Syracuse rolled over Clemson 34-21 for their first program victory in Death Valley over the weekend.The Orange, who started the season with a lopsided loss against the Tennessee Volunteers, are now 3-1 after taking down the Tigers in their ACC opener.
But Saturday’s celebration was somewhat flattened by the injury of quarterback Steve Angeli. Angeli, who came into week 4 leading the nation in passing yards, went down with a non-contact injury in the 3rd quarter. After needing medical assistance, he limped off the field unable to put any pressure on his left leg. This afternoon, reports confirmed that Angeli would miss the remainder of the season with a torn achilles.
While the news is crushing to Angeli and a major setback for an offense that was finally clicking, there is a ton of good to take away from the statement win. Perhaps atop that list is the play of the Orange wide receivers.
Despite being on the receiving end of Angeli’s historic start, wideouts Darrell Gill, Johntay Cook, and Justus Ross-Simmons have been relatively underlooked this season. Junior Darrell Gill did get ACC player of the week recognition after totaling 152 yards and 2 touchdowns versus Colgate.
But the Orange did not face Colgate in week 4. Rather, they faced a loaded Clemson defense filled with NFL talent. But the Orange wide receiver core was not overwhelmed with the task at hand and applied pressure to the Tigers secondary early. On their first offensive possession, the Orange raced down the field and capped it off with a 12 yard touchdown pass to Justus Ross- Simmons. In the 2nd quarter, Darrell Gill reeled in a 22 yard touchdown catch while JRS connected with Rickie Collins for an 18 yard touchdown in the 3rd quarter.
In total, the Orange “Big 3” combined for 207 yards and 3 touchdowns. Johntay Cook, despite not reaching the end zone, finished with 113 yards on 6 receptions while Ross- Simmons recorded his 4th and 5th touchdowns on the young season.
The Orange will now look to the wide receiving unit to not only continue to be a bright spot on the offense, but nurture Rickie Collins. While Collins has had some reps this season in garbage time, he will make his first start of his collegiate career versus Duke.
With Collins getting the nod, the offensive line will also have to step up. Syracuse looked dominant in the test against Clemson’s stout defensive front. Despite the Tigers bringing pressure throughout the game, the Orange allowed two sacks and a clean pocket for Angeli and Collins to throw. The front 5 will need to continue its forward momentum against the Blue Devils.
