Welcome to basketball season, Syracuse. Orange football melts down at Virginia (Axe’s quick takes)

Key Points:

• Syracuse University football suffered a second-half collapse, losing 28-25 to Virginia after surrendering 21 unanswered points, marking the team's 10th straight ACC loss and 11th straight against a Power-Four opponent.
• Coaching decisions came under heavy criticism, with offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon's predictable play-calling and defensive coordinator Vince Kehres' inability to adjust contributing to the loss; head coach Fran Brown's leadership is increasingly questioned.
• Quarterback instability persists, with Syracuse using four quarterbacks in five games due to injuries, though Malachi Nelson showed promise in the first half before leaving with a shoulder injury.
• Wide receiver Umari Hatcher emerged as a key offensive weapon, consistently the primary target and performing well despite limited support from other receivers.
• Special teams struggles continued, including missed field goals by freshman kicker Shay Barker and a critical punting error by freshman punter Jimmy Gregg, exacerbating Syracuse's difficulties in closing out games.