By Nate Mink
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Syracuse University is lagging behind other major Division I football programs despite bucking a national trend of declining attendance, according to NCAA data reviewed by syracuse.com.
Syracuse football had a modest increase in home attendance last season but stands among the worst nationally in average attendance among major programs. Syracuse drew an average of 33,929 fans for seven games in the Carrier Dome during its 4-8 season under second-year coach Dino Babers. It drew an average of 32,805 in 2016 but played only six home games.
The numbers were released earlier this week as part of an NCAA attendance report that showed a 3 percent drop across the country, from 43,612 fans per game in 2016 to 42,203 this past season.