Syracuse Rallies to Defeat UConn 27-20 in Overtime

Football
September 06, 2025

By MARK FRANK

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Steve Angelli threw a 6-yard scoring strike to Justus Ross-Simmons on the proper pylon on Syracuse’s first possession of additional time to offer the Orange a 27-20 win over UConn on Saturday.

Linebacker Antoine Deslauriers broke up Joe Fagnano’s cross on fourth-and-3 from the Syracuse 4 to protect the win.

Chris Freeman’s 41-yard subject aim with one second to go tied the sport at 20 after Angelli rallied the Orange to a 20-17 benefit with 48 seconds remaining in regulation.

Yasin Willis’ 3-yard landing run and a two-point conversion to Darrell Gill gave Syracuse (1-1) the 20-17 lead, however UConn (1-1) answered. Starting at its personal 25, two massive cross performs from Fagnano to Skyler Bell arrange Freeman’s tying kick.

The UConn protection had throttled the SU offense for many of the sport, sacking Angelli 3 times and recording seven tackles for loss earlier than a 53-yard scoring play from Angelli to Ross-Simmons with 5:41 to go in regulation introduced the Orange to inside 17-12. Angelli engineered a 10-play drive with nearly two minutes to go in regulation to offer the Orange the lead.

“It was a big game, and he (Angelli) came up and he played big, especially at the end. To be able to do that in the fourth quarter, that’s what you want. You want him to be at his best towards the end of the game,” Syracuse coach Fran Brown stated. “And he did a tremendous job, and you might see all of the gamers persistently rising behind him.

“I’m thankful to have him,” added Brown, who stated he had no ideas to insert backup quarterback Rickie Collins whereas Angelli was struggling.

Angelli stated Brown’s message was easy.

“Keep fighting. It’s not over. Make sure we’re staying positive and staying up.”

Angelli and the offense took it to coronary heart.

With the win, Syracuse prolonged its profitable streak over UConn to 6.

“A disappointing loss for us. We played hard, but we didn’t make plays when we needed to make plays,” UConn coach Jim Mora stated. “Games like this, and you’re playing a good opponent, they’re gonna be back and forth, and when you have a chance to make a stop or make a play, you have to be able to do that, and we didn’t do that.”

UConn held Syracuse to simply 44 yards on the bottom.

Fagnano was 24 of 43 for 259 yards. Cam Edwards and Mel Brown ran for 75 and 72 yards, respectively, and Bell had 11 receptions for 105 yards.

Agnelli, below duress for a lot of the sport, completed 33 of 53 for 417 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception. Tight finish Dan Villari led SU receivers with seven receptions for 104 yards.

Syracuse didn’t capitalize on a number of pink zone alternatives within the first half. On the Orange’s first drive of the sport, a direct snap to tight finish Dan Villari on fourth-and-2 from the UConn 8 was stopped chilly. On Syracuse’s first drive of the second quarter, Tyrece Mills pressured an Angelli fumble on fourth-and-2 from the UConn 10.

The Orange managed simply two subject targets within the first half, squandering two extra alternatives within the pink zone, and gained simply 23 yards on 16 carries.

The Takeaway

UConn’s protection carried the day making use of strain all sport lengthy till breakdowns on the finish. The Huskies want to wash that up.

Syracuse’s offense was a multitude for a lot of the sport. The Orange couldn’t get their operating sport going and Angelli was harried all sport. The Orange rallied, however the offensive line stays a query mark.

No Rest for the Victors

Despite the win, Brown had his group run wind sprints up and down the sphere after the sport.

Dan a New Man

After struggling final yr, Syracuse tight finish Dan Villari is a distinct participant. He has 12 receptions within the group’s first two video games.

Injury Bug

Syracuse performed with out beginning security Devin Grant and beginning left sort out Trevion Mack.

Up Next

UConn: The Huskies play at Delaware on Sept. 13.

Syracuse: The Orange hosts Colgate on Sept. 12.