The 2001 season has been referenced a number of times this year when discussing the success of the current Syracuse football team. Mostly since it was the last time the Orange were a nationally ranked program, but the similarities between the two seasons go beyond that as well.
In 2001, Syracuse ended the regular season with a 9-3 record after defeating Boston College in their final game. This year, the Orange finished the regular season with a 9-3 record after getting a win over, surprise, Boston College.
Following a victory in the final game of the regular season, the 2001 Syracuse team ranked as the No.