After Syracuse’s 30-27 win over 19th-ranked SMU, the Orange are back in the Dome this week for homecoming against Clemson, and Monday’s game-week press conference brought a little more than the usual coach-speak.
Athletic Director Brian Blair made a surprise appearance and went straight to one of the biggest talking points around the program: turnout.
“We need people to show up and be a part of the game.“ Blair stressed to the community for this week’s game
Blair revisited a point from his introductory press conference, when he said he wanted to weaponize the Dome. He acknowledged that “we haven’t fully gotten there yet.”
Still, his message was clear. He wants the community behind the team, and he wants the building full.
“We’re gonna try to do everything we can to facilitate a packed house, cause frankly that’s what our football program deserves.” Blair said in aiming to pack the dome against Clemson.
Once Blair handed things over, Fran Brown covered a few personnel notes, including one that pointed ahead to next season. Brown hinted that Steve Angeli will be back in college in 2026.
“We plan on him coming back to college next year.” Brown said, referring to Steve Angeli.
(Ed. Note: we’ll have to follow up about this because it seems like Angeli would need a medical waiver)
Brown also gave an update on Malachi Nelson, who has been out since mid October with an ankle injury.
“I think maybe another week or two though…Hopefully he can be ready to play, That’ll help us a lot.” Brown stated about Nelson.
Another name that came up was Quinn Olcott, the Fayetteville native who has spent the last three years on the soccer team and had appeared in only three matches before this stretch. Brown said he pushed for Olcott to join the football side and praised what he saw from him this weekend.
“I pursued it… I mean he did a really good job this weekend.” Brown said about Olcott’s performance and him joining the team.
Brown also tied the team’s recent progress back to the way it works during the week.
“They believe in the process that we do… We’re process-oriented. I think when we continue to follow our process throughout the week, it gives us a better chance of winning on the weekend.” Brown said about his team’s growth over the last few weeks.
Here’s a look at the depth chart for this week:
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