No. 22 Syracuse cracks AP top-25 rankings for 1st time since 2019

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No. 22 Syracuse entered the Associated Press’ top-25 rankings for the first time since Sept. 3, 2019 after moving to 5-0 this weekend. The Orange were ranked No. 25 in the USA Today Coaches Poll last week, picking up 22 AP votes as well. This week, they earned 173 votes and moved up to No. 21 in the Coaches Poll.

SU is one of 16 remaining undefeated FBS teams, clinching a 5-0 start for the first time since 1987. 

The Orange scored 49 points in the first half against Wagner on Saturday, led by Sean Tucker’s 232 rushing yards and Garrett Shrader’s 238 yards and perfect completion percentage. Following a bye week, SU has a tough schedule in its final seven-game stretch with matchups against three teams currently in the top 25.

“It’s a great feeling,” Shrader said after the Wagner win. “I’m just proud of our team, where we’re at, and just can’t get complacent. We got an exciting part of the schedule coming up, so we’re definitely excited about that.”

After the bye week, the Orange will face No. 14 North Carolina State in their final matchup of a four-game home stretch. Then, the Orange head to Death Valley to face No. 5 Clemson, the only other undefeated team in the ACC. The Tigers defeated the Wolfpack 30-20 this weekend and they’re currently 3-0 in conference play. 

Syracuse plays its final two home games against Notre Dame on Oct. 29 and Florida State on Nov. 12. The Orange haven’t defeated the Fighting Irish since 2008. SU’s final ranked opponent will most likely be No. 15 Wake Forest, who defeated the Seminoles 31-21 on Saturday.