THIS WEEK'S GAME: Syracuse at Northwestern, Aug. 30 -- Syracuse is a nearly two-touchdown underdog against Northwestern, but that doesn't mean the game will be a cakewalk for the Wildcats. New Orange offensive coordinator Mitch Browning comes from Minnesota and is very familiar with Northwestern. Browning's unit at Minnesota attacked opponents with an aggressive running game and the Orange have plenty of depth at tailback. Syracuse is looking for its first season-opening win under Robinson.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB Andrew Robinson -- Robinson was one of the few bright spots for the Orange offense last season, passing for 2,192 yards and 13 touchdowns. Robinson averaged 199.3 yards per game, which is fifth on the single-season list and the best by a Syracuse sophomore. In his career, Robinson is averaging 138.3 yards per outing, placing him fifth on the Syracuse record list.

LB Jake Flaherty -- Flaherty returns as the Orange starting middle linebacker. He started every game for the Orange last season and has participated in every single contest since his arrival at Syracuse in 2005. Last year Flaherty was second on the team with 95 total tackles last season and also made 6.5 tackles for a loss and generated one sack in his first year as a starter.

CB Mike Holmes -- Holmes brings experience to the Orange secondary after starting eight games as a true freshman in 2007. He recording 64 tackles (40 solo), playing both cornerback and safety. Holmes is also one of Syracuse's kick returners. He gained 352 yards on 14 returns last year.

ROSTER REPORT

--Freshman TB Mike Jones (turf toe) was in shorts and walking around, but did not practice on Tuesday. Redshirt freshman linebacker Ryan Gillum (bone bruise in foot) wore a walking cast and was not practicing.

--Starting DE Vincenzo Giruzzi will play against Northwestern. Giruzzi sprained his knee during camp and missed a week of practice.

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