Full Breakdown
Syracuse Football Dominates Colgate in 66-24 Victory
9/14/2025, 1:31:38 AM
Syracuse's Offensive Explosion
On September 12, 2025, the Syracuse Orange football team achieved a commanding 66-24 victory over the Colgate Raiders at the JMA Wireless Dome. This win marked Syracuse's 18th consecutive triumph over Colgate, improving their all-time series record to 33-31-5. The Orange's performance was highlighted by a record-setting outing from quarterback Steve Angeli, who threw for 417 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for another score, tying the program's single-game record for touchdowns with six.
Key Performances and Game Dynamics
Syracuse started strong, scoring on six of their seven first-half possessions and building a 38-3 lead by halftime. Angeli's ability to spread the ball effectively was evident as he connected with twelve different receivers throughout the game. Notably, wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. stood out with six receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his capability to make significant plays downfield.
Despite the lopsided score, Colgate demonstrated resilience, particularly in the third quarter, where they outscored Syracuse 14-7. Quarterback Jake Stearney, who entered the game in the second half, completed 14 of 20 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns, both to Reed Swanson. Colgate's running back Cole Fulton also made an impact, rushing for a career-high 72 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown run.
Official Statements & Responses
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown praised Angeli's performance, stating, “He’s working really, really hard. It’s amazing that he got to join Jim Brown, both those guys were amazing here.” Angeli himself emphasized the collective effort of the team, saying, “It’s not just me; there are guys who are all over that are allowing that to happen. It’s a collective thing.”
Colgate's head coach Curt Fitzpatrick acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, noting, “Football's a funny game. The pieces start to come together once you start doing the little things right, and we did that more consistently in the second half.”
Criticism & Opposition
While Syracuse's offense thrived, concerns were raised regarding their defensive performance, which allowed Colgate to accumulate 408 total yards. Analysts pointed out that if Syracuse's defense struggles against an FCS opponent like Colgate, it could pose significant challenges as they prepare for tougher competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), particularly against ranked teams like Clemson.
What's Next
Looking ahead, Syracuse will face a formidable challenge as they travel to Death Valley to take on the No. 12 Clemson Tigers on September 20, 2025. This matchup will serve as a critical test for the Orange as they aim to build on their momentum from the victory over Colgate while addressing defensive shortcomings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just the fact that you said Jim Brown, and that’s amazing to say that anybody that joins anything with Jim Brown. I mean, they should just go home and be thankful, right?” — Fran Brown, Head Coach, Syracuse
- “There are guys who are all over that are allowing that to happen, it’s a collective thing.” — Steve Angeli, Quarterback, Syracuse
- “I thought their quarterback played really well, and he's getting better every week,” — Curt Fitzpatrick, Head Coach, Colgate
This victory not only showcased Syracuse's offensive capabilities but also highlighted areas for improvement as they prepare for the rigors of conference play.
