PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Tommy DeVito, playing in place of injured QB Eric Dungey, completed a career-high 11 of 16 passes for a personal-best 144 yards, including his first career touchdown pass to TE Ravian Pierce in last week’s win over Florida State. The freshman’s 3-yard touchdown run in the third quarter marked the first rushing score of his career.
–RB Moe Neal made his first career start of the season against Florida State, carrying the football 19 times for 75 yards. In his last six games, Neal is averaging 83.6 yards per game compared to 27.2 yards per game in his first 21 career appearances.
–LB Kielan Whitner led the defense against Florida State with 11 tackles, the first double-digit tackle game of his career.
–DB Christopher Fredrick recorded his first interception of the season in the second quarter against Florida State. In his career against the Seminoles, Fredrick has forced two fumbles and has two interceptions, with his first coming in a 45-14 loss against the Seminoles on Nov. 19, 2016.
SERIES HISTORY: Connecticut leads Syracuse 6-2 record with the Orange winning the last two games in 2012 and 2016 at the Carrier Dome. The series is tied at four wins apiece on the field but Syracuse’s wins in 2004 and 2006 were vacated because of NCAA violations.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Syracuse is not just a basketball school anymore. We have a chip on our shoulder because no one expects us to win this game. Florida State doesn’t respect us and we expect to annihilate our opponent.” — Syracuse QB Eric Dungey who was hurt against the Seminoles but the Orange still prevailed.
