Surprised? Didn't Think So
at
#22 Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-2) at Syracuse Orange (4-6)
Woy's Word
I remember week one of the season against Minnesota. I remember the goosebumps running down my spine as I ran out of that tunnel. I remember the electricity of the crowd as I made catch after catch.
And now...silence. You could hear a pin drop from the other side of the stadium. Bleachers that were once full of dreams and expectations are now half-filled by alumni and parents. Fans thought this year was the year. We had seniors starting in multiple positions and an all-world recruit in myself joining this hopeful team. This would be the year we'd end the bowl drought.
And now...one more loss would keep us out of the post-season again. Despite still having a chance, we knew it - there was no hope. The fans knew it too. No buzz around campus, minimal article previewing the game...nothing. We already lost in the city's eyes.
Rutgers knew that we lost already as well. They actually garnered a louder cheer as they ran out to a half-empty Carrier Dome. Number 22 in the land and pissed off that they lost their Big East championship hopes to West Virginia last week, they were eager to lay a smackdown on our hopeless squad.
And they did. Greg Paulus looked confused (once again) out there, throwing two picks and earning a chewing out by yours truly. Kordell Young looked like Chris Johnson out there, outrunning our defense multiple times en route to a 200 yard, three touchdown game. As the clock struck zero, I heard the final score and then heard the players of the game.
...
"We fucking suck, but damnit, look at the stats I put up!"
...
Greg overheard my statement and just shook his head. Is it basketball season yet?
#22 Rutgers 42
Syracuse 10
6 catches, 166 yards, 1 TD
Author's Note: Yes, I know they aren't the Orangemen anymore, but these logos are just too sick. And I wanted to try a different style of writing with that update, just messing around with some shit.