Minnesota @ Syracuse - just the facts ma'am

Straight from the official game notes, here is what you need to know for this game one at Syracuse.  Depth chart will be released tomorrow.

Date/Time: Saturday, September 5th @ 11:01 (CST)
Stadium: Carrier Dome
Capacity: 49,262
Surface: Field Turf
All-time Series: Tied 1-1

TV: ESPN2
Play-by-play: Pam Ward
Analyst: Ray Bentley
Radio: Gopher Sports Network (WCCO 830 AM)
Internet: Gold Zone Audio

Syracuse on the Net: Troy Nunes is an Absolut Magician

The last time these teams met:  Minnesota won 35-33 on Sept 21, 1996.  The game was highlighted by freshman, Tyrone Carter returning two fumbles for touchdowns in a span of 56 seconds.  After a 12-0 Syracuse start the Gophers scored the next 29 points to jump to a 12-29 lead.  Syracuse scored the next 21 points to take the lead back 33-29.  Gopher's kicker, Adam Bailey knocked in two field goals, the second with just 42 seconds remaining to seal the Gopher victory.

Syracuse

• Syracuse head-coach Doug Marrone is in his first season with the Orange.  He is a Syracuse alum and returns after serving as offensive coordinator for the New Orlean's Saints.
  
• .Syracuse will be quarterbacked by former Duke PG, Greg Paulus.  Paulus is a Syracuse native and former high school All-American QB, but has not played competitive football since his high school days.
• Keep an eye on WR-Mike Williams who had 60 receptions as a sophomore in 2007 but had to sit out 2008. 
  
• DT-Arthur Jones record 13 TFL's last season.

Minnesota

• Minnesota is opening the season against a BCS caliber opponent for the first time since 1994 when the Gopher's opened with Penn State.
• Of the current Big East member schools Minnesota has only faced Syracuse and Pittsburgh, all time.
• Gopher's associate head coach/defensive line coach, Tim Cross was an assistant at Syracuse in 2005-06.
• The average height and weight of the Gopher's starting offensive line is 6'4", 308 lbs.
  

Minnesota Record Watch

Adam Weber

Career Passing Yards

1. Bryan Cupito - 7,446
2. Cory Sauter - 6,834
3. Asad Abdul-Khaliq - 6,660
4. Adam Weber - 5,656

Career Touchdown Passes

1. Bryan Cupito - 55
2. Asad Abdul-Khaliz - 55
   
3. Cory Sauter -40
4. Adam Weber - 39

Completion %

1. Adam Weber - 59.7%
2. Mark Carlson - 57.2%

Career Completions

1. Cory Sauter - 539
2. Adam Weber - 513

Eric Decker

Career Receiving Yards

1. Ron Johnson - 2,989
   
2. Tutu Atwell - 2,640
3. Ernie Wheelright - ,434
4. Eric Decker - 2,361

Career Receptions

1. Ron Johnson - 198
2. Eric Decker - 177

Career Receiving TDs

1. Ron Johnson - 31
2. Ernie Wheelright - 26
3. Eric Decker - 19