Syracuse got five field goals out of Andre Szmyt, which is good, as they needed each and every one to pull out a 22-20 win at home over Virginia on Friday night. The last was a 31-yarder with 1:14 remaining that tied the school record for field goals in a game and put the Orange (4-0, 2-0 ACC) back in front.
The Cavaliers (2-2, 0-1) had taken their first lead of the game on the previous drive, completing a comeback from a 16-point halftime deficit. That Virginia touchdown gave them a one-point lead with just under six minutes remaining.
SU led for almost the entire game, notching a 17-yard touchdown run from Garrett Shrader less than three minutes into the action for a 7-0 lead. After the Hoos missed a pair of field goals, Szmyt made a pair in a two-minute span bridging the first and second quarters, then tacked on his third with 1:21 left in the opening half, stretching the Syracuse lead to 16-0.
» Related: A look back at thrilling finishes at the Dome
Virginia came roaring out of the break, scoring two touchdowns in 20 seconds, the latter coming after Trebor Pena fumbled a kickoff return. The first score capped a 75-yard drive, but was marred by a blocked extra point. The kick following the second touchdown was good, bringing the guests within 16-13.
Szmyt doubled the Orange lead with 24 seconds left in the third, knocking his fourth field goal through the uprights for a 19-13 advantage.
In addition to the Cavaliers’ special teams adventures, both teams played rather sloppily. Each side committed a dozen accepted penalties and SU doubled up Virginia’s turnovers, giving the ball away four times.
For more Syracuse coverage, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and listen to our podcast.
