SYRACUSE, NY (AP/WSYR-TV) - In the first game of the 2012 season, the Syracuse University Orange football team lost to the Northwestern Wildcats 42-41 on Saturday.
SU scored 28 unanswered points to take the lead in the fourth quarter.
However, backup Northwestern quarterback Trevor Siemian hit Demetrius Fields for a 9-yard touchdown pass with 44 seconds left to secure the win.
Siemian, subbing for starter Kain Colter, drove the Wildcats 75 yards in 10 plays, taking advantage of a critical personal foul against Syracuse defender Keon Lyn for a late hit out of bounds on the previous play.
The brightest spot for the Orange came from the quarterback position.
Ryan Nassib set school records by throwing for 470 yards and completing 44 passes.
Senior wide receiver Marcus Sales caught 11 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown.
The Orange take the field next week against the University of Southern California at 3:30 p.m. at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
