Syracuse University Athletics

Syracuse punter Rob Long is a 2009 Ray Guy Award semifinalist, as announced today by The Augusta Sports Council. The 10 semi-finalists are now on the ballot for the award, which identifies the nation’s top collegiate punter. The nominees are evaluated on their overall statistics and contribution to the team. Particular emphasis is placed on the following statistics: net average, percentage of total punts inside the 20-yard line, and percentage of punts not returned. Long and the Orange will play at Louisville this Saturday (12:00 p.m., BIG EAST Network).

Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone announced tonight that senior nose tackle Arthur Jones and junior offensive tackle Jonathan Meldrum will miss the final three games of the 2009 season due to injury. Both Jones and Meldrum reported experiencing discomfort in their left knee during the game at Pittsburgh (Nov. 7, 2009) and MRIs performed today revealed each student-athlete had a torn lateral meniscus. Surgery, which will be performed in the near future, and rehabilitation will sideline Jones and Meldrum for the rest of season.

Orange head football coach Doug Marrone announced today that he has reinstated sophomore defensive end Torrey Ball, sophomore running back Antwon Bailey and junior offensive guard Andrew Tiller. The trio was suspended for a violation of team rules during the week prior to SU's game at #14 Pittsburgh (Nov. 7, 2009). Bailey is Syracuse's second-leading rusher, averaging 23.0 yards per game, and fourth-leading receiver (13.8 ypg), while Tiller moved into the starting lineup prior to SU's game against West Virginia (Oct. 10). Ball has six tackles, including one for a loss of yards, in eight games.