After dropping each of its last 8 games to close out a disastrous 2025 campaign, a home opener against New Hampshire — who was without a power five victory since 2004 — played as a favorable matchup for Syracuse.
Along with the nearly 35 point spread — which seemed large even against an FBS foe — the Orange returned home with Steve Angeli at the helm for the first since his season ending Achilles injury last September.
But despite being sidelined for over 11 months, Angeli, who last year led the entire county in passing yards over the first month of action, found his groove quickly after a sluggish first drive.
And within a blink of an eye, or 20 minutes of first half action, Syracuse had jetted out to a 21-0 lead, with nothing but a blowout victory ahead. And, sure, while slaughtering an FSC school in the Dome is not a monumental victory, there were a couple of clear takeaways that mattered more than the lopsided final.
The Long Awaited Return
As expected, Steve Angeli didn’t pick up right where he left off on that rain soaked day in Death Valley almost a calendar year ago. And after throwing for over 1,300 yards through less than 4 complete games — including notching a program high 6 TD’s in a lopsided defeat to Colegate — he was destined to come back to reality. The question: to what level?
And while Steve Angeli, especially early in the game, missed some throws, stayed in the pocket slightly long, and took some hits that a 5th year playcaller should know not to take, he looked solid.
His arm strength was still there. So was his accuracy on the deep ball, and most importantly, his veteran presence shined through — something the Orange needed during last season’s struggles.
Angeli’s best throw came early in the fourth quarter, with Syracuse already ahead 43-0, where he found Umari Hatcher for his second touchdown catch of the afternoon. Hatcher, who hadn’t played since 2024, looked poised to take full control over a young and inexperienced wide receiver room.
Angeli finished 20/29 for 263 yards and 3 touchdowns, before being taken out early in the fourth quarter. Sure – it was a small sample size against a non power 5 squad – but Steve Angeli looked calm, cool, and collective under center.
Defense.
While the offense was far from good — or even mediocre — last season, the defense proved to be the bigger headache for Fran Brown and company. The Orange ranked last in the ACC, allowing over 35 points per game, and finished towards the bottom in most other meaningful categories, from yards per game to missed tackles.
The first step: bringing in new former Toledo coordinator Vince Kehres to head SU’s defense. The Orange also bolstered their defensive line, which, at times, was the true
Achilles heel of 2025.
The Orange added Tunmise Adeleye, the former UNLV standout, and Keyshawn Johnson, who came over from U.T. Martin last fall. The two combined for 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble in the victory.
While facing an inferior opponent in New Hampshire, the defense did look rejuvenated. The Orange finished with 3 turnovers, 4 sacks, and completely shut down anything the Wildcats had hoped to do.
And while the numbers itself tell the story of defensive domination, the Orange played their tails off, running to the ball at every point, never missing their assignment, and always being first to the ball.
It was just a start, but the defense did look noticeably better, if even from just a confidence and work-ethic perspective.
The Back Attack
Lastly, after losing its two top running backs in Yasin Willis and Will Nixon — to the transfer portal and NFL Draft, respectively — the Orange backfield didn’t miss a stride.
And even though Tylik Hill, who saw limited time for SU last season, was labeled as the “clear RB1,” it was true freshman Shavane Anderson who stole the show. Anderson finished with 102 yards and three touchdowns, making his case for a larger role in this offense.
Hill wasn’t far behind, adding 90 yards and a touchdown of his own.
The Orange entered the season with questions surrounding how they would replace two proven backs, but Saturday showed that the production may not have to come from just one player, or even two.
And perhaps most importantly, it gives Syracuse another reason to take some of the pressure off Angeli. While it’s clear that Angeli will need to be the workhorse, he shouldn’t be the only deciding factor.
Syracuse returns to the Dome next Saturday to start ACC Action against Cal.
