Syracuse's Turnovers and Penalties Prove Costly in ACC Opener
Syracuse committed multiple turnovers and costly penalties in a 21-18 loss to Cal in its ACC opener. Quarterback Steve Angeli threw three interceptions, and the Orange failed on two two-point conversion attempts. Cal rallied from a halftime deficit to secure the win.
The Orange committed 15 penalties totaling 134 yards, a recurring issue from their opening week. Angeli's three interceptions all landed in the hands of Kingston Lopa, with the final one arriving after Syracuse had advanced to Cal's 24-yard line with 65 seconds remaining and no timeouts.
Syracuse reached the red zone four times but came away with just two touchdowns and two field goals, and both two-point tries were stopped. Tripp Woody's 46-yard field goal attempt fell short, and an earlier red-zone try clanged off the upright, leaving the Orange short despite strong individual efforts from Daunte Bacheyie and Ju'Juan Johnson.
This loss could shape Syracuse's early ACC trajectory and raise questions about discipline under third-year coach Fran Brown, who was outmaneuvered by a first-year opponent coach. The pattern of penalties and turnovers may concern recruits and alumni watching the program's competitiveness. For Cal, the road win provides momentum in a new conference, potentially influencing how both teams are perceived nationally in the coming weeks.