Football

Syracuse football primer: What to know for Wake Forest week

David Salanitri | Staff Photographer

Corey Winfield and Syracuse will take on Wake Forest Saturday at 12:30 in the Carrier Dome.

By Paul SchwedelsonSenior Staff Writer

Syracuse (1-0) faces Wake Forest (1-0) in Week 2 looking to pick up its second win of the season at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Carrier Dome. Here’s everything you need to know entering SU’s first Atlantic Coast Conference game this season.

Tougher competition

The Orange is coming off a 47-0 win on Friday over Rhode Island, a Football Championship Subdivision team that finished just 1-11 last year. While Syracuse put up eye-popping statistics — 426 yards of total offense, 40 minutes of possession and 4 rushing yards allowed — the quality of opponent must calm fans’ excitement.

The Demon Deacons are significantly better than URI, but WFU did finish as the worst team in the ACC last season. While only the second week of the season, it might be the Orange’s most winnable conference game all year.

SU beat Wake Forest on the road last season, 30-7, for one of its three wins.



Cloudy outlook

With senior Terrel Hunt now out for the season with a torn right Achilles, true freshman Eric Dungey is Syracuse’s starting quarterback. Dungey, who beat out sophomore Austin Wilson for the No. 2 spot in training camp, went 10-of-17 for 114 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions against Rhode Island.

After Friday’s win, offensive coordinator Tim Lester said Dungey made some freshman mistakes, but stayed composed throughout the game. He showed positive signs, but his first ACC game will be a bit more of a challenge.

Dungey is listed at 6 feet, 3 inches and at 202 pounds. Scout.com ranked him with three stars and as the No. 91 quarterback in the 2015 class.

Injury report

In addition to Hunt, sophomore hybrid Ervin Philips left the game in the first half with a lower-body injury. He had two receptions for 41 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

First-string junior running back Devante McFarlane didn’t play against Rhode Island despite being in pads on the sideline. After the game, head coach Scott Shafer said he was banged up in training camp, but he’ll be ready for Wake Forest.

Game-week coverage

For all Syracuse-Wake Forest updates leading up to and during the game, you can follow @DOSports on Twitter and keep up regularly with dailyorange.com.





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