#CuseCamp17: Week 2 Notebook

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Orange football team wrapped up its second week of fall camp on Sunday. With 12 practices and one scrimmage under its belt, Syracuse is more than halfway through preseason. The team will hold eight more practices and another scrimmage before officially turning the page to preparation for the Sept. 1 opener against Central Connecticut State.

FAST FIRST SCRIMMAGE
Head coach Dino Babers has said the tempo of the offense hits a higher gear during Year 2. That was certainly true of Friday's opening scrimmage. The Orange ran 163 plays in 1 hour and 43 minutes, 13 more plays in two fewer minutes than the team executed during the first scrimmage of last year's camp (150 plays, 1 hour and 45 minutes).

Quarterback Eric Dungey tossed three TD passes, including two to receiver Jamal Custis. Reserves Rex Culpepper and Clayton Welch each threw for a pair of scores.

Brandon Berry led the SU defense with 1.5 sacks. Safety Evan Foster returned a fumble for a short touchdown to aid the defensive effort.

Scrimmage I: Recap | Photos

CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY
In addition to daily practices and meetings, the Orange took time to participate in two community engagement events last week. On Saturday, fans got their first look at the team during the Preferred Mutual 'Cuse Fan Fest. Syracuse quickly moved through some drill work to get to the main event, which was a "Fans vs. Football" skills challenge. The Orange also posed for pictures and signed autographs.

Yesterday, the Orange hosted youth football players from Fort Drum for a skills clinic and autograph session at the Ensley Athletic Center. The interactions were part of "Fort Drum Youth Football Day," an event that aligned with Chancellor Kent Syverud's commitment to make Syracuse University the best place in America for veterans.

Fan Fest: Recap | Photos
Fort Drum Youth Football Day: Recap | Photos

HONORING AN ORANGE GREAT
Former Syracuse head football coach Dick MacPherson passed away Tuesday, Aug. 8 at the age of 86. The Orange sideline leader for 10 seasons (1981-90), MacPherson guided the team to five bowl games and an undefeated season in 1987. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

In the days following his death, tributes and dedications to "Coach Mac" poured in from across the country. His memorial service was held Friday at Syracuse University's Hendricks Chapel.

Cuse.com: Obituary | Faith, Family Football: A Tribute to 'Coach Mac'
Photos: MacPherson Through the Years | Memorial Service
Videos: 'Coach Mac' Remembrance | Macky & Cameron MacPherson Reflections

SPEND YOUR FALL WEEKENDS WITH US
It's not too late to make your plans to support the Orange in 2017. Season tickets, partial plans and group tickets are on sale now online (Cuse.com/tickets), by phone (888-DOME-TIX) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B). Season tickets start at $125 for SU's seven home games.

Single-game tickets are also on sale now. Tickets start at $25 for non-conference games against Central Connecticut State, Middle Tennessee and Central Michigan, $30 for ACC matchups with Wake Forest and Boston College, $35 for the Oct. 7 Pittsburgh game on Orange Central Weekend, and $45 for the Clemson game on Oct. 13.

For complete coverage of Syracuse football, follow us on Twitter (@CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and like us on Facebook (Syracuse Football).

Syracuse University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Brandon Berry

Rex Culpepper

Jamal Custis

Eric Dungey

Evan Foster

Clayton Welch

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