The ball was loose, which in itself was advantageous for Syracuse. But considering the time and place and situation-Illinois fumbled on its own 15-yard line while training SU, 14-7, in the third quarter-it was even more important.

Syracuse senior linebacker Jerry Mackey scooped up the ball, which was deflected by defensive end Jameel McClain as the Illini tried running an option. Mackey had no one in front of him but the fans in the Memorial Stadium stands, well beyond the Orange’s end zone.

Mackey scored, SU went up by two touchdowns and never looked back in its 31-21 win over Illinois. But even more significant was the fact that it was a defensive touchdown, the first in the Greg Robinson era.

‘Finally we scored on defense,’ Robinson said in his Sunday press conference. ‘Number one thing in our defensive playbook, our first goal is to score on defense’

Robinson, SU’s second-year head coach, was chosen to coach the Orange with defense in mind. After serving as a defensive coordinator for three NFL teams-including two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos-and one season as a college defensive coordinator at Texas, the vision was to produce an aggressive defense.

That’s been true, but not aggressive enough to score. It might be changing, though.

‘I have been in games where we have had two (defensive touchdowns) in the same game,’ Robinson said. ‘I would like to think that. I think that is a good thought. I have been a part of it where all of a sudden, it comes in droves. You just have to stay after it. Like I said the other day, it finally turns. Maybe that is where we are headed.’

Freshman plays

Syracuse had a crowded receiving corps entering Saturday’s win, with as many as six receivers figuring to draw playing time throughout the season. That’s why it was a bit surprising to see freshman Donte Davis-a talented newcomer from Chantilly, Va.-on the field.

Because of the depth at receiver, Davis seemed like a possible redshirt. But now that he played, that’s not possible.

Robinson doesn’t have a problem with that, though. He wants his freshmen to play.

‘My intent is to play them all,’ Robinson said. ‘Then, if all of a sudden there are some that aren’t ready to play or there is just a situation where they aren’t needed, we won’t (play them).

‘Donte brings some skills that maybe are different from some of the other receivers. He has been showing up all through camp and he is very consistent. He is more like Taj Smith. He has the quick twitch that you are looking for in certain times and in certain ways that you want to utilize.’

This and that

Kickoff for SU’s Sept. 30 game against Wyoming was announced for 1:30 p.m. The home game is part of Parents’ Weekend. It will also be broadcasted on ESPN360.

Published on September 17, 2006 at 12:00 pm