Syracuse Runs Over West Virginia In Pinstripe Bowl, 38-14

In a game marred by increasingly horrid playing conditions, Syracuse was able to run the ball, seemingly at will, gashing the WVU defense for 376 yards (Gulley alone had 215 yards and Smith chipped in another 158). While the WVU offense had a couple of quick scoring strikes, they were victimized by penalties at the most inopportune times (once nullifying a 4th down touchdown with a holding call). The WVU offense also allowed two safeties, the first one just after a 4th down goal line stand.

When the Mountaineers were able to generate a turnover in the third quarter, the offense turned right around and gave it right back with a fumble of their own. The WVU offense was unsuccessful on all ten third down conversion attempts. Geno was never in rhythm and Syracuse managed to keep Tavon fairly under control with some excellent tackling. Not to knock Braun, but not having Madsen to snap the ball and make the line calls certainly hurt the execution of the Mountaineers.

The seemingly lone bright spot was Stedman Bailey, who scored two touchdowns on eight receptions for 122 yards.

Give Syracuse credit, they played on the same shitty field and was able to run their offense when WVU couldn't.