The Northwestern Wildcats defeated the Syracuse Orange, 42-41, on Saturday at the Carrier Dome.
With starting quarterback Kain Colter watching on the sidelines, Trevor Siemian led Northwestern on the game-winning drive that scored a touchdown with just 44 seconds to play. Siemian kept the drive alive by absorbing a late hit out of bounds after an eight-yard rush on 3rd and 15 from the Syracuse 27. On the next play, Siemian threw a perfectly placed pass to Demetrius Fields in the endzone for nine yards and the game-tying touchdown. The extra point was converted to ultimately give the Wildcats the win.
The game almost turned on a series of runs on either side of halftime. The score was 7-6 in favor of the Wildcats after the first quarter. Syracuse took the lead early in the second quarter with a touchdown. Then, the Wildcats rattled off 28 straight points to close out the second quarter and start the third quarter. The Orange came back from a 22-point deficit with a 28-point run of their own through the end of the third quarter and throughout the fourth quarter. Syracuse took a 41-35 lead after a two-point conversion with 2:40 remaining.
Colter finished the day 14-of-21 passing for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Colter also had 40 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts. Siemian was 8-for-11 for 88 passing yards and a touchdown. Syracuse was led by Ryan Nassib's career day in the passing game. Nassib finished 44-for-64 for 472 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
The Wildcats will play their next game on Sept. 8 against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Ryan Field.
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