Opening Game Challenges
Syracuse Orange opened the 2026 season with a 1‑0 victory over New Hampshire, but the win was far from flawless.
The game was punctuated by sloppy moments, including a third‑down drop by Noah Meyers and multiple penalties that hampered strong punt returns by Demetres Samuel.
Despite being assessed 12 penalties and converting only 8 of 14 third‑down attempts, the Orange still outgained the Wildcats 513 to 155 yards, with Angeli completing 20 of 29 passes and Samuel and Davien Kerr averaging 19 yards per punt return.
Defensively, the Orange recorded five sacks and three forced turnovers, holding New Hampshire to just 5 of 14 on third‑down conversions, underscoring a resilient unit.
The third quarter proved especially disappointing, raising concerns about head coach Fran Brown’s strategic decisions.
Brown kept Angeli on the field into the fourth quarter, a move that reflected his frustration with the team’s execution and his hope that the veteran’s presence could steady the offense.
Looking ahead, the ACC matchups against California and Pittsburgh will be pivotal; securing wins in those games is essential for fundraising, ticket sales and building momentum for the remainder of the season.
Improving third‑down efficiency and cutting penalties are the primary targets for the Orange, who aim to recapture the competitive form that defined their 2018 and 2024 seasons.