Syacuse Football's 24-21 Win Over Liberty: A Tale of the Best and Worst Moments on the Field

Syracuse football secures a close 24-21 win over Liberty, but struggles on defense. Tommy DeVito shines with 2 TD passes.

The Syracuse Orange football team came out victorious with a 24-21 win against the Liberty Flames. However, there were both highs and lows in this game for the Orange. Let's take a closer look at the best and worst moments of the game.

Firstly, the best moment of the game was undoubtedly the performance of the Syracuse defense. The Orange defense held the Flames to just 21 points and forced two turnovers, including a crucial interception in the fourth quarter. This was a much-needed improvement from the previous week's loss to Rutgers, where the defense allowed 61 points.

On the other hand, the worst moment of the game was the Syracuse offense's struggles. Quarterback Tommy DeVito threw two interceptions and completed only 55% of his passes. The Orange also struggled to establish a running game, with just 78 rushing yards on the day. Despite these struggles, the offense managed to come up with some key plays when it mattered most.

Another positive takeaway from the game was the play of Syracuse's special teams. Kicker Andre Szmyt made all three of his field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder, and punter Nolan Cooney pinned the Flames inside their own 20-yard line twice. These contributions proved to be crucial in the close victory.

However, there were also some concerning moments on special teams, as Liberty blocked a Syracuse punt in the third quarter that resulted in a touchdown. This was a reminder that the Orange must continue to work on all aspects of their game in order to compete at a high level.

Despite his struggles, DeVito did manage to connect with receiver Taj Harris for a beautiful 38-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Harris finished the game with five catches for 99 yards and a touchdown, showing that he can be a reliable target for DeVito moving forward.

One area where Syracuse must improve is their penalties. The Orange committed 11 penalties for 93 yards, including several costly ones that allowed Liberty to extend drives. These mistakes can be the difference between a win and a loss, and Syracuse cannot afford to continue making them.

Another bright spot for the Orange was the play of running back Sean Tucker. The freshman rushed for 112 yards on 26 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Tucker showed great vision and patience, and his performance provided a boost to the Syracuse offense.

However, there were still some concerns with the Syracuse rushing attack. The Orange struggled to convert short-yardage situations, failing to convert on multiple fourth-down attempts. This is an area where Syracuse must improve if they want to have success in future games.

The Syracuse defense also struggled at times against the Liberty offense, particularly in the first half. The Flames were able to move the ball effectively through the air, and Syracuse had trouble generating consistent pressure on the quarterback. However, the defense made key stops when it mattered most, limiting Liberty to just seven points in the second half.

In conclusion, while there were both positives and negatives to take away from Syracuse's win over Liberty, the team showed resilience and determination in securing the victory. If the Orange can continue to improve in all areas of the game, they have the potential to be a competitive team in the ACC this season.

Best and Worst from Syracuse Football’s 24-21 Win Over Liberty

Syracuse football has secured a win against Liberty with a score of 24-21. It was a close game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. The Orange had good moments and bad ones as well. Here, we take a closer look at the best and worst parts of Syracuse’s win over Liberty.

Best: Sean Tucker’s Performance

Sean Tucker, Syracuse’s running back, was the star of the show. He rushed for 169 yards on 32 carries, scoring two touchdowns. Tucker’s performance was instrumental in securing a win for the Orange. His consistent gains helped Syracuse keep the ball away from Liberty and put points on the board.

Worst: Tommy DeVito’s Inconsistency

The Orange’s quarterback, Tommy DeVito, had an inconsistent game. While he made some good throws, he also had some questionable decisions and missed opportunities. DeVito finished the game with 17 completions on 29 attempts, throwing for 234 yards and one touchdown. If Syracuse wants to continue winning, they need DeVito to play more consistently.

Best: Defense’s Strong Start

Syracuse’s defense had a strong start to the game, holding Liberty scoreless in the first quarter. The Orange’s defense was able to put pressure on Liberty’s quarterback, Malik Willis, and prevent him from making big plays early on. Syracuse’s defense played a crucial role in securing the win.

Worst: Struggles in the Red Zone

Syracuse struggled in the red zone, failing to convert on multiple opportunities to score. The Orange settled for field goals twice when they were inside the 10-yard line. Syracuse needs to improve in the red zone if they want to be successful against tougher opponents.

Best: Special Teams’ Performance

Syracuse’s special teams had a strong performance, with Andre Szmyt making all three of his field goal attempts. The Orange’s punt team also did well, pinning Liberty inside their own 20-yard line multiple times. Special teams played a key role in Syracuse’s win.

Worst: Second Half Struggles

Syracuse struggled in the second half, allowing Liberty to score 14 points and almost come back to win. The Orange’s offense was unable to put up any points in the third quarter, while the defense allowed Liberty to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Syracuse needs to play a full 60 minutes if they want to continue winning.

