Sunday Sidebar: Ball Disruption Leads to Points

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Orange is averaging better than 32 points a game through its first six contests. Syracuse isn't just relying on the offense to punch the ball into the end zone, however. It's been a complete team effort, with the Orange recording three defensive touchdowns so far in 2015.

The trend continued Saturday at Virginia when safety Antwan Cordy opened the game's scoring by picking up a Taquan Mizzell fumble in the second quarter and racing 44 yards to paydirt. The scoop-and-score was the Orange's first fumble return TD of the year to go along with two interception returns for touchdowns.

Syracuse has seven defensive TDs (4 INT returns, 3 fumble returns) in the last 17 games, a stretch that dates back to a Marqez Hodge 36-yard fumble return for a touchdown in last year's win at Central Michigan.

The spike in sudden-change plays is a testament to defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough's emphasis on ball disruption. Bullough and his staff grade ball disruption during every practice. Batted balls, forced fumbles, interceptions pass breakups and the like are as meticulously charted by the defensive coaches as first-down efficiency and pass completions are by the offensive staff.

In all, the Syracuse defense has 12 takeaways (6 INTs, 6 fumble recoveries) this season. While three of those forced turnovers directly resulted in touchdowns, the Orange offense has done its part when Bullough's unit gets them the ball back. SU has already scored 45 points off turnovers (7.5 per game) in 2015 compared to 52 (4.3 per game) all of last year.

Against the Cavaliers yesterday, both of SU's takeaways were turned into points. In addition to Cordy's touchdown, defensive end Qaadir Sheppard made his first career interception when he snatched a tipped pass out of the air at the Virginia 26-yard line. Sheppard's pick led to Eric Dungey's highlight-reel touchdown run that gave the Orange a 21-14 halftime advantage.

Bullough's aggressive Orange defenders will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 24 when Syracuse hosts Pittsburgh at noon during Orange Central/Homecoming Weekend.

The SU-Pitt game is presented by Dunkin' Donuts and tickets start at $30. Tickets are available online, by phone (1-888-DOMETIX) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B). In addition, discounted group tickets (20 or more) for all home games can be purchased by calling 315-443-3212.

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Syracuse University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Antwan Cordy

Eric Dungey

Marqez Hodge

Qaadir Sheppard

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