By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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With three straight losses by nine total points as the backdrop, Syracuse simply found a way.

Syracuse had been right there three games in a row, losing, in consecutive weeks, by three points each to Florida State, Wake Forest and Clemson. It was a tough and trying stretch. On Saturday, the Orange promptly made the plays that made the difference. In a resilient, statement victory, Syracuse rallied from nine points down with less than three minutes remaining on the road at Virginia Tech, earning a fourth win with composure, grit and poise. The Orange ultimately answered with a 21-point fourth quarter.

In one of the toughest environments in college football, with three straight losses by nine total points as the backdrop, Syracuse simply found a way.

It was an historic finish for the Orange. Garrett Shrader found Courtney Jackson for a 12-yard touchdown with 2:28 left, bringing Syracuse within two. Desperately needing a late stop, Rob Hanna then came through with a third down sack, giving the Orange the ball back with less than one minute on the clock and another late opportunity on the line. Syracuse, in a defining moment, responded with a signature drive; six plays, 70 yards, 45 seconds and the game-winning score.

Shrader-to-Damien Alford produced one of college football’s plays of the year, a stunning 45-yard touchdown heave that gave the Orange the lead with 19 seconds remaining. In a season where Syracuse had been so close, the Orange, this time, took it all the way.

It was a showcase effort overall from Syracuse: 550 offensive yards, 314 rushing yards, 25 first downs, no turnovers and 4-of-4 conversions on fourth down attempts. Shrader threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 174 yards and three more scores. Star running back Sean Tucker added 112 more rushing yards and another rushing touchdown. Syracuse was fast and physical, clutch and committed. Focus, for the Orange, was never lost.

The spotlight win brings the Orange back to .500 and gives them a major boost heading into the stretch run of the season. Syracuse is in position for bowl eligibility. To get there, in a season where consistent positivity had been hard to find, the Orange made their own momentum.

Through various twists and turns, head coach Dino Babers and team leaders kept Syracuse moving forward. A thrilling triumph at Virginia Tech is a testament to that direction.