Syracuse offense purring under Dino Babers
Maybe the breakthrough Syracuse coach Dino Babers has been expecting has finally arrived.
The Orange have won their first two games for the first time under Babers, and his up-tempo offense has shined in victories at Western Michigan and at home on Saturday over Football Championship Subdivision foe Wagner.
In his first two head coaching stops, at Eastern Illinois and Bowling Green, his teams clicked in his second season at each school. His third year at Syracuse so far is the charm for Babers.
“I think we just did what everyone anticipated us doing,” Babers said. “If we did anything different, there would be all kinds of articles written. But we’re at the spot where we’re supposed to be.
“To be where we are and to keep it going would be a very favorable situation for us."
Senior quarterback Eric Dungey has orchestrated the two wins with his legs and strong right arm, amassing 646 yards of total
offense to rank 17th nationally. He’s 35 for 63 passing for 467 yards and seven TDs with one interception and has rushed for 244 yards and one score, averaging 9.4 yards per carry.
Against Wagner, Dungey matched a school record with five touchdown passes — to five different players — to lead a 62-10 assault .
“I get to build chemistry with different guys,” Dungey said. “That’s big for us. Spread the ball out, let those guys make plays.”
Syracuse has scored 117 points and its 58.5 points per game is tied for sixth nationally with Atlantic Coast Conference rival Boston College as the Orange prepare to host Florida State (1-1, 0-1 ACC) on Saturday in Syracuse’s first conference game.
The Seminoles, who were ranked No. 19 in the preseason poll, are coming off a victory over FCS foe Samford, but had to rally late in the fourth quarter to get it.
Syracuse, which has beaten perennial powers Clemson and Virginia Tech in the Carrier Dome since Babers took over, will present a challenge for the Seminoles defense.