Syracuse got off to a nightmare start against Rhode Island in the team’s season opener. Quarterback Terrel Hunt threw an interception on the first play of the game and then injured his Achilles tendon scrambling out of the pocket just minutes later. He did not return and after the game Scott Shafer called the injury, “very serious.”
After the injury the Orange settled down and went on to beat Rhode Island 47-0. Freshman quarterback Eric Dungey took over for Hunt and played well completing ten of 17 passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns.
Yes this was against Rhode Island, a team that won just a single game last season and did not advance the ball past the 50 Friday night, but Dungey looked calm and collected in his first ever college football game.
The Oregon product threw a touchdown screen pass across his body to Erv Phillips midway through the first quarter, which set the tone for his debut. The whole night Dungey seemed relaxed, even when rushing the ball. Many inexperienced QB’s take big hits when running the ball; Dungey routinely slid to end his rushing plays so he could avoid being tackled. He was making heads up plays the whole game.
Next week Syracuse goes up against Wake Forest. If Dungey is able to pick up where he left off against Rhode Island that will be a major statement. The team is in the freshman’s hands now. It’s been so far so good for Dungey. His performance against Wake will provide more insight in to what we can realistically expect from Syracuse this season.
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Posted: Connor Morrissette
2 responses to “Eric Dungey Impresses Under Center For SU”
I really hate seeing a player(any player) get hurt during a football game, with that being said I just finished reading an article telling us that Syracuse will petition the NCAA for a 6th year of eligibility for Terrell Hunt. I honestly believe that it’s time we move on and let Eric Dungey take control of and lead this team for the next 4 years if possible.
Eric Dungey was responsible for Syracuse putting 38 of the 47 points on the board. What happens if the NCAA grants Hunt the 6th year? Out of respect/loyalty, will he take the starting QB position away from Dungey? What about Culpepper? I see things getting really murky as far as the QB position goes over the next couple of years for Syracuse.
It was great watching Syracuse move the ball North and South and putting points on the board Friday night. Watching the offense perform running the ball was a hell-of-a- lot different than watching Hunt trying to complete those “bubble screen passes” from a year ago. It looks like Coach Lester changing the offense is what Syracuse needed. I don’t know what’s going to happen for the rest of the year. I do hope/pray that Eric Dungey stays healthy and leads Syracuse to a bowl game at the end of the year.
A lot of questions have been asked concerning Syracuse’s defense. Well just letting you know that after the 1st week of play and yes I know that it was against Rhode Island, but Syracuse University’s defensive unit is ranked the BEST and NUMBER 1 UNIT IN DIVISION 1 FOOTBALL in America. Before I get any responses about the unit being ranked number one, please take a look at all of the other top teams that played cupcake games on Saturday and not one of them shut their opponents down, NOT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO CUSE;
Saturday’s game against Wake Forest is going to be an important test for Eric Dungey and the Orangemen. I don’t think we saw all of the changes made by Tim Lester to the offense in the game against Rhode Island. I believe that week two will again be different and Syracuse should improve to( 2-0 1-0 ACC).
The defensive unit becomes a animal, could we possibly see another shut out? Only one player with a major injury after week one, things are looking for the 2015/2016 season. I hope they make all of those pundits who predicted a 2-10 or worse season for the Orange look like the fools that they are.
GO CUSE;