... SYRACUSE GETS THE SLIP ON FLORIDA IN CONTROVERSIAL FINISH
The Syracuse Orangemen moved to 2-0 on the season, 1-0 in the Eastern Conference, and likely will assume the top spot in the AP rankings tonight after a controversial 20-18 win over the Florida Gators (1-1, 0-1 East).
Syracuse blew a 17-6 lead, with Florida taking the lead late in the fourth quarter on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Brantley to Reed, though the 2-point conversion run failed.
The Orangemen got a kickoff return to the 47 and reached the Florida 41 before a pair of incompletions left 53 seconds on the clock and 4th-and-12. Syracuse lined up for a 58-yard field goal. Snap back, ball down, kick on the way .... it's .... it's .... what is it???
On first glance, it appeared the kick might have been wide right. But the ref's first instinct said the kick just barely was good, and the field goal was awarded. Syracuse took a 20-18 lead with 10 seconds left. Florida got the ball on the 25, and had a receiver in the end zone, but Brantley's pass was caught down field by an unintended eligible receiver, who by rule, was then down at the 49.
Syracuse grounded out 16 first downs, running 54 plays to Florida's 35. They also forced two Florida fumbles, one at the 1-yard-line when the Gators looked poised to cut the margin from 17-6 to 17-13. The Orangemen had nice yardage balance, running for 144 and throwing for 127. Florida got some explosive plays from running back Demps, who gained 112 yards, but couldn't find much other offense and only forced 1 turnover.
That concludes Week 2. Stats and other info next.
Ed
