now. I got a chance to see UConn’s field back in the spring and it’s beautiful. We should be just as comfortable there as we are on the Dome turf.”
A team’s first road test can be daunting. For some Syracuse players, the opportunity to play on grass has been welcomed however. We’ll find out just how comfortable Syracuse looks on Saturday…
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Posted: Connor Morrissette
