Syracuse Dominates Colgate in Historic 66-24 Blowout Victory
The lights at the JMA Wireless Dome burned bright Friday night, but not as bright as Steve Angeli’s performance. The Notre Dame transfer quarterback etched his name alongside Syracuse legends Jim Brown and Eric Dungey, becoming just the third player in program history to account for six touchdowns in a single game. His masterpiece? A 66-24 demolition of Colgate that left over 37,000 fans wondering if they’d just witnessed the emergence of something special.
Angeli’s Record-Breaking Night Elevates Syracuse to New Heights
When you mention Jim Brown and Syracuse football in the same breath, you’re talking about royalty. Brown, the legendary number 44, set the standard for excellence at Syracuse. For Angeli to join that exclusive club tells you everything about what transpired under the Dome’s bright lights.
“Just the fact that you said Jim Brown, and that’s amazing to say that anybody that joins anything with Jim Brown,” Syracuse head coach Fran Brown said after the game. “I mean, they should just go home and be thankful, right?”
The statistics tell the story: 417 passing yards, five touchdown passes, and one rushing score. Angeli completed 24 of 32 attempts, spreading the wealth to 12 different receivers like a veteran quarterback conducting a symphony. This wasn’t just good—this was historic.
But here’s what the numbers can’t capture: the poise. The pocket presence. The way Angeli delivered strikes with defenders breathing down his neck. This was a quarterback who looked comfortable, confident, and completely in control of an offense that’s been searching for consistency.
Orange Offense Reaches Elite Territory with Explosive Performance
Syracuse didn’t just win—they dominated in every conceivable way. The Orange amassed 620 total yards, with 447 coming through the air in a display that would make any “Air Raid” team jealous.
Darrell Gill Jr. emerged as Angeli’s favorite target, hauling in six catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns. His acrobatic 43-yard scoring grab in the first quarter—a leaping, “Moss-ing” effort over a helpless Colgate defender—set the tone for what would become a showcase of offensive firepower.
The beauty of this Syracuse attack lies in its balance and unpredictability. Twelve different players caught passes. Jaylan Hornsby, Justus Ross-Simmons, and Darien Williams all found the end zone through the air. Will Nixon contributed with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, while Luke Carney added a 9-yard score. Even backup quarterback Rickie Collins got in on the action with a touchdown pass.
This is what championship-caliber offenses look like: multiple weapons, diverse attack schemes, and the ability to strike from anywhere on the field. The Orange looked much more comfortable compared to last week’s overtime win against UConn.
Syracuse Maintains Perfect Record Against FCS Competition
The victory improved Syracuse to 23-0 all-time against FCS opponents, extending their dominance over lower-division programs. But this wasn’t just about beating up on a smaller school—this was about making a statement.
Colgate entered the game having lost their first two contests by a combined 10 points, showing they weren’t pushovers. The Raiders even made things interesting early, closing to within 7-3 on a 40-yard field goal by Luke Vogeler.
That’s when Syracuse showed its true colors. The Orange responded with 38 unanswered points, turning a competitive game into a rout that had fans heading for the exits by the fourth quarter.
“Pure and simple, Colgate was no match for Syracuse,” one observer noted. “But the Raiders showed a lot of heart, particularly on defense, pressuring Angeli throughout.”
Challenges Ahead as Syracuse Prepares for ACC Gauntlet
While the offensive explosion provided plenty of reasons for optimism, Syracuse faces some sobering realities as they prepare for ACC play. The offensive line remains a work in progress—a concerning development with Clemson looming next week.
The defense, despite the lopsided score, surrendered 408 yards to an FCS opponent. That’s not going to cut it when the Orange face the Clemson Tigers, followed by four preseason top-25 teams and six bowl-eligible programs from last season.
“The easy part is over for Syracuse,” the reality check reads. Starting with their road trip to Clemson, this team will face its true championship caliber test.
Looking Forward: Can Syracuse Sustain This Momentum?
The beauty of this Syracuse performance lies not just in the numbers, but in the confidence it should provide. Angeli looked like a seasoned veteran, the receiving corps displayed championship-level depth, and the offense showed the kind of explosiveness that can keep pace with anyone in the ACC.
Freshman Demetres Samuel Jr. continues to impress as Syracuse’s version of Travis Hunter, contributing on both sides of the ball and special teams. He’s already making an impact that could define the Orange’s season.
But here’s the ultimate question: was this a glimpse of Syracuse’s true potential, or simply the result of facing overmatched competition? The answer comes next Saturday in Clemson, where the Orange will face their first challenge in ACC play.
One thing is certain—Syracuse has the offensive firepower to compete with anyone. Sustaining this level of performance against elite competition will determine if this season represents a return to prominence.
