SYRACUSE, NY — Syracuse’s Week 2 football matchup against the UConn Huskies was a game believed to be an easy victory from Orange fans. And while the home team did pull out a victory at the JMA Wireless Dome, it was anything but easy. In fact, it was a game where Syracuse led for less than a minute in total regulation before ultimately pulling out a victory in overtime.
Syracuse Orange vs. UConn Huskies 2025: Week 2 Recap
After last week’s slow start against Tennessee, Syracuse was desperate to start fast in Week 2 against UConn. Unfortunately, fate wouldn’t see to it, as the Orange failed to convert on a fourth down deep in the redzone. In a game that saw fans call for Rickie Collins to replace Steve Angeli at quarterback, this contest was full of major momentum swings that saw both teams take advantage.
Angeli Struggles Early
There’s no way to sugarcoat this. Steve Angeli did not play good football for the first three quarters of this Week 2 matchup. The quarterback was locked on to his first read for most of the contest, with errant throws aplenty. A number of drives were stalled out due to Angeli throwing into double coverage across the middle of the field. And to be honest, the New Jersey product is lucky that he only threw one interception on the day.
Yet the struggles were more than just throwing the ball. While Angeli admitted in the postgame presser that he had misread multiple fronts post-snap, a major red flag was the protections of the offense. Multiple times Angeli was drilled by UConn defenders who went untouched at the quarterback. When asked about whose responsibility that is on the offense, head coach Fran Brown admitted there were mistakes – but couldn’t dive into a complete answer without giving away potential information to opponents.
After dealing with plenty of pressure from the UConn defense, I asked Fran Brown if the center, or Steve Angeli had flexibility changing the protections. He gave an interesting answer 👇#Syracuse | #GoOrange pic.twitter.com/jKipPUKdus
— Thomas Christopher (@TommyCFB) September 6, 2025
Things got so bad for Angeli that fans began calling for Rickie Collins to be put into the game. And, it’s why UConn led 17-6 with less than six minutes remaining in regulation.
The “Unpeelable” Orange
The Syracuse defense may have performed less than ideal against Tennessee in Week 1. However, it was a completely different story in Week 2.
This is a game where the box score doesn’t tell the entire story. As there were multiple instances of the Syracuse defense being given a short field to defend, and stopping the Huskies in their tracks. In fact, outside of a trick play and a 45-yard run by Mel Brown, the Orange defense was stout.
And, it started up front. After not finding much success in Week 1, Syracuse bunkered down in Week 2 against UConn. Led by David Reese and Kevin Jobity, the defensive line was able to maintain gap integrity and make life uncomfortable for UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano. This was especially true in the fourth quarter, where David Reese had multiple pressures.
On the backend, Duce Chestnut was monumental in the team’s success. He was a vocal leader on the defense, and showed intensity against the run. He also performed admirably in coverage, with an excellent PBU on a third down to help give Syracuse another chance late in the game.
On top of that, freshman cornerback Demetres Samuel Jr. looked much better in his second game. Tasked with primarily covering elite wideout Skyler Bell, Samuel held his own – and made multiple plays in coverage. If you’re a ‘Cuse fan, you have to be happy with how the defense performed on in Week 2.
Angeli Gets Redemption
After struggling throughout the first three quarters, Angeli finally started to get things to click. In fact, it seemed to happen almost directly after the crowd started calling for him to be benched. Yet, Angeli heard the calls and performed under pressure.
The first of his late-game heroics occurred on fourth down, where he connected on a 53-yard pass to Justus Ross-Simmons. Then, with little time to go in the game, Angeli orchestrated another scoring drive that would give Syracuse their first lead, late in the fourth quarter.
Angeli’s fourth quarter showcased what fans originally expected from the quarterback; making good reads, and taking the easy throws if nothing was available. That all came together in overtime, as he led Syracuse to the game-winning touchdown drive, connecting with Ross-Simmons again.
While it was a difficult outing for Angeli, those late-game heroics truly mean something. It shows grit, it shows poise, and an ability not to be denied. And for that, Angeli should be applauded.
Other Notes from Week 2
Despite putting up just 48 yards on 11 carries, running back Yasin Willis continues to run with bad intentions. The running back was looking to dish punishment all day. And, on his fourth quarter touchdown, Willis shed a defender before taking in the score.
Here’s the TD from Syracuse Orange RB Yasin Willis(@willisyasin6) that gave ‘Cuse their 1st lead vs UConn w/ 48sec left, a score that aided the Orange to OT here in the Dome…
Video by Dan Tortora Broadcast Media, LLC#Syracuse #UConn #collegefootball #northeast #sports pic.twitter.com/34vyZTulLG
— DT Sports Media (@CallDT) September 6, 2025
Justus Ross-Simmons should be applauded for both of his touchdowns. His fourth quarter score was just him putting on the burners. Meanwhile, his overtime touchdown was an incredible grab along the boundary before putting the ball over the pylon.
Insane TD grab by WR Justus Ross-Simmons for the first OT TD pic.twitter.com/YhiEkicT4x
— Dorian Alerte (@dlalerte) September 6, 2025
With Johntay Cook used sparingly in this game, seeing JRS step up was huge for Syracuse.
For UConn, wide receiver Skyler Bell is an elite playmaker. There’s no question he will be an NFL wide receiver in the future. And, with the game on the line, Bell showed why he’s elite. In a fourth down play, Bell made an incredible play to keep the drive alive for UConn. And, it ultimately put them in field goal range to tie the game.
Perfect description https://t.co/YNSsW9NPYZ pic.twitter.com/lckkJAzr7J
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) September 6, 2025
Syracuse Football: What’s Next for the Orange?
This Week 2 matchup against UConn was always going to be a close game for Syracuse. However, the offense must start fast if they wish to remain competitive in the ACC. Fortunately, the Orange take on the Colgate Raiders in a Friday night, Week 3 matchup on September 12.
After that, the Orange travel to South Carolina to face a Clemson Tigers team that, like Syracuse, has struggled to start games quickly.
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