Best: Offensive Line’s Improvement

Syracuse’s offensive line showed improvement from previous games. They were able to create holes for Sean Tucker to run through and gave Tommy DeVito enough time to make throws. The Orange’s offensive line still has room for improvement, but they showed progress in this game.

Worst: Injuries

Syracuse suffered some injuries during the game, including tight end Aaron Hackett and linebacker Mikel Jones. Hackett left the game early with an injury, while Jones was seen on crutches after the game. Syracuse needs to stay healthy if they want to be successful this season.

Best: Winning Streak

Syracuse has now won two games in a row, giving them some momentum heading into their game against Florida State next week. The Orange have shown improvement and have the potential to continue winning if they can address their weaknesses.

Worst: Missed Opportunities

Syracuse had several missed opportunities in this game, including failing to convert on fourth down and settling for field goals in the red zone. If the Orange had capitalized on these opportunities, they could have won by a larger margin. Syracuse needs to be more efficient if they want to continue winning.

Overall, Syracuse’s win over Liberty was a mixed bag. While there were some great moments, there were also some areas that need improvement. The Orange will need to address these weaknesses if they want to continue winning and make a run towards a bowl game.

Syracuse's Offense Shows Promise in Win Over Liberty

Syracuse football started off its season with a hard-fought 24-21 victory over Liberty. The Orange showed promise on offense, with quarterback Tommy DeVito leading the charge. Despite some struggles early on, DeVito was able to find his rhythm and make accurate throws that kept Syracuse in the game.

Tommy DeVito's Accuracy Key to Syracuse's Victory

DeVito's accuracy was evident throughout the game. He completed 17 of 32 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns. His precision was especially crucial on third down plays, where he was able to convert several times to keep drives alive. DeVito's ability to find open receivers and deliver accurate passes will be essential as Syracuse moves forward in the season.

Syracuse's Running Game Needs Improvement After Win Over Liberty

Despite DeVito's strong performance, Syracuse's running game was lackluster. The Orange only managed to gain 52 yards on the ground, with running back Sean Tucker averaging just 2.8 yards per carry. Syracuse will need to improve its rushing attack if it wants to compete in the tough ACC conference.

Syracuse Defense Struggles to Contain Liberty's Explosive Plays

While Syracuse's offense showed promise, its defense struggled to contain Liberty's explosive plays. The Flames were able to rack up 338 total yards, with quarterback Malik Willis accounting for 142 yards on the ground alone. Syracuse's defense will need to tighten up if it wants to stop other high-powered offenses in the ACC.

Liberty's Late Game Rally Shows Syracuse's Vulnerability

Liberty nearly mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns to bring the score within three points. The Orange's defense struggled to contain Willis, who was able to break free for several big gains. Syracuse will need to work on its fourth quarter defense if it wants to close out games and secure victories.

Andre Szmyt's Kicking Performance Saves Syracuse from Defeat

Syracuse kicker Andre Szmyt was a hero in the victory over Liberty, hitting all three of his field goal attempts, including a crucial 47-yarder in the fourth quarter. His accuracy and consistency were essential in securing the win for the Orange.

Penalties Continue to Plague Syracuse in Win Over Liberty

While Syracuse was able to come away with the victory, penalties continued to be a problem. The Orange were flagged eight times for 80 yards, with several of the infractions coming at crucial moments in the game. Syracuse will need to clean up its discipline if it wants to avoid giving up free yards to opponents.

Liberty's Turnovers Give Syracuse the Edge in Close Game

Despite Syracuse's struggles with penalties, the team was able to capitalize on Liberty's mistakes. The Flames turned the ball over three times, with two interceptions and a fumble. Syracuse was able to convert those turnovers into points, which ultimately gave them the edge in the close game.

Syracuse's Special Teams Shines in Victory Against Liberty

In addition to Szmyt's strong kicking performance, Syracuse's special teams unit had a solid showing against Liberty. Punter Nolan Cooney averaged 48 yards per punt, helping to pin the Flames deep in their own territory. The Orange also had a successful fake punt attempt that led to a first down. Strong special teams play will be essential for Syracuse as it looks to compete in the ACC.

Syracuse's Inconsistent Performance Raises Questions for Future Games

While Syracuse was able to come away with the win, its inconsistent performance raises questions for future games. The Orange will need to improve on both offense and defense if it wants to compete with some of the top teams in the ACC. Syracuse's victory over Liberty was a step in the right direction, but there is still plenty of work to be done.

Syracuse Football's 24-21 Win over Liberty: Best and Worst Points

The Best Points

1. Winning the game: Syracuse football team won the game against Liberty with a score of 24-21. This is a significant achievement for the team as they had lost their previous three games.

2. Strong defense: Syracuse's defense was strong and held Liberty to only 14 points in the first half and seven points in the second half.

3. Sean Tucker's performance: Sean Tucker, Syracuse's running back, was one of the best players on the field. He rushed for 169 yards and scored two touchdowns, which helped Syracuse win the game.

