Syracuse’s defense got off to a dominant start in 2015 by shutting out Rhode Island. While the Rams are a Division I-AA team coming off a 1-11 season and the Orange defense will face tougher competition the rest of the season, it was still a positive sign for SU.

Here’s a look at how Syracuse’s defensive numbers vs. URI compare to its season averages from 2014.

Points allowed:

Against Rhode Island: 0

2014 season average: 24.3

On Friday night, Syracuse accomplished something it didn’t do all of 2014: shut out an opponent. The closest the Orange came to a shutout last year was in its 40-3 win over Central Michigan.

First downs allowed:

Against Rhode Island: 2

2014 season average: 20

Rhode Island’s only true first down came late in the first quarter. Early in the third quarter, the Rams moved the chains thanks to a pass interference call against Syracuse.

Rushing yards allowed:

Against Rhode Island: 4

2014 season average: 139.3

At the end of the third quarter, SU had allowed zero rushing yards, a staggering stat especially considering URI’s quarterback, Paul Mroz, was making his first career start after transferring from JUCO.

Passing yards allowed:

Against Rhode Island: 60

2014 season average: 209.9

Turnovers:

Against Rhode Island: 4

2014 season average: 1.67

Opponent third-down conversion rate:

Against Rhode Island: 9.1 percent

2014 season average: 39.3 percent

Opponent time of possession:

Against Rhode Island: 19:46

2014 season average: 33:19

Opponent red-zone scoring rate:

Against Rhode Island: 0-for-0

2014 season: 31-of-40

Published on September 9, 2015 at 12:00 pm

Contact Paul: [email protected] | @pschweds