Syracuse’s football matchup this weekend against the Duke Blue Devils is expected to be a high scoring affair, even with the change of quarterback this week for the Orange, due to the heavy passing nature from both offenses.
There has been a ton of discussion among Syracuse fans about how Steve Angeli has been at the top of the charts in terms of FBS passing yards leaders this season. However, one of the individuals that has been right up there with him has been Darian Mensah, the starting quarterback
for Duke.
As it stands today, Angeli, who will not add to this total for the rest of the year due having had achilles surgery, is second in the country with 1317 passing yards, and Mensah is right behind him, in third, with 1305 passing yards.
Over the course of the first four games, Mensah has thrown for at least two touchdowns in each, while only having thrown two interceptions total on the season.
Mensah’s Game Logs this Season:
- 8/28 vs. Elon: 27/34 – 389 Yards – 3 TD’s – 0 INT
- 9/6 vs. Illinois: 23/34 – 334 Yards – 2 TD’s – 1 INT
- 9/13 @ Tulane: 30/51 – 313 Yards – 3 TD’s – 1 INT
- 9/20 vs. NC State: 19/28 – 269 Yards – 3 TD’s – 0 INT
Mensah has also been spreading the wealth. Five different pass catchers have already tallied over 100 yards in receiving on the season, led by Cooper Barkate, who has 17 receptions for 337 yards and a touchdown, Que’Sean Brown, who has 16 receptions for 232 yards and no touchdowns, and Sahmir Hagans, who “only” has twelve receptions for 179 yards, but has four touchdowns.
Because of the variety of options that Duke’s offense has at its disposal, the Syracuse defensive leaders are going to have to step up once again.
It is important that the defense starts strong out of the gate as well, as this will be the first collegiate start for Rickie Collins II, and his nerves will only continue to increase if the Orange are having to play from behind.
It clear that Devin Grant, Demetres Samuel Jr., Antione Deslauries, and the rest of the defense have improved significantly in just a three week span since the game against Tennessee.
Lask week, defensive coordinator Elijah Robinson did a phenomenal job keeping Cade Klubnik and the entire Clemson offense off balance when it came to throwing the football. Dabo Swinney was forced utilize running back Adam Randall signiciantly, even when trailing in the ball game.
I do not believe that will be the case for Duke, and regardless of the down and distance, the time in the game, or the score, the Orange need to be ready for Mensah to look to use his arm.
I’d like to spotlight Cornell Perry and Braheem Long Jr. as key players for the Orange this weekend, along with Duce Chestnut, provided he’s able to return after missing last week’s game. These may not the biggest names, but players that have been making a real impact when on the field, and will need to step up to keep Mensah guessing on Saturday.
The Orange defensive, especially the secondary, has had a lot asked of them of late, but if they want to reach the goals and aspirations that head coach Fran Brown has outlined for them this season, they are going to need to be ready to make an impact right out of the gate this weekend.
What kind of offensive attack do you think Duke will bring this weekend? Who are some names on Syracuse you would like to see make an impact defensively?
