The Syracuse Orange opened their 2026 campaign with a dominant 66-3 victory over the New Hampshire Wildcats, led by Steve Angeli’s three touchdown passes and Shavane Anderson Jr.’s triple rushing score.
The Syracuse Orange secured a commanding 66-3 victory over the New Hampshire Wildcats on Saturday, September 7, 2026, marking a decisive statement in their season opener. The final score of 66-3 reflects an overwhelming offensive performance from the Orange, who improved their record to 1-0 and currently sit 3rd in the ACC standings. The decisive factor was the explosive dual-threat capability displayed by quarterback Steve Angeli and running back Shavane Anderson Jr., combined with a defensive line that generated immediate pressure and forced critical turnovers.
Syracuse Orange Offensive Explosion
Syracuse’s offense operated at peak efficiency, leveraging a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Wildcats’ defense from the opening snap. Quarterback Steve Angeli, making his return to game action after missing nearly a year due to a season-ending injury, was flawless in his execution. He completed 20 of 29 pass attempts for 263 yards and three touchdowns. His connection with receiver Umari Hatcher was particularly potent; Hatcher recorded eight receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns, including a 19-yard strike from Angeli.
Complementing the aerial assault, Shavane Anderson Jr. dominated the ground game. Anderson rushed 10 times for 102 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns. His physical running style broke open multiple scoring drives, ensuring that New Hampshire could never settle into a defensive rhythm. The scoring sequence highlighted this dominance, with Tripp Woody kicking extra points on most scores, though he missed one PAT following Anderson’s 15-yard touchdown run. Additional scoring came from Tylik Hill’s 2-yard run and David Clement’s 27-yard reception from Angeli, showcasing the depth of Syracuse’s offensive weapons.
New Hampshire Struggles to Find Rhythm
In stark contrast, the New Hampshire Wildcats struggled to sustain any meaningful momentum throughout the contest. The team finished with just three points, largely courtesy of a late field goal. Quarterback Brooks Bentley attempted to lead the offense but was stifled by Syracuse’s defensive pressure. Bentley completed only 11 of 18 passes for 75 yards and threw one interception, failing to generate significant yardage or keep the chains moving.
On the ground, Joquez Smith led the Wildcats’ rushing effort with eight carries for 64 yards, providing minimal support to the passing game. Receiver Myles Thomason was the primary target in the air, catching seven passes for 53 yards, but lacked the separation needed to exploit Syracuse’s secondary. Defensively, Trevor Barry led all tacklers with 11 stops, attempting to stem the tide, while Micah Wing managed to record one sack. However, these individual efforts were insufficient to counter the sheer volume of points Syracuse accumulated. The lone bright spot for New Hampshire was Lucas Glassburn’s 46-yard field goal, which stood as the team’s only positive scoring play aside from the safety credited to Syracuse.
Defensive Dominance and Turning Points
The turning point of the game was established early by Syracuse’s defensive line, which set a physical tone that New Hampshire could not match. Keyshawn Johnson was a nightmare for the Wildcats’ offensive line, recording 2.5 sacks. This pressure disrupted Bentley’s timing and contributed to the interception that halted potential drives. Linebacker Tunmise Adeleye anchored the middle of the defense with six total tackles, ensuring that even when plays broke down, Syracuse maintained containment.
A pivotal moment occurred when the Orange defense forced a safety. This unique scoring event further widened the gap and demoralized the visiting squad. The combination of Johnson’s pass rush and the team’s ability to capitalize on mistakes allowed Syracuse to build an insurmountable lead. By halftime, the disparity in talent and execution was evident, allowing the Orange to manage the clock and preserve their health for the remainder of the season.
Key Statistical Takeaways
- Quarterback Efficiency: Steve Angeli’s 20-of-29 completion rate (69%) and 3 touchdowns demonstrate immediate readiness post-injury.
- Rushing Attack: Shavane Anderson Jr.’s 102 yards and 3 touchdowns highlight a balanced offensive scheme.
- Pass Rush Impact: Keyshawn Johnson’s 2.5 sacks directly contributed to New Hampshire’s low passing output.
- Defensive Versatility: The safety and interception showcased Syracuse’s ability to create unexpected scoring opportunities.
What It Means Next
This victory serves as a strong foundation for Syracuse’s 2026 season. The seamless integration of Angeli back into the starting lineup suggests no lingering effects from his long absence. With the offense clicking on all cylinders and the defense generating consistent pressure, the Orange enters their next matchup with high confidence. They will look to maintain this momentum when they host the California Golden Bears on Saturday, September 12, at 7:30 PM ET. The challenge will be sustaining this level of play against a different conference opponent, but the 66-3 win provides ample evidence that Syracuse is prepared to compete at a high level.
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