When the Atlantic Coast Conference preseason picks were announced, the Syracuse Orange didn't pay attention. They knew where they stood: last. Surprise! Nearing the midpoint of the season, the Orange (5-0, 2-0) are unbeaten, having their best start since 1987 and ranked No. 18 in the AP Top 25. "Every year is different, every team is different, and I just feel like they feel like they can," coach Dino Babers said. "Now, we've got to continue to see. The proof is in the pudding, but so far, so good." Las t season, Syracuse finished 5-7 and suffered three straight losses by three points. So far this season, the Orange are 2-0 in nailbiters: 32-29 over Purdue when Garrett Shrader threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Oronde Gadsden II with 7 seconds left, and 22-20 against Virginia thanks to a a 31-yard field goal with 74 seconds left by Andre Szmyt - his career-high fifth of the game.So, how has the most penalized team in the nation - averaging 10 a game, tied with Cincinnati - remained perfect? It's a combination of things, and luck is probably among them. The offense guided by new coordinator Robert Anae is tied for ninth nationally with No. 8 Oklahoma State, scoring on 23 of 24 trips (15 TDs, eight field goals) into the red zone. The swarming 3-3- 5 defense, aka "The Mob," tops the ACC, allowing 271.6 yards and 14 points per game. And Szmyt, with the oversight of new special teams coach Bob Ligashesky, has regained his form from four years ago, when he was voted the best kicker in the nation. Szmy t has missed only once in 11 field goal attempts. The defense, led by linebackers Mikel Jones and Marlowe Wax and defensive back Garrett Williams, indicated early that this season might be different in a dominating 31-7 season-opening victory over Louisv ille at home. - AP College Football
rJr/2023  ILB Mikel Jones, Syracuse
News Source: AP College Football
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