The Daily OrangeRunning back Carter lone bright spot in struggling Syracuse offense
By Jared Diamond
Posted: 11/9/09, 3:32 AM EST Section: Sports
PITTSBURGH - Dion Lewis entered the game Saturday with the glowing reputation and hype, but Delone Carter left Heinz Field as the more successful running back - for one game, at least.
Carter compiled 143 yards on 17 carries in Syracuse's 37-10 loss to No. 14 Pittsburgh, outgaining Lewis, arguably the top freshman in all of college football this season. Lewis played well in his own right, finishing with 110 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
Saturday marked the second time this year Carter broke through without Mike Williams in the Orange's lineup. With Williams suspended against Akron on Oct. 24, Carter exploded for a career-high 170 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. This time, one game after Williams quit the program, Carter again became Syracuse's best offensive weapon.
"Delone was very good today," SU head coach Doug Marrone said. "…I thought he was running inside and out, picking his holes. It was good to see that. That's something in our game that we have to do to keep these games to a point where we can manage them."
Carter played particularly well in the first half, beginning with Syracuse's most impressive offensive moment of the afternoon. On the Orange's second play from scrimmage, Carter found a giant hole to the left side and sprinted 58 yards virtually untouched. SU settled for a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead.
About midway through the second quarter, Carter eclipsed the 100-yard mark and never looked back. No running back had rushed for 100 yards against Pittsburgh all season.
Despite his strong performance, Carter refused to take credit because of the result of the game.
"That's fine, but it really doesn't matter to me unless I win," Carter said of his outing. "All the yards and all that, it really doesn't mean anything to me unless I get 'W.'"
Suter, Catalina out for season
Strong safety Max Suter and tight end Cody Catalina will both miss the remainder of the season because of injuries suffered during Saturday's game, according to a statement released by SU Athletics Sunday afternoon.
Carter compiled 143 yards on 17 carries in Syracuse's 37-10 loss to No. 14 Pittsburgh, outgaining Lewis, arguably the top freshman in all of college football this season. Lewis played well in his own right, finishing with 110 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
Saturday marked the second time this year Carter broke through without Mike Williams in the Orange's lineup. With Williams suspended against Akron on Oct. 24, Carter exploded for a career-high 170 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. This time, one game after Williams quit the program, Carter again became Syracuse's best offensive weapon.
"Delone was very good today," SU head coach Doug Marrone said. "…I thought he was running inside and out, picking his holes. It was good to see that. That's something in our game that we have to do to keep these games to a point where we can manage them."
Carter played particularly well in the first half, beginning with Syracuse's most impressive offensive moment of the afternoon. On the Orange's second play from scrimmage, Carter found a giant hole to the left side and sprinted 58 yards virtually untouched. SU settled for a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead.
About midway through the second quarter, Carter eclipsed the 100-yard mark and never looked back. No running back had rushed for 100 yards against Pittsburgh all season.
Despite his strong performance, Carter refused to take credit because of the result of the game.
"That's fine, but it really doesn't matter to me unless I win," Carter said of his outing. "All the yards and all that, it really doesn't mean anything to me unless I get 'W.'"
Suter, Catalina out for season
Strong safety Max Suter and tight end Cody Catalina will both miss the remainder of the season because of injuries suffered during Saturday's game, according to a statement released by SU Athletics Sunday afternoon.
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