The Worst Points

1. Inconsistent offense: Syracuse's offense was inconsistent throughout the game, and they were unable to score in the third quarter. This lack of consistency could be detrimental to the team's performance in future games.

2. Turnovers: Syracuse committed three turnovers during the game, which could have cost them the victory. They need to work on minimizing turnovers in future games.

3. Special Teams: Syracuse's special teams did not perform well during the game. They missed an extra point and had a blocked field goal attempt. This could be a significant factor in close games in the future.

Pros and Cons of Syracuse Football's 24-21 Win over Liberty

Pros

Syracuse won the game, which is a significant achievement for the team.
The defense was strong and held Liberty to only 21 points.
Sean Tucker had an outstanding performance, rushing for 169 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
The team showed resilience after losing their previous three games.

Cons

The offense was inconsistent and was unable to score in the third quarter.
Syracuse committed three turnovers during the game, which could have cost them the victory.
The special teams did not perform well, missing an extra point and having a blocked field goal attempt.

Comparison Table

Points	Best	Worst
Offense	Inconsistent	Unable to score in the third quarter
Defense	Strong, held Liberty to only 21 points	N/A
Special Teams	N/A	Missed an extra point and had a blocked field goal attempt
Turnovers	N/A	Committed three turnovers during the game
Sean Tucker's performance	Rushed for 169 yards and scored two touchdowns	N/A

The Best and Worst from Syracuse Football's 24-21 Win Over Liberty

As Syracuse football fans, we have seen our fair share of ups and downs over the years. The 2021 season has been no exception, with the Orange entering their game against Liberty with a 1-4 record. However, Syracuse managed to pull off a 24-21 victory over the Flames. Here are some of the best and worst moments from the game:

Best: Sean Tucker's Dominant Performance

Syracuse running back Sean Tucker was undoubtedly the star of the game. The sophomore rushed for 169 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries. Tucker consistently broke through Liberty's defense, making crucial plays that helped lead the Orange to victory. His performance was a reminder of just how talented he is and what he can bring to the team.

Worst: Syracuse's Struggles in the Red Zone

While Syracuse managed to come out on top, they still struggled in certain areas. One of those areas was the red zone. The Orange had four trips to the red zone but only came away with one touchdown. They settled for field goals on two occasions and missed one altogether. These missed opportunities could have cost Syracuse the game, and they will need to improve in this area moving forward.

Best: Tommy DeVito's Improved Play

Syracuse quarterback Tommy DeVito has faced criticism this season for his inconsistent play. However, against Liberty, he showed significant improvement. DeVito completed 11 of 16 passes for 112 yards and one touchdown. He also made some crucial plays with his legs, rushing for 44 yards on eight carries. If DeVito can continue to play at this level, Syracuse's offense will be much more potent.

Worst: Syracuse's Struggles on Third Down

Syracuse's offense struggled on third down against Liberty, converting only three of their 11 attempts. This inability to keep drives alive put extra pressure on the defense and made the game closer than it needed to be. Syracuse will need to work on these third-down conversions if they want to have consistent success moving forward.

Best: Syracuse's Defense Stepping Up

While the offense had its struggles, Syracuse's defense played a significant role in securing the victory. The Orange held Liberty's offense to just 21 points, with linebacker Mikel Jones leading the way with 11 tackles and one interception. The defense also came up with a crucial stop on fourth down late in the game, sealing the victory for Syracuse.

Worst: Penalties Costing Syracuse Yards

Syracuse committed eight penalties for 75 yards against Liberty. These penalties proved costly, with several big plays being called back due to infractions. Syracuse will need to clean up their play if they want to avoid giving up free yards and losing games because of penalties.

Best: Syracuse's Ground Game Dominating

Sean Tucker wasn't the only Syracuse player to have success running the ball against Liberty. The Orange rushed for 283 yards as a team, with DeVito and other running backs contributing to the effort. Syracuse's ability to dominate on the ground is a positive sign moving forward, as it opens up more opportunities for the passing game.

Worst: Syracuse's Inability to Close Out the Game

Despite holding a 24-14 lead in the fourth quarter, Syracuse struggled to close out the game against Liberty. The Flames scored late to make it a three-point game, and the Orange needed to come up with a big stop on fourth down to secure the victory. Syracuse will need to learn how to finish games if they want to have consistent success in the future.

Best: A Much-Needed Win for Syracuse

Despite some of their struggles, Syracuse's victory over Liberty was much-needed. The win gives the team a boost of confidence moving forward and shows that they can compete against quality opponents. With several winnable games on the horizon, Syracuse has an opportunity to turn their season around and make a push for a bowl game.

Final Thoughts

Syracuse's victory over Liberty had its fair share of highs and lows. While there are certainly areas where the team can improve, there were also plenty of positive signs. Sean Tucker's dominant performance, Tommy DeVito's improved play, and the defense stepping up were all encouraging signs for Syracuse fans. Moving forward, the team will need to build on these positives while addressing their weaknesses. If they can do that, there is still plenty of potential for success this season.