Syracuse v. Tennessee 8/29/25 Game Thread
A two-deep has been released for the opener. A couple interesting notes:
True freshman Antoine Deslauriers will start at linebacker with Gary Bryant III over Derek McDonald. Berry Buxton III will start at Star with Davien Kerr as the nickel in substitution packages. Demetres Samuel Jr is starting his first collegiate game at corner with Chris Peal on the other side.
Offensive line, going left to right: Trevion Mack, TJ Ferguson, Austin Collins, Joe Cruz, Da'Metrius Weatherspoon.
Tripp Woody is listed as the placekicker. Jadyn Oh was the kickoff specialist at the end of last season, so he may still handle that part of the job.
Orange fortunate to only give up a field goal on that first drive. Tennessee picking on the young corners and mixing in the run effectively. SU defense going to need to grow up quick.
Orange line held up pretty well on the first drive, Angeli was composed, able to find his targets when he had time. Would like to see a little more of Willis and try to let the line play physical to get into better down and distance situations.
There is one factor that is determining this game: Aguilar's accuracy as a passer. As long as he is on the money enough, the Orange are going to struggle to stop Tennessee.
Start building for next week/the rest of the season for the rest of this game. You're outmanned. Build.
Good finish to the drive. Willis scores two plays after the perfect blitz pick-up on the fourth down conversion. Nice reward for him that should also help grow some confidence in the offensive line.
Orange defense has shown next-to-no playmaking ability. Two passes defensed, no tackles for loss, no quarterback hits. Aguilar has shown a propensity for giving the ball away, but the Orange aren't making him uncomfortable.
SU offense has shown a couple effective tools thus far - power run game with Willis, Johnny Cook II's ability to create space, and Angeli's accuracy. I don't understand the involvement of Villari with the wildcat. It hasn't been particularly effective (even two years ago the Shrader was injured) and it removes the threat of the pass entirely.
Our recap of the loss:
The Syracuse defense looked inexperienced and a bit rattled. The offense had some nice moments but overall I think this was a sobering start for the 'Cuse.