Read the Game Notes (PDF)
Read Head Coach Doug Marrone's Press Conference Transcript
The Orange football team will host fifth-ranked Cincinnati on Ernie Davis Legends Field in the Carrier Dome on Saturday, Oct. 31 (12 p.m., ESPNU). It is the first time the Orange has hosted a top five opponent since it hosted No. 1 Miami in 2002. Tickets for SU’s game against Cincinnati are available online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOME-TIX).
To celebrate Halloween, fans are encouraged to dress in costume for the game for a chance to win a variety of prizes. Those who dress in costume can sign-up at Gate B before the end of the first quarter to be entered in the costume contest. Three adult finalists and three youth finalists will be selected. A winner will be chosen at halftime based on fan applause. Fans can also get started on trick-or-treating early with candy available after the game.
Syracuse is 3-4 after defeating Akron, 28-14, in the Carrier Dome last weekend. Cincinnati is undefeated after beating Louisville, 41-10, last Saturday. The Bearcats began the season at No. 23 and have since climbed to No. 5.
"Now it's onto Cincinnati, who is one of the best teams in the country, if not the best team in the country," said head coach Doug Marrone. "They're very effective offensively and have been doing a tremendous job defensively. We're excited to be playing a team like Cincinnati."
Senior running back Delone Carter earned BIG EAST Conference Weekly Honor Roll recognition for his career day against Akron. He rushed for a personal-best 170 yards on a career-best 30 carries, including a career-long 53-yard run, and three touchdowns, It was the second time this year he has scored three rushing touchdowns. He is the first Syracuse player to run for 150-plus yards and have 30 or more carries since Curtis Brinkley rushed for 166 yards on 33 carries against Louisville in 2008. Carter ranks 41st in the nation in points per game (7.71) and 57th in rushing average (75.71).
Senior linebacker Derrell Smith leads the Orange defense with four forced fumbles in seven games, which ties for fourth on SU's single-season record list. Smith's 9.14 tackles per game average ranks fourth among BIG EAST defenders and ties for 18th nationally, while his 0.93 sacks per game is tied for 32nd nationally and ties for second in the BIG EAST.
"I think (Derrell) will get honored this year, that's how much I believe of what type of year he's had," Marrone said. "I'm excited about him playing this week. He's a big key to our defense, obviously, and where we are as far as the rushing defense. They've done a great job. The defense is sixth in the country and Derrell is a big part of that, along with everyone else. He's the middle linebacker, he makes a lot of the calls, and he calls the defense, so he's an important part. I think he'll get honored after the season is over."
A limited number of the special $15 individual game tickets in ‘Touchdown Town’ are available. Fans are invited to save up to 40% on the ticket price by purchasing tickets in groups of 35 or more and 100 or more. For questions about Group Sales, please call (315-443-3212). For further questions and details call the Carrier Dome Box Office during business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-888-DOMETIX.