Athens, Ohio — The best possible outcome for Syracuse football in its 2021 season opener came to reality, and that was a 29-9 win over Ohio on Saturday.
The Orange (1-0) equaled its 2020 win total thanks to a prominent rushing attack and superb defense, especially in the red zone. With the win, SU improves to 3-0 all time against Ohio (0-1).
Several things went right. Syracuse quarterback Tommy DeVito appeared comfortable in his return from last season’s season-ending injury. The Orange’s offensive line established itself early and allowed Sean Tucker to have a big rushing day on the ground. The defense only allowed six points after giving up 32 points per game in 2020.
But there were also some things that didn’t go as well, including another injury to an experienced defensive lineman. Check it all out below:
Best return to lineup: Welcome back Tommy!
Syracuse’s first drive was capped off by a 6-yard touchdown run by DeVito. It was a welcome return for the fifth-year junior after missing the final seven games of the 2020 season due to an ankle injury.
However, DeVito’s score wouldn’t have been possible without Ohio’s attention on Sean Tucker, who broke through for a 47-yard run a couple plays earlier. DeVito looked composed in the pocket for the most part, finishing 11-for-17 passing with 92 yards. He also showed an improved ability to use his legs with seven carries for 49 rushing yards.
Best milestone
Orange coach Dino Babers made it clear during the preseason that he expects Taj Harris to break records this season.
The junior wide receiver made significant progress on that claim with his first catch of the season, an 8-yard reception to pass former Orange wideout Marvin Harrison for fifth on the program’s all-time receptions list.
Harris entered the game tied with Harrison with 135 catches. His six receptions on the night, totaling 29 yards, gives him 141 for his career and sole possession of fifth on the all-time list, also passing Scott Schwedes (1983-86) and Shelby Hill (1990-93).
Best defensive play
Syracuse’s defense was efficient early, limiting Ohio to only six first-half points on two field goals. But before Ohio was able to put any points on the board, the Orange took a 9-0 lead after defensive end Caleb Okechukwu blew up a run play to tackle De’Montre Tuggle in the end zone for a safety. SU was in primary position for the defensive stop due to a botched kickoff return on the previous play.
Best freshman performance
Welcome to Syracuse, Duce Chestnut.
Syracuse’s top-ranked freshman made his debut for the Orange in the starting lineup on defense and put on a tackling clinic. The 6-foot defensive back had eight tackles (four solo), one pass breakup and a late interception. Chestnut’s tackles were calculated and timely, often going for opponents’ legs instead of their body. Orange fans should be beaming with joy if Saturday’s showing is any indication on Chestnut’s star potential on the defensive end.
Worst absence
Almost 40 minutes prior to kickoff, a Syracuse spokesperson confirmed that Chris Elmore did not dress for the game and would not play.
Elmore, a senior fullback, was listed as the Orange’s starting tight end on Monday when the first depth chart of the season was released. It is unclear why Elmore did not play, but he did lead the team onto the field. He was also seen cheering his teammates on during the game. Elmore played most of last season on the offensive line due to the Orange’s plethora of injuries at that unit.
Worst injury
Syracuse suffered a blow to its defensive line after senior Kingsley Jonathan left the game following Ohio’s first field goal. Jonathan grabbed his left ankle as he was down before he limped off the field on his own power.
The Orange is already without senior lineman McKinley Williams, who made the trip to Athens but did not play.
Biggest question going forward: 2 QBs or the best QB?
Babers said he wanted to play both Tommy DeVito and Garrett Shrader against Ohio, but DeVito’s control of the offense allowed him to stay in the game until late in the fourth quarter.
Shrader entered the game for the first time with 2:29 left in the game as Syracuse held a 20-point lead. He mostly performed hand-offs to run the clock, but he was able to gain eight yards on his first rushing attempt.
Babers said on his radio show on Thursday that football teams can’t be successful running two different offenses, and it looks like he’ll ride with DeVito for as long as he can.
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