Even in its home opener, the Syracuse football team felt slightly underappreciated.

More than 38,000 people filled the Carrier Dome on Saturday to see Syracuse lose to Louisville, 30-20, but R.J. Anderson still felt like a middle child at a family reunion.

‘The crowd was good,’ Anderson said. ‘But I don’t think they were there for us. They were there for the basketball team.’

The Orangemen basketball team was presented its national championship rings during halftime of Saturday’s game. Head coach Jim Boeheim and Syracuse Director of Athletics Jake Crouthamel handed out the gifts, while the national championship trophy and the basketball net from the game sat on a table behind them.

Former SU star Carmelo Anthony received the loudest ovation from the crowd. He slowly sauntered over to midfield wearing an oversized T-shirt with two throwback Syracuse jerseys.

Kueth Duany also made his return to Syracuse to collect his ring. He graduated last year after earning Big East Sportsman of the Year for 2003.

Missing from the crew was Xzavier Gaines, who plays quarterback for the SU football team. His name was announced with the rest of the players, but he was warming up with backup quarterback Perry Patterson on the sideline as his basketball teammates gathered together. Gaines received his ring after the game.

From the hip

Kicker Justin Sujansky suffered an injured hip flexor last Monday at practice and didn’t play Saturday. Punter Brendan Carney replaced Sujansky for kickoff duties.

‘We kicked off well’ SU head coach Paul Pasqualoni said. ‘Brendan Carney did a very good job.’

It was the first time Carney had kicked off all season. He routinely kicked to within the 10-yard line, and on one occasion in the third quarter, he kicked into the end zone for a touchback.

Rhode to recovery

Running back Damien Rhodes continues to suffer from a badly sprained left ankle. He had 10 carries for 43 yards Saturday, but was used less than usual because of the injury.

Monday, Rhodes was seen limping with a boot on his left foot.

‘Obviously he’s not 100 percent,’ Pasqualoni said. ‘He feels he’s about 90 to 95 percent. We’re trying to get him to work through it. The trainers feel he can go.’

On the mend

Originally slated to miss the game Saturday, Josh Thomas played about 10 plays at defensive end. Thomas slightly tore his medial collateral ligament last Saturday against North Carolina, he said. Pasqualoni said last Monday that Thomas would not play against the Cardinals.

‘It felt good on Wednesday,’ Thomas said. ‘I did a little bit of strength and rehabbing there. Thursday it felt real good. Obviously I wasn’t going to start.

‘It wasn’t a terrible injury. It was one of those things that could be a week, but turned out not to be. I’ve got a bag of ice on it to keep the swelling down. It really didn’t bother me too much out there. The brace is what bothers me the most.’

Riddle update

Wide receiver Jamel Riddle missed his second consecutive game Saturday because of academics. Pasqualoni thought Riddle would be in the lineup for the opening game against North Carolina, but Syracuse is making sure he is completely eligible before he plays. Saturday, Riddle watched from the sideline in his jersey, blue warm-up pants and a bright orange hat. Pasqualoni said that he hopes to hear a decision on Riddle’s status by Thursday.

Live and in color

Two video-replay boards made their debut in the Carrier Dome on Saturday. The picture quality was excellent, but the print was too tiny to read from some seats. When the starting lineups were introduced, the stats and player information were mostly illegible. The boards showed mostly live action shots of the game. Replays were shown of SU touchdowns and big plays, including one controversial non-late hit call. Fans were also treated to a highlight package of past Syracuse greats like Jim Brown and Ernie Davis.

Pressure free

For the second game in a row, the Syracuse defense recorded zero sacks. The Orangemen had four after the first two games last season.

‘It’s not easy to sack the quarterback,’ Pasqualoni said. ‘Four guys rushing the passer aren’t always going to sack him.’

Pasqualoni said the Orangemen didn’t drop Louisville quarterback Stefan LeFors because of his quick release from his three- and five-step drops. Pasqualoni said SU’s focus is to stop the run against Central Florida, to force UCF to pass. That way, Syracuse can focus on UCF quarterback Ryan Schneider and, as Pasqualoni said, ‘at least we (will) know he’s throwing.’

This and that

Steve Franklin made his first career Saturday at guard. He started over Jason Greene. … Though both play defensive line, Louis Gachelin competed against his brother Elvis Dumervil on Saturday. Dumervil recorded two tackles, including one for a two-yard loss. Gachelin beat his younger brother in the stat box with three tackles. … Always the optimist, it’s not surprising Pasqualoni isn’t worried about the 1-1 start. What might be surprising is that he tipped his hand with an NFL prediction. ‘The (Philadelphia) Eagles are going to the Super Bowl, and they’re 0-2. So keep that in mind,’ Pasqualoni said.

Published on September 15, 2003 at 12:00 pm