Live game thread

Keys to the game

Establish the run

After a meager outing against Cincinnati, it’s time for the Huskies to get back to the basics and take advantage of a Syracuse defensive line which has had a sieve in it al season. Be it Donald Brown or Andre Dixon, they Huskies have to control the ball on the ground.

Attack Robinson

The Huskies defense may be a little gun shy after Ben Mauck made plays all over the field on them last week, but they can’t be timid. They have to pressure quarterback Andrew Robinson, or if he can’t go Cam Dantley, and force the Orange into mistakes. The running game isn’t a big threat, so if the Huskies could disrupt the passing game Syracuse will struggle.

Get an early lead

When a 2-8 team comes to visit, a couple of early touchdowns can put the losing team away. It’s just natural. The Orange have had a tough season and are in turmoil. Get them down a couple of scores early and Syracuse may not have it in them to fight back.

First quarter

Edit (12:14): Finally, went over the top. Jeffers 63 yard touchdown. First exciting offensive play in weeks.

Edit (12:36): Now Huskies are rolling. Andrew Robinson fumbles on a draw why is the QB running with a cracked rib?). Dixon 2 yard touchdown run caps 35 yard drive. 14-0 Huskeis, 1:10 in the first.

Second quarter

Update(1:07 p.m.): Donald Brown (who I think should be the feature back with Dixon as the change of pace) 21 yard TD run. 21-0 Huskies. Hope you didn't take the points.

Update: Not sure what that final possession of the first half way. Just bad ply by Lorenzen running out of bounds and stopping the clock. Desi Cullen dropped the punt snap, but picked it up and did a run punt. It was one of the better plays you will ever see from a punter.

First half: Huskies beating up the the Cuse, which is their own worst enemy. Brown has 43 yards on 6 carries and a TD. Lorenzen 10-for-15 for 142 yards, though it should be even bette.r He has missed two open receivers.

Huskies in control. That's a good thing. I think the Birmingham Bowl is here.

Third quarter

Update 2:02 p.m: Third and seven on the 26 yard line. You take out Larry Taylor and Brad Kanuch and get in two tight ends and a fullback in? Then you run it up the gut. Of course the field goal was missed. What? Show some confidence in your QB please.

Update 2:29 p.m.: Nice INT by Vaughn in the endzone of Robinson (bad pass). Of course he comes out and tries to return it 109 yards for a score. He was 103 short. Randy Edsall was irate on the sideline. You got to be smarter than that.

Fourth Quarter

Update 2:47 p.m.: Lansanah 49 yard INT return for a touchdown. Good night, see ya'll in Morgantown for the Big East title.