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PITTSBURGH — When Fran Brown was asked during his weekly press conference on Monday if Marlowe Wax would return to game action against Pitt, SU’s head coach all but confirmed he would miss the contest.

“Honestly, it seems like he’ll probably play next week,” Brown said. “But, he’s trying. He’s pushing. He’s a tough kid. He wants to go, but just for his safety and all those things, probably next week.”

Despite early indications of Wax missing his sixth-straight game, he took the field in warmups just like everyone else — though having a brace on inside his right leg sleeve. And 75 minutes before the opening kickoff, ESPN’s Pete Thamel announced the return of SU’s man in the middle.

Wax played almost every snap of the first three quarters in his first game since SU’s season opener versus Ohio on Aug. 31. Syracuse (5-2, 2-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) fell in dominant fashion 41-13 to No. 19 Pitt (7-0, 3-0 ACC) Thursday, but gained a key piece in Wax, who recorded two tackles and sack in his return.

“It was a long process, six to seven weeks, of trying to get out there,” Wax said postgame. “I was trying to go out last game, but I really couldn’t do it. It was a last-minute thing where we talked about it, felt good running around and went from there.”

Per fellow linebacker Derek McDonald Jr., the team had a good feeling Wax was trending toward playing. Throughout the week, he continuously ramped up reps. Brown said he started to run Wednesday. He had added flexibility, doing cuts and sticking his foot in the ground. At that point, Brown realized he might play.

For most of its 2024 campaign, Syracuse had been missing its defensive leader. In four seasons with the Orange, Wax has starred in the middle of the defense, making the All-ACC team twice. Before the 2024 season, Wax was named to the Bednarik Award Watchlist, the award given to the top linebacker in the country.

Though he faced the first injury of his college career against Ohio. Wax recorded six tackles through the first half, leading the team with a 79.9 Pro Football Focus defense grade.

Then, with 6:31 to play in the third quarter, Wax brought a delayed blitz toward Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro. Wax forced the quarterback to throw the ball away at the last minute as he attempted to wrap him up. SU defensive tackle Rashard Perry was also in on the play and landed on Wax’s right leg.

Brown said the absence would be “about six weeks,” putting Wax on the timeline to return after SU’s second bye week.

In Wax’s absence, the Orange adjusted their defense, moving Justin Barron and Fadil Diggs into the linebacker position. His return filled a major void in the defense that was left for over a month. Though, he wasn’t totally healthy

“I’m happy to have him back,” Brown said. “He looked good out there running, not even 100%. That’s why I thought he would play next week, but he was good to go.”

In his return, the Orange ran a three-down set with Wax between Barron and McDonald at the linebacker position. McDonald said it emulated SU’s 2023 version of the 3-3-5, which made them all more comfortable and added leverage with the ability to flow to the ball.

Wax made his presence felt early against the Panthers. After the Orange forced a three-and-out on the opening drive, Wax stuffed Pitt running back Desmond Reid on a second-and-1 on the second drive.

Later in the game, with SU trailing 24-0, Wax recorded his second sack in as many games. Creeping up from his linebacker position, he slowly moved closer to Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein. As defensive linemen Maraad Watson and Diggs pushed inside, Wax came from the left edge, wrapping up Holstein for a six-yard loss.

“Knowing that you have Marlowe back, he’s kind of the anchor of our defense,” McDonald said. “So it was definitely good for us. And I think continuing to move forward and continuing to improve and hear his voice will be very helpful.”

However, Wax’s first game back in a long time didn’t come without a few mistakes. Other than the Orange falling behind early and never recovering, they had spread out success defensively, limiting the Panthers to 20 points and 217 yards. When the Orange had a huge chance at a game-altering play, just one play after his sack, Wax committed an undisciplined penalty.

With three down linemen, Wax pursued from his linebacker position again. He initially dropped in coverage but quickly crashed toward the quarterback, striking Holstein just as he released a crisp throw 25 yards downfield.

Holstein overthrew his receiver along the right hash marks, and Marcellus Barnes Jr. intercepted the pass. But Wax’s hit nullified the big swing. He ripped clean through Holstein’s upper body, but drove him into the ground, causing the flag.

The play was consistent with Wax’s game on Thursday. He was back — a huge plus for the Orange. However, he showed signs of times being a bit off from the Wax accustomed to being seen at SU.

Pro Football Focus graded Wax at a 57.9 overall defensive grade with a 49.7 tackling grade. The tackling grade was the worst since the end of the 2022 season. His overall grade would have placed near the bottom for his 2023 performances.

Additionally, his two tackles were the least of his career since SU’s loss to Minnesota on Dec. 29, 2022 in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl — his junior season. Wax’s game didn’t go as planned for the Orange. He by no means was as effective as he can be for SU. But, the mere addition of Wax gives Syracuse an added edge going forward.

“I think he had a little bit of rust to shake off,” McDonald said. “I think he was ready to play. But I think once he gets more comfortable, you’ll see the Marlowe that we know.”

Published on October 25, 2024 at 1:50 am

Contact Aiden at: amstepan@syr.edu | @AidenStepansky