Tennessee Topples Syracuse in Week 1, 45-26

The Tennessee Volunteers beat the Syracuse Orange 45-26 in an exciting Aflac Kickoff game in Week 1. The Volunteers covered the 13.5-point spread and took an early lead in the first quarter. Syracuse fell behind early and was not able to mount a comeback.

Syracuse vs. Tennessee Week 1 Recap

A Battle of Physicality

The best word to describe the game between Syracuse and Tennessee in Atlanta would be physical. Syracuse running back Yasin Willis was never afraid to lower his shoulder for the extra yard. Meanwhile, Tennessee RB Star Thomas and Peyton Lewis channeled their inner-bowling ball as they continued to bounce off tackles.

The Tennessee defensive line was stellar. Joshua Josephs was as-advertised and was a constant thorn in Notre Dame transfer, and current Syracuse quarterback, Steve Angeli’s side. But it wasn’t just Josephs making noise, Arion Carter for the Vols was all over the place.

Carter went down in the third quarter. However, he put up nine tackles with a sack. With Carter and Josephs, I expect this Vols defensive line to be terrifying.

The Tennessee defensive line was constantly shifting pre-snap, never allowing the Syracuse offensive line to get a good idea of the rush in the Week 1 matchup. Angeli, who was praised as a signal-caller, was crucial in helping his offensive line understand the adjustments.

Offensive Swagger

I originally thought the X-factor in this matchup would be the defenses, but I was wrong. Both QBs struggled in the first half, each with a fumble. However, they quickly settled into the game after their mistakes.

Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar looked phenomenal in the second half. It would have looked even better if his wide receivers didn’t drop a handful of passes.

Meanwhile, Angeli looked shaken up in the first half, but was rock solid in the second. Angeli made a number of plays in a late scoring drive, namely shaking off a sack to deliver a first down pass to give the Orange a fighting chance in the fourth quarter. He wasn’t afraid to use his legs either, despite being dubbed as a pocket passer.

Yasin Willis and wide receiver Johntay Cook were dominant. Cook was clearly the best receiver on the field and made sure all attendees in Mercedes-Benz Stadium knew it.

Willis was phenomenal, powering through defenders while also making cuts defenders couldn’t possibly predict. Willis ended the game with three touchdowns.

Tennessee’s Star Thomas was, well, a star. The Volunteers’ backs had power and speed, and clearly was the best back Tennessee had on the field, although Peyton Lewis was brilliant too.

How Should Syracuse Respond?

The biggest concern for Syracuse going forward will be their offensive and defensive linemen. Although the Tennessee defensive line is filled to the brim with freak athletes, the Orange offensive line needs to protect Angeli better. On the other side of the ball, the defensive line needs to create more pressure. Aguilar didn’t see too much of a pass rush all day and that greatly assisted in his confidence in the pocket.

Defensive back Duce Chestnut was great for Syracuse in Week 1 against Tennessee. However, the Volunteers knew it, and avoided him as much as they could.

Unfortunately for both teams, a lot of players went down to injuries in this game. This was an awesome physical football matchup between two great programs, and you can expect both of these squads to be in the playoff discussion come December, as long as they can stay healthy.

Looking Ahead To Week 2

The Syracuse Orange have their next game on September 6, against the UConn Huskies. The Huskies dominated in their opener against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils, winning 59-13. Although a strong win for the Huskies, it’s still against a weaker opponent.

Expect Syracuse to play as physical as they did against Tennessee in Week 1. When they meet the Huskies, anyone would expect Yasin Willis to find the endzone again. However, fans should also expect the Orange to continue developing their passing game with Angeli and Cook, as they try to replicate last season’s podium passing production that gave them so much success.