Wagner @ Syracuse preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 14, 2013 ) Wagner 0, Syracuse 54

Syracuse has never lost to an FCS program -- a trend that the Orange hope continues Saturday against visiting Wagner. The Orange are 16-0 all-time against FCS schools and are facing a lower-tier program for the 11th straight season.

In its season opener, Syracuse topped Western Michigan 55-42 as Eric Dungey got his senior season off to a rousing start. The veteran quarterback ran for 200 yards and a touchdown and passed for 184 yards and two scores, prompting coach Dino Babers to note: “Dungey carries a lot of weight and people have to play him differently than everyone else. He’s got too much experience. He’s hard to get fooled on coverages. He’s hard to get fooled on blitzes.” Dungey is considered one of the nation's top multi-dimensional quarterbacks, but he has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Wagner has lost all eight of its previous contests against FBS schools, including a 54-0 loss to Syracuse five years ago.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra. LINE: None

ABOUT WAGNER (1-0): The Seahawks jumped out to a 17-0 lead against Bowie State last weekend en route to a convincing 40-23 triumph. Ryan Fulse led all FCS players in Week 1 with 271 rushing yards for Wagner, which returns 17 starters from last year's team but will have its hands full Saturday. "Obviously it's a huge challenge playing an ACC school on the road," coach Jason Houghtaling told reporters. "They're big, fast and loaded with athletes. I'm looking for our players to compete whistle to whistle and I am hopeful that this game will help prepare us for our Northeast Conference schedule."

ABOUT SYRACUSE (1-0): The Orange put up 24 first-quarter points against Western Michigan and led 34-7 at intermission before holding off a late charge by the Broncos. Moe Neal and Dontae Strickland each scored two rushing touchdowns, while Jamal Custis grabbed six passes for 168 yards and two scores. Redshirt freshman Tommy DeVito saw some action under center, but the Orange gained only 55 yards on DeVito's 13 plays.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Dungey's 200 rushing yards last week were the most for a quarterback in Syracuse history - 44 more than the previous record.

2. In the 2013 matchup, Syracuse outgained Wagner 595-87.

3. Since the Carrier Dome opened, Syracuse is just 15-16 in home openers.

PREDICTION: Syracuse 44, Wagner 19