On Dec. 27 2013, Houston Texas hosted the Texas Bowl that featured Syracuse and Minnesota. Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer, was glad that his team came up with a victory in one of the most underrated games in his eyes. “It would’ve been nice if we could’ve just knocked them out by 17 or something,” said Shafer. The Gophers were projected to win this game with 91% of America’s votes to the Orange 9%. Instead, Syracuse pulled off the victory against Minnesota after a second half rally from the Gophers.
The MVP from the Texas Bowl was Terrel Hunt, the sophomore stud provided 188 yards and completing 19/29 passing attempts from the field. Without throwing a single interception during the game, Hunt provided a good running game by rushing for 74 yards in only 15 carries. Hunt’s ability to run the ball sets him apart from other quarterbacks.
From a rough first half for both teams, the score at halftime was only 7-3. Both teams struggled to put the ball in the end zone at times. The Gophers quarterback Mitch Leinder threw two touchdowns and a 2-pt conversion heading into the 4th quarter gaining the lead against the Orange. The score was 17-13 in the 4th quarter.
The Gophers were on a five game losing streak in bowl games heading into the Texas Bowl game in Houston. Minnesota needed this to win to boost their confidence heading into bowl games but unfortunately Brisly Estime ruined their hope. The 70 yard punt return by Estime in the end of the 4th quarter was the second longest punt return in Texas Bowl history. “We probably outpunted our coverage,” said Minnesota coach Jerry Kill.
The punt by Estime led up to a Syracuse score from Hunt. Hunt 12 yard skipper for a touchdown put the Orange ahead of the Gophers 21-17 with 1:14 remaining in the 4th quarter. Minnesota came up short and wasn’t able to score again. The 6th consecutive bowl lost by the Gophers was a shocker from the Gophers fans. “Little penalties led to big penalties,” said Kill.
Syracuse running back Jerome Smith rushed for 74 yards in 16 attempts and a touchdown. Smith’s teammate Estime contributed to the teams win by having five receptions for 47 yards. Smith’s longest rush was for 19 yards and it certainly looked good. Smith decided to declare for the 2014 NFL Draft and is projected to go in the 7th round.
Minnesota running back David Cobb rushed for 91 yards on 18 attempts but didn’t have a touchdown. Minnesota’s two leading receivers were Drew Wolitarsky and Maxx Williams. Wolitarsky had four receptions and 94 yards with a touchdown. Williams contributed five receptions and 76 yards with a touchdown.
Overall the game turned out to be great and shocked America with the Orange win. Coach Shafer is proud of the way Syracuse finished their season finishing third in the ACC when everyone doubted them. Hunt is definitely the future for Syracuse and looks to have a better season next year.
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