Football

Devante McFarlane misses Rhode Island win but Shafer expects him back next week

Devante McFarlane, Syracuse’s starting running back, did not play in the Orange’s 47-0 win over Rhode Island in the Carrier Dome on Friday night.

“Devante, he’ll be back for Wake (Forest) full-go,” SU head coach Scott Shafer said after the win. “He was banged up during summer camp and we decided not to play him. He was probably anxious out there to get a shot. Had to make a decision on that.”

McFarlane, a junior,  was in pads and on the sideline, but wore a blue Syracuse baseball cap instead of a helmet the entire game. He was listed ahead of George Morris on the Orange’s two-deep depth chart for the game against the Rams. Morris rushed for 71 yards on 12 carries, a 13-yard rush highlighting his performance.

Freshman running back Jordan Fredericks took the most advantage of McFarlane’s absence. In his first collegiate game, Fredericks finished with a game-high 103 rushing yards on 14 carries, including a 13-yard rushing touchdown.

In 2014, McFarlane was a secondary option and rushed for 169 yards on 28 attempts.



“He played good against (Wake Forest) last year,” Shafer said, “so I know he’s anxious to get back on the field.”





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