NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
There was hardly anything that the Syracuse defense could do to stop No. 23 Tennessee on Saturday, but they certainly tried.
The volunteers went out of Atlanta with a 45-26 win over Orange, but for a moment in the second quarter under what became a touchdown drive for Tennessee, the game’s advertisers surprised.
With approx. 1:25 Back in the first half, the volunteers down the field and quickly got 63 yards on two pieces.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover at Foxnews.com
The view before a game between Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Syracuse Orange 7. September 2024, at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, new (Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
After Joey Aguilar hit Mike Matthews in 16 yards, Syracuse defender fell Demetre’s Samuels Jr. to the grass, and another player next to him also looked like he went down before he got up again.
It stopped the clock, much to discomfort in not only the Tennessee fans, but commentators Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick on the call.
“This is not a good look. This one obviously looked,” said Riddick. “They are trying to strike down on this kind of thing – false injuries. And I won’t assume anything about any player, but this one looked suspicious.
Tennessee Brede receives Mike Matthews (4) the ball runs during the AFLAC-Kickoff game between the volunteers and Syracuse at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta August 30, 2025. (Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel/USA Today Network via Imag images)
Arch Manning is fighting as top -ranked Texas Falls for the Government Champion No. 3 Ohio State
“That’s just not what college football wants,” Riddick added. “They are trying to get this out of the game. We understand strategically why defense is trying to do this when they are on their heels … but it’s something you will end up being punished for if referee catches it.”
Samuel was back in the field shortly after, as Wischusen, who called Tennessee to have done it in the past, jokingly called a “miraculous recovery.”
The apparent tactic did not work because Tennessee went up 31-14.
Tennessee Volunteers Broad receives Braylon Staley (14) catches a touchdown pass against Syracuse Orange in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta August 30, 2025. (Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis/Imag- Pictures)
Syracuse hosts Uconn next week hoping to earn its first win, while Tennessee seems to be 2-0 when hosting East Tennessee State next week.
