The Minnesota Golden Gophers were able to capitalize on 3 Syracuse turnovers to score 20 2nd quarter points and beat the Orange 23 - 18 in the 2009 season opener.

Syracuse struggled early offensively as Redshirt Freshman Ryan Nassib threw 2 INTs and backup Cameron Dantley fumbled the ball while scrambling. One of Nassib's picks was returned by Minnesota LB Lee Campbell 56 yards for a TD to put Minnesota up 20 - 0 at the half.

Nassib played much better in the second half, finishing 24-44 with 218 yards and a TD on the game. Star RB Delone Carter, who was injured in the 1st quarter, managed 71 yards on 19 carries.

Defensively, the Orange looked solid led by Doug Hogue, who had 10 tackles and a sack that resulted in a safety, for Syracuse's first score of the season. DT Arthur Jones also had 2 sacks.

Syracuse's new head coach said "It's obvious that we still have a lot of work to do, but there were a lot of positive things that happened on the field today. Our defense really stood up to the challenge despite some difficult circumstances. I think we can build on what we saw today."

The head coach also said he plans on sticking with Nassib next week as the starter against Penn State, but that Duke transfer Greg Paulus could also see some time.