Syracuse football dominates Wagner from every angle

Deuce Chestnut
Oct 1, 2022; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange defensive back Deuce Chestnut speaks with the media following Syracuse's 59-0 win over Wagner at JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kicia Sears-The Juice Online.

Saturday’s game between Syracuse and Wagner was exactly what it was supposed to be. The Orange (5-0) scored on every drive, save for their possessions at the end of each half, posting a dominant 59-0 home victory. The Seahawks (0-4), on the other hand, mustered just four first downs in the game, which was shortened, as the two squads agreed after halftime to play ten-minute quarters in the second half.

The victory gave SU their first 5-0 start since 1987 and has the team one win from bowl eligibility for the first time since 2018.

The game’s most tense moment came during the third quarter despite SU holding a 49-0 lead. Running back Sean Tucker was hurt on Syracuse’s first offensive play after intermission, but was fortunately able to leave the field under his own power. Tucker still turned in the highest rushing total of his career, piling up 232 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries.

Tucker was not the only offensive star of the evening, as Garrett Shrader completed all 17 of his pass attempts for 238 yards and a pair of scores. Shrader also added the first score of the night for the Orange, notching a one-yard touchdown run.

The next two SU touchdowns were posted by Tucker. The running back broke free outside on a third-and-two for the first one, ripping off a 60-yard touchdown, his longest play of the season. Tucker added a four-yard score before the end of the quarter, helping stake Syracuse to a 21-0 lead.

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Shrader tossed his touchdown passes next, connecting with Umari Hatcher and Devaughn Cooper on 16- and 22-yard scores, respectively. Duce Chestnut added a defensive score 30 seconds later, returning an interception 28 yards for a touchdown and it was a 42-0 game after Andrew Szmyt added the extra point.

Tucker added his last score of the game on the next Orange possession, this one from six yards out. LeQuint Allen posted the first score of his career as the lone SU tally of the third quarter, carrying the ball in from eight yards out. Allen ended the period with a 90-yard burst, running out of gas inside the Wagner 20 and getting tackled at the six-yard-line. Szmyt finished the scoring for the game with a 20-yard field goal.

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About Jim Stechschulte 894 Articles
A 1996 graduate of Syracuse University, Jim has reported on Syracuse sports for the Syracuse University Alumni Club of Southern California on nearly a decade. He has also written a fantasy basketball column published by NBA.com. He currently resides in Syracuse.