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Syracuse lost to Cal 21-18 in its ACC opener, and the Orange's biggest opponent throughout the night may have been themselves. Syracuse committed 15 penalties, committed three costly turnovers, repeatedly put itself in difficult situations and gave Cal opportunities to stay in the game. Head coach Fran Brown did not mince words when discussing the penalties after the game. "We can't have that many problems, right? can't do that. We won't be able to win a football game." The Orange started fast. On Syracuse's opening possession, Tylik Hill broke off a 55-yard run to help set up a scoring drive that gave Syracuse an early 3-0 lead. On Cal's first possession, Keyshawn Johnson applied pressure to help force a Bears punt. The third Syracuse possession ended in a three-and-out, but the Orange got the ball back after converting a fake punt for a first down. A pass interference penalty later helped extend the drive, and Syracuse eventually settled for a field goal to take a 6-0 lead. Cal then had a chance to cut into the lead but kicker Towns McGough missed the ensuing 46-yard try. Syracuse then found the end zone. Steve Angeli connected to Daunte Bacheyie on a 38-yard pass, then again for a 21-yard touchdown. The Orange missed the two-point conversion but took a 12-0 lead. Cal answered quickly. A 43-yard pass set up the Bears inside Syracuse territory, and Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele found Chase Hendricks for a 14-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 12-7. Through the first half, Syracuse's defense continued to keep Cal's offense in check, particularly against the run. Linebackers Chris D'Appolonia and Antoine Deslauriers helped lead a run defense that was stout throughout the game. Syracuse entered halftime, leading 12-7. The second half started with Cal turning the ball over on downs at their own 48-yard line. The Orange put together a few good plays on the ensuing possession, but more penalties and Steve Angeli's first interception ended that drive. Chris D'Appolonia said the team needs to focus on eliminating the penalties it can control. "I think it's just an energy thing. like, where are you going to put your effort? I mean, a lot of the penalties that we had today were self-inflicted." He added that "doing what we can to remove the self-inflicted penalties is gonna be what really changes this team." Cal took advantage and momentum. The Bears started at the Syracuse 29-yard line and were stopped on third-and-goal, but a Syracuse penalty gave Cal another chance. Cal was awarded a fresh set of downs and Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele found Jordan King to take a 14-12 lead with 7:15 left in the third quarter. Syracuse answered with a sustained drive that featured several first-down plays and a strong mix of runs and passes. The Orange also chewed valuable clock before Ju'Juan Johnson punched in a 1-yard touchdown, but again, the 2-point attempt was unsuccessful but still putting Syracuse back ahead 18-14. Now in the 4th quarter, the Orange drove into scoring range, but Tripp Woody missed a 31-yard field goal with 9:30 left to go in the contest. Cal took over and was pushing the ball into Syracuse territory but a huge play from Chris D'Appolonia sacking Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to push Cal out of field-goal range. Cal eventually took advantage of another Syracuse mistake. With 4:51 remaining, Angeli threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, giving the Bears a 21-18 lead. Syracuse immediately got the ball back and began moving down the field. The Orange overcame back-to-back pre-snap penalties, and Hatcher made a big play for 23 yards and a first down. Angeli was then sacked for the second time in the game. Facing third-and-13, Angeli delivered a huge completion to Justus Ross-Simmons for 25 yards, keeping the drive alive as the two-minute warning arrived. But with the game winding down kicker Tripp Woody missed a 46-yard field goal, and with a last chance opportunity Steve Angeli threw his 3rd interception of the game. SUPPORT CUSENATION.COM SUBSCRIBE TO CUSENATION TO ACCESS TO VIP ARTICLES AND THE VIP MANLEY ZOO FORUM FOLLOW PUBLISHER MIKE MCALLISTER ON X (FKA TWITTER) FOLLOW CUSENATION ON X (FKA TWITTER) FOLLOW CUSENATION ON INSTAGRAM LIKE/FOLLOW CUSENATION ON FACEBOOK