Orange Gearing Up for First Trip to LSU

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Orange hit the road for the first time in 2017 this weekend when they head to Baton Rouge, La. to take on No. 25 LSU. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET and the game will air on ESPN2. Syracuse is coming off a 41-17 win against Central Michigan, a game in which head coach Dino Babers credited the team for being 'locked in.'

"We were moving at a very fast tempo and pace and we were operating at a high efficiency," Babers said. "That is what it is supposed to look like. Now we need to go out and duplicate that again against our future opponents."

The Orange put forth its most balanced offensive effort of the season, generating 300 yards rushing and 279 yards passing against the Chippewas. Syracuse more than doubled its average rushing output coming into the game and posted a season-best 6.8 yards per carry. Junior quarterback Eric Dungey paced the squad with 105 yards on the ground, including a 74-yard scamper and a 1-yard TD plunge, to record the second 100-yard rushing game of his career.

Orange running backs Moe Neal and Dontae Strickland contributed heavily as well. The duo combined for 126 yards rushing. Neal ran for 81 yards and averaged 16.2 yards per rush, including a career-long, 71-yard burst in the third quarter. Strickland picked up 45 yards and had a long touchdown run on the game's first series called back because of a penalty.

"We are not that far off with our tailbacks," Babers said. "I promise you, if one of our tailbacks gets to 90 or 95 yards, they are going to get 100. Take that to the bank."

As Syracuse looks ahead to LSU, the Orange are preparing to enter one of the toughest road environments in all of college football. The Tigers thrive in Death Valley and boast a 48-game home winning streak against non-conference opponents.

"It's a place where there is a great home-field advantage," said Babers, who's first time playing in Baton Rogue will be Saturday. "I've heard coaches talk about it and how difficult it is to win there, so I'm looking for our opportunity to go try."

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Syracuse University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Eric Dungey

Moe Neal

Dontae Strickland

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