*.**+*NFLNews

‘Far and away the most talented team Holy Cross has seen in a long time’: Crusaders prepared for big test against Syracuse

WORCESTER — In its first four games, Holy Cross is 1-3 against three CAA opponents and the two-time defending Ivy League champion, but the Crusaders’ greatest test of the season lies ahead Saturday at Syracuse.

HC has, in recent years, certainly been up to the task against its FBS foes, with wins over UConn and Buffalo in 2021 and 2022, and three-point losses to Boston College and Army last season.

“Having success against FBS opponents is always a cool thing to have as part of your program’s history,” Holy Cross coach Dan Curran said. “I think the willingness of this group to go out and compete against anyone at any time is the mentality of this group. I don’t expect that to be any different. They also know it will be a different type of challenge this year. (Syracuse) is far and away the most talented team Holy Cross has seen in a long time. It’s a different challenge and a unique opportunity.”

Kickoff is at noon in the sold-out (49,097) JMA Wireless Dome.

Holy Cross football coach Dan Curran is preparing the Crusaders for a big test against Syracuse.

Holy Cross won back-to-back games against Syracuse way back in 1957-58. Since then, the Orange has won 13 straight in the series, including a 41-3 victory in 2019.

Under first-year coach Fran Brown, Syracuse is 2-1, with wins over Ohio and Georgia Tech and last week’s loss to Stanford.

Syracuse took its first lead on Stanford with just over three minutes left, but the Cardinal converted a fourth-and-9 to set up the winning field goal.

This marks the second straight season HC takes on an ACC opponent. Boston College beat the Crusaders, 31-28, last year.

“When you look at it on paper and when you watch film,” Curran said, “usually when you’re playing a Power 4 team the depth is certainly one of the biggest differences, but their team speed across the…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/far-away-most-talented-team-150611070.html

Author : Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Publish date : 2024-09-26 15:06:11

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Check Also

Four Downs: A Saturday of chaos leaves SEC race up for grabs

Matt Hayes analyzes four hot topics from Saturday’s games. First down: Chaos in the SEC …

..........................%%%...*...........................................$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$--------------------.....