Babers “tickled pink” by Dungey’s performance
Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey is paying attention to his coach Dino Babers and it is paying dividends for the senior who is emerging as one of the best at his position in the ACC.
Dungey’s last two performances against North Carolina State and Wake Forest showed his versatility and why NFL scouts are taking note as the No. 13 Orange (7-2, 4-2 ACC) prepare for Friday’s home game against Louisville (2-7, 0-6).
To go with his passing against the Wolfpack and running against the Demon Deacons, Dungey did not turn the ball over in those games.
“That’s what big-time quarterbacks do,” Babers said. “That’s what the Mannings and all those quarterbacks do. They manage the game. I’m tickled pink about the way he’s playing.”
Dungey’s error-free performance for the No. 13-ranked Orange against North Carolina State and Wake Forest was in contrast to when Babers felt compelled to bench him in the fourth quarter against North Carolina last month.
The lack of turnovers was critical against the last two opponents, both of which were hurt by mistakes. North Carolina State quarterback Ryan Finley threw an interception against Syracuse. Wake Forest turned the ball over three times last week.
Syracuse’s plus-12 turnover margin is tied for fifth in the nation.
“Now you’ve got a guy that’s going down the stretch, that’s leading the football team and he’s gone through the last two games with zero turnovers,” Babers said.
Dungey’s maturity to prosperity is Babers’ program in microcosm.
Babers, in his third season, has gone from consecutive 4-8 seasons to a potential 10-win season this year despite major changes. Some of his upperclassmen have played for two head coaches and three offensive coordinators.
“When it starts to click offensively and defensively is when you really can’t remember the old stuff, when you only have your stuff,” Babers said. “And when it comes to that point, I think it really starts to come together. I wouldn’t say that we’re on the top of that wave, but we’re definitely catching it.”
Babers said his team’s maturity extends to not looking past Louisville to the much-anticipated matchup with Notre Dame the following week. Syracuse has not beaten Louisville in any of its four ACC matchups.