There’s one phrase that keeps coming up every time Greg Robinson describes the positives of the Syracuse football season. The Syracuse head coach loves the ‘young guys.’

The youth earned its chance to prove its worth when Illinois defeated Syracuse, 41-20, in the Carrier Dome on Saturday.

Led by freshman cornerback Mike Holmes, who earned his first start on defense and returned kicks for the Orange, several rookies earned time on the playing field. Wide receiver Da’Mon Merkerson, running back Doug Hogue and linebacker Mike Mele joined Holmes in earning the most significant playing time of their careers. Redshirt freshman center Jim McKenzie also made his first start due to an injury to starter Marvin McCall.

‘It shows promise for the future perhaps, and this year, if we can help out this year,’ Holmes said. ‘We’ll see what we can do.’

Syracuse decided to utilize a nickel defense to cover the three and four wide receiver sets employed by Illinois. Holmes earned a start as a result of the defensive set and took advantage with six total tackles. On special teams, the Florida-native returned two kicks for a total of 42 yards, and he recovered a pooch kick by Patrick Shadle.

Hogue, a top recruit, played in the fourth quarter, garnering 13 yards on three carries. Merkerson finished with two catches for 22 yards.

Additionally, two freshmen starters from day one continued to perform well. Punter Rob Long connected on a 58-yard punt and punted five times total for 229 yards, and kick returner Max Suter collected 95 yards on five returns.

‘That’s good that the young guys are getting in,’ said starting running back Curtis Brinkley. ‘Because the team can get a chance to see who really wants it and who can contribute to the team. We need as many people as we can right now.’

Jones in for a tackle

Sophomore defensive tackle Arthur Jones is slowly becoming the most consistent player on Syracuse’s defense after another strong game.

Jones had two tackles for loss for a combined 10 yards. The sophomore finished with four total tackles, giving him 5.5 tackles for a loss on the season – good enough for fourth in the Big East.

‘Guys aren’t in the gap that should be there,’ Jones said. ‘I put it on my shoulders and challenge the rest of the D-line to step up and make plays.’

Jones’ most memorable play came with Illinois driving to extend its 14-0 lead, when he blasted speedy Illini running back Troy Pollard for a four-yard loss on a 3rd-and-2. Jones’ tackle kept the Illini out of field goal range and prevented Illinois from extending its 14-0 lead. Earlier in the game, Jones burst into the backfield on another Illinois run and recorded a 6-yard loss.

Mackey’s jersey retired

Legendary Syracuse tight end John Mackey had his No. 88 jersey retired at halftime. After the No. 88 jersey was unveiled at the top of the Carrier Dome rafters, Mackey -who was diagnosed with dementia in 2000 – celebrated by giving high fives to Syracuse fans in the stands.

‘(When) he saw all the orange and blue and the SU on the borders all around the stadium, he knew he was really, well I say, ‘back at home,” said Sylvia Mackey, John’s wife.

Sylvia Mackey appeared euphoric as she gushed about the ceremony honoring her husband. She talked about how excited Mackey seemed in the weeks leading up to the retirement.

The Hall of Fame tight end often is considered the best ever at his position. Mackey played for the Baltimore Colts from 1963 to 1971 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

‘It’s such a touching thing,’ SU Director of Athletics Daryl Gross said. ‘(The family) feel like he’s deserved, obviously. But then when you see it happen, when you see it crystallize and all come to fruition, it’s really amazing, especially when you know that jersey is going to be up there forever.’

This and that

Once again, the punting game might be considered Syracuse’s most powerful component. Freshman punter Rob Long boomed two punts for over 50 yards, including a 58-yarder. He finished with five punts for an average of 45.8 yards. … A bizarre kickoff led to Syracuse’s first points of the game. Illinois tried to surprise the Orange with an onside kick to start the second half. However, the kicker nicked the top of the ball on the onside attempt, and the ball dribbled only a couple yards past the tee. Syracuse took over at Illinois’ 29, failed to get a first down and Patrick Shadle connected on a 44-yard field goal. … Senior running back Jeremy Sellers and sophomore quarterback Cameron Dantley both scored the first touchdowns of their careers.

Published on September 16, 2007 at 12:00 pm