'Cuse Hosts Wake Forest on Military Appreciation Day

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – After nearly a month away from the Carrier Dome, the Orange (4-5, 2-3 ACC) return to the Loud House to host Wake Forest (5-4, 2-3 ACC) Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. and the game will be televised on RSN. It's also Military Appreciation Day, presented by SEFCU, and tickets for active-duty personnel and veterans are $10 the day of the game.

"I'm excited that the game is going to be on Veterans Day," said head football coach Dino Babers. "Once again, I just want to thank the people that serve this country. It'll be an exciting time and hopefully we'll have a huge turnout and something to cheer about in the Dome."

Syracuse is coming off a close road loss to ACC Atlantic Division foe Florida State. The Orange suffered a 27-24 setback despite outgaining the Seminoles 463-343 on offense. Senior Ervin Philips hauled in 12 receptions against Florida State to become the program's career leader in receptions (207). Even though the Orange came up short against the Seminoles, Babers said the team continues to look forward to the next game.

"I think the team is really close together and that we have a really good football team," said Babers. "We've had some tough luck and haven't gotten it done yet but we'll get one more opportunity [on the road] this year."

Babers said the Orange secondary has improved a great deal throughout the season, including nickelback Devin M. Butler, who tallied his first career sack at Florida State.

"I think he has done a nice job for us in the nickel position," said Babers. "I think inside, versus the top receivers on the slot, [Butler] does a really nice job."

Syracuse will face well-coached Wake Forest team on Saturday. The Demon Deacons are coached by Dave Clawson, who preceded Babers as the head coach at Bowling Green. Quarterback John Wolford has started more than 40 games in his career. He has thrown for 1,991 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, completing 147-of-226 passes. Wolford ranks ninth in the nation and leads the ACC in passing efficiency (161.2). In addition, the Demon Deacons excel in the red-zone, converting on 92 percent (34-37) of their red-zone opportunities, good for first in the ACC.

"It's going to be a close football game," said Babers. "They've gone out and done some things to change their offense and I think it's helped their football team. They are a very dangerous team."

With the three games remaining in the regular season and the Orange needing to win two to become bowl eligible, Babers and the Orange continue to take it one week at a time.

"I talk to the team about winning the week and being 1-0 when the week is over," said Babers. "We have a game this week and the situation next week will be a lot easier if we can find a way to win this week."

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Syracuse University Athletics

'Cuse Hosts Wake Forest on Military Appreciation Day

Players Mentioned

Devin M. Butler

Ervin Philips

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