Photo by: Charles Wainwright
Mahoney Settles In After Being Thrust into Starting Role
9/26/2015 5:39:00 PM | Football
Sophomore throws three second-half TDs versus LSU
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – After injuries to the Orange's top two quarterbacks pressed him into making his first career start against No. 8 LSU, sophomore Zack Mahoney tossed three touchdown passes in the Orange's 34-24 loss to the Tigers Saturday. The transfer from the College of DuPage overcame early nerves before settling in to keep SU in the game against one of the nation's top teams.
"I thought that our young quarterback, who started out fifth team on the depth chart this summer and really worked himself up, did a nice job," SU head coach Scott Shafer said. "First half I think he was jittery. I think he'll tell you the same. Then I thought he settled down and made some nice football plays."
Just over a week ago, Mahoney was the Orange's scout-team quarterback, but due to injuries to Terrel Hunt in the season opener, and Eric Dungey in last week's win over Central Michigan, Mahoney was the next man up and the LeGrange, Ill. native responded to the challenge.
"The first [play] I was like 'this is the moment, this is what you signed up for. This is No. 8 LSU.' Right after that first snap you realize this is just another game," Mahoney said. "I feel like I played OK. Not nearly as well as I can and should play. Like I said, I missed a lot of open throws in the beginning. But I felt like as the game went on I progressed with a lot of things. I'm just hoping I can improve every day."
Mahoney's three touchdown passes were the most by a Syracuse quarterback since Hunt threw for three scores against Tulane on Sept. 23, 2013 and the most LSU has allowed since Nov. 9, 2013 at then-No. 1 Alabama.
After falling behind 17-3 in the third quarter, Mahoney and the Syracuse offense responded with a 67-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 40-yard strike from Mahoney to wide receiver Brisly Estime.
"There were some nerves in the first half and those nerves kind of messed up my motion a little bit and I reverted back to old habits," Mahoney said. "I was not nearly as consistent as I should be. I missed a lot of open throws and I just wish I could get those back.
"When I'm loose it feels like a whole different thing. And when I'm tense and nervous I start gripping the ball too much or I revert back to my old footwork."
Mahoney also led two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter, each after LSU scores, to keep the Orange within striking distance.
Mahoney threw touchdowns to Ben Lewis, to pull Syracuse to within seven at 24-17, and capped SU's longest drive (15 plays, 76 yards) with a 5-yard scoring pass to Donate Strickland with under two minutes to play.
For the game, Mahoney was 16-for-38 for passing for 154 yards, including 119 yards in the second half. He was also the Orange's leading rusher in the contest with 40 yards on six carries.
"Coach [Tim] Lester's scheme is amazing," Mahoney said. "He has so many moving parts. It just messes with the defense so much. You just never know what can happen the next play. One minute the play is called for the right, but it can easily move back to the left. Just with how many options Coach Lester has, it really helps us out."
The Orange has a bye next Saturday before traveling to USF for its final non-conference game on Oct. 10.
For complete coverage of Syracuse and Syracuse football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange & Syracuse Football), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and watch exclusive video content on Cuse TV.
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"I thought that our young quarterback, who started out fifth team on the depth chart this summer and really worked himself up, did a nice job," SU head coach Scott Shafer said. "First half I think he was jittery. I think he'll tell you the same. Then I thought he settled down and made some nice football plays."
Just over a week ago, Mahoney was the Orange's scout-team quarterback, but due to injuries to Terrel Hunt in the season opener, and Eric Dungey in last week's win over Central Michigan, Mahoney was the next man up and the LeGrange, Ill. native responded to the challenge.
"The first [play] I was like 'this is the moment, this is what you signed up for. This is No. 8 LSU.' Right after that first snap you realize this is just another game," Mahoney said. "I feel like I played OK. Not nearly as well as I can and should play. Like I said, I missed a lot of open throws in the beginning. But I felt like as the game went on I progressed with a lot of things. I'm just hoping I can improve every day."
Mahoney's three touchdown passes were the most by a Syracuse quarterback since Hunt threw for three scores against Tulane on Sept. 23, 2013 and the most LSU has allowed since Nov. 9, 2013 at then-No. 1 Alabama.
After falling behind 17-3 in the third quarter, Mahoney and the Syracuse offense responded with a 67-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 40-yard strike from Mahoney to wide receiver Brisly Estime.
"There were some nerves in the first half and those nerves kind of messed up my motion a little bit and I reverted back to old habits," Mahoney said. "I was not nearly as consistent as I should be. I missed a lot of open throws and I just wish I could get those back.
"When I'm loose it feels like a whole different thing. And when I'm tense and nervous I start gripping the ball too much or I revert back to my old footwork."
Mahoney also led two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter, each after LSU scores, to keep the Orange within striking distance.
Mahoney threw touchdowns to Ben Lewis, to pull Syracuse to within seven at 24-17, and capped SU's longest drive (15 plays, 76 yards) with a 5-yard scoring pass to Donate Strickland with under two minutes to play.
For the game, Mahoney was 16-for-38 for passing for 154 yards, including 119 yards in the second half. He was also the Orange's leading rusher in the contest with 40 yards on six carries.
"Coach [Tim] Lester's scheme is amazing," Mahoney said. "He has so many moving parts. It just messes with the defense so much. You just never know what can happen the next play. One minute the play is called for the right, but it can easily move back to the left. Just with how many options Coach Lester has, it really helps us out."
The Orange has a bye next Saturday before traveling to USF for its final non-conference game on Oct. 10.
For complete coverage of Syracuse and Syracuse football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange & Syracuse Football), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and watch exclusive video content on Cuse TV.
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