Syracuse Strong dominate Troy Fighting Irish 48-0

Syracuse,New York-The Syracuse Strong came, saw, & conquered on Saturday, July 29 at Sunnycrest Field. Syracuse secured the 2023 Xtreme East Division title with the victory.

It was a little sloppy early with Syracuse committing two critical special teams gaffes in the first half. The Strong muffed a short punt return and later got called for running into the kicker which provided a free first down for Troy. 

However, somewhat poetically Syracuse hit the Fighting Irish in the mouth with a long kickoff return to start the second half which set the tone for the rest of the game. 

Quarterback Chris Davidson completed 5 of 8 passes for 81 passing yards with one touchdown and an interception. He also contributed an additional 25 rushing yards. 

Listed as a quarterback Shakem “Buck” Buckmon might as well be listed as an athlete. He had 32 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Buck also ran for 52 yards and scored on the ground.

In the first half, Buck did a complete front flip as he attempted to dive into the end zone. A very worthy SportsCenter top-10 play. Although his most spectacular play came late in the fourth quarter. 

Buck took the snap, fumbled it, bumbled it, and somehow turned a potentially disastrous-looking play into a CAN YOU BELIEVE HE JUST DID that scramble and found his way into the end-zone!

Sultani Campbell and Aaron Smith also contributed touchdowns in the receiving game.

Shifting to the ground game, Ishmiek “Loodie” Allen toted the rock nine times for 47 yards and scored twice on the ground.

Jumping over to the defensive side of the ball, Jeff McDuffie came away with a pair of interceptions and made some plays in the return game. Patrick Twum also stole an interception on the day. 

Although the MVP of the game was linebacker Jeremy Cathey. He had six total tackles, three tackles for loss, Although in one play he forced a fumble, recovered it, and took it all the way back to the house. 

It was labeled a “rip-six” in the moment because he ripped the ball away from a Troy offensive player and had the wherewithal to head back the other way for the long touchdown.

All in all Syracuse walked away with the dominant victory as they prepare themselves for postseason play coming up in the month of August.