Full Breakdown
Steve Angeli Leads Syracuse to Dominant Season-Opening Victory After Year-Long Recovery
9/7/2026, 8:06:59 AM
Return of the Starting Quarterback
Syracuse opened its 2026 campaign with a 66-3 rout of New Hampshire, marking the program’s first win in 350 days. Senior quarterback Steve Angeli—who missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his Achilles tendon—completed 20 of 29 passes for 263 yards and three touchdowns, sustaining no turnovers. After a brief stumble in the second quarter, Angeli returned to the field and finished the game without missing another play.
Background and Context
Angeli had been the nation’s leading passer in total yards before his injury during a September victory over Clemson in 2025. The loss contributed to an eight-game skid that left Syracuse 3-9 overall and without a win for a full year. Head coach Fran Brown entered the 2026 season emphasizing a “young football team” that needed game reps to develop experience on both sides of the ball.
Game Summary and Key Statistics
- Final score: Syracuse 66, New Hampshire 3.
- Angeli: 20/29, 263 passing yards, 3 TD passes.
- Receivers: Umari Hatcher caught two touchdowns; Cole Weaver contributed key first-down catches early in the drive.
- Rusher: Freshman Shavane Anderson Jr. logged 102 rushing yards on 10 carries and three touchdowns.
- Defense: Senior linebacker Zyian Moultrie-Goddard recorded a 26-yard scoop-and-score; defensive linemen Tunmise Adeleye (5 sacks, 6 tackles) and Rashard Perry added an interception.
- Penalties: Syracuse incurred 12 penalties for 125 yards, while New Hampshire had nine penalties for 67 yards.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Fran Brown described the win as a needed “collective win” after a year without success and highlighted the importance of continued reps for the inexperienced roster. He noted that the team’s youth required “more reps” to improve, especially on the offensive line, and acknowledged the penalty count, saying the coaching staff would “coach them up.”
Angeli characterized his performance as “solid” and emphasized that he felt “no pressure,” focusing on excitement to play for his teammates and coach.
Wide receiver Umari Hatcher praised Angeli’s reliability, stating the quarterback will deliver the ball to any target.
Freshman running back Shavane Anderson Jr. called Angeli “a dawg” and commended his willingness to block for the touchdown run.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I started talking to God before I went to him,” — Fran Brown, head coach — Fran Brown, head coach
- “I’m all good, there’s no injury.” — Steve Angeli — Steve Angeli, quarterback
- “Steve is willing to do anything for the team,” — Shavane Anderson — Shavane Anderson, freshman running back
- “Steve is gonna get the ball to whoever he wants to get the ball to,” — Umari Hatcher — Umari Hatcher, wide receiver
- “I think he’ll keep getting better, his confidence is building… He’s on a mission and he’s one of our leaders that we’re following on this football team,” — Fran Brown, head coach — Fran Brown, head coach
What's Next
Syracuse’s next challenge arrives when the Orange travel to face California on the road, marking Angeli’s first test against an ACC defense in 357 days. The matchup is slated for the following Saturday.