Syracuse Falls to Stanford 38-16 at the JMA Dome Despite Big Day from Oronde Gadsden
Syracuse football was handed a tough 38-16 loss at home by a talented Stanford team in a game that was marked by both impressive individual performances and some unlucky breaks for the Orange. Tight End Oronde Gadsden had a standout game, catching 9 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cardinal’s offensive firepower and a crucial special teams mishap that shifted momentum.
Oronde Gadsden Dominates with 9 Catches, 127 Yards, and a TD
Even in the loss, one of the bright spots for Syracuse was the play of Oronde Gadsden. The standout tight end was a constant presence in the passing game, finishing with 9 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown. Gadsden’s ability to create separation and make key catches helped keep the Orange in the game, and his touchdown reception was a highlight for the home crowd.
Gadsden’s performance solidified his place as one of the top targets for the Syracuse offense, showing his versatility and skill as a pass catcher. Despite the scoreline, Gadsden’s contributions were a reminder of the potential this Syracuse offense has when clicking on all cylinders.
The Punt Mishap and Momentum Shift
One of the defining moments of the game came when a punt in the second half took an unexpected and unfortunate bounce on the turf, giving Stanford excellent field position and allowing them to extend their lead. The miscue was a rare moment of bad luck for Syracuse, and it proved to be a turning point in the game.
Head Coach Mark Berokoff addressed the mishap post-game, expressing frustration but also offering a balanced perspective.
“If it wasn’t for that funny bounce on the turf, this could be a different story,” Berokoff said. “That play really changed the course of the game, but that’s football. We’ll learn from it, and we’ll move on.”
Despite the tough break, Berokoff remained proud of his team's effort. The Orange fought hard throughout the game, but the momentum from the punt mishap allowed Stanford to take control, and they never looked back.
Coach Mark Berokoff Calls for Turf Overhaul
While the team’s effort was commendable, Berokoff wasn’t shy about calling for changes regarding the playing surface at the JMA Dome. The strange bounce on the turf that led to the momentum shift didn’t sit well with the coach, and he made it clear that something needs to be done.
“We need a serious recall on that turf,” Berokoff said. “It’s unacceptable that something like that can happen. We need to make sure our players are safe, and the field is a level playing surface.”
Coach Berokoff’s comments highlighted the frustration over the unforeseen bounce, but it also signaled his desire to ensure that future home games don’t have similar issues that could alter the outcome of a game.
Stanford’s Dominance and Coach Ninja's Success
Despite the bad luck and some missed opportunities for Syracuse, it was clear that Stanford was the better team on the day. The Cardinal played a balanced and efficient game, with their offense moving the ball effectively and their defense shutting down Syracuse’s late-game efforts.
Coach Mark Berokoff also gave credit where credit was due, praising Stanford's overall performance and their head coach, whom he referred to as “Coach Ninja,” acknowledging their impressive play on both sides of the ball.
“Great job by Stanford and Coach Ninja,” Berokoff said. “They were studs today. They came out and executed well, and we just couldn’t get enough momentum to keep up.”
Looking Ahead
The loss to Stanford, while disappointing, offers Syracuse valuable lessons to carry into the rest of the season. The Orange showed flashes of brilliance, especially with Oronde Gadsden’s standout performance, but they were ultimately outmatched by a well-coached Stanford team. Coach Berokoff’s ability to keep the team focused and positive despite the result will be key moving forward.
Syracuse now turns its attention to their next opponent, looking to bounce back from the defeat and continue to improve. With the right adjustments, including addressing the turf issue, the Orange are hopeful that their efforts will pay off as the season progresses.
“We’ll keep working, keep improving,” Berokoff said. “And we’ll make sure that next time, we take full advantage of every opportunity.”
In Week 4 of NDL Season 31, the Stanford Cardinal secured a commanding 38-16 win over the Syracuse Orange. Stanford's balanced offense racked up 305 total yards, with 123 on the ground and 182 through the air. The Cardinal capitalized on Syracuse's five turnovers, including three interceptions, to maintain control of the game. Stanford's defense held strong, limiting the Orange to just one touchdown late in the fourth quarter. With this win, the Cardinal showcased their efficiency and dominance on both sides of the ball, marking another strong step in their season.
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