After Syracuse Football’s 30-27 win over 19th ranked SMU last weekend, it’s time once again for the Orange to play in the Dome Sweet Dome this weekend (during homecoming) against Clemson. And as usual game week starts with Head Coach Fran Brown’s press conference. Cue the Undertaker’s gong, the presser took a spin to start off as Athletic Director Brian Blair made a surprise appearance. Blair talked about one of the biggest elephants in the room on Saturday, the crowd attendance. “We need people
to show up and be a part of the game.“ Blair stressed to the community for this week’s game Blair addressed a point he made in his introductory press conference, where he said he wanted to weaponize the Dome. He did address the fact that “we haven’t fully gotten there yet.” But Blair asked for the support of the community to support the program. “We’re gonna try to do everything we can to facilitate a packed house, cause frankly that’s what our football program deserves.” Blair said in aiming to pack the dome against Clemson.
Handing over the mic to Fran Brown, Brown hinted to the fact that Steve Angeli will be returning to college next season.
“We plan on him coming back to college next year.” Brown said, referring to Steve Angeli. (Ed. Note: we’ll have to follow up about this because it seems like Angeli would need a medical waiver)
Brown gave an update on quarterback Malachi Nelson on Monday as well. Nelson is currently dealing with an ankle injury and has not seen the field since mid October.
“I think maybe another week or two though…Hopefully he can be ready to play, That’ll help us a lot.” Brown stated about Nelson.
Brown was asked about Quinn Olcott and the process of Olcott joining the team, the Fayetteville native that has spent the last three years on the soccer team, only appearing in three matches in his career.
“I pursued it… I mean he did a really good job this weekend.” Brown said about Olcott’s performance and him joining the team.
“They believe in the process that we do… We’re process-oriented. I think when we continue to follow our process throughout the week, it gives us a better chance of winning on the weekend.” Brown said about his team’s growth over the last few weeks.
Here’s a look at the depth chart for this week:
