Syracuse will return to the New Era Pinstripe Bowl for the second time in three years to cap its 2012 season, SU Athletics announced in a press release on Sunday.

The Orange (7-5, 5-2) won five of its final six games to become bowl eligible and earn a share of the Big East regular-season title. The game will take place Saturday, Dec. 29, in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., at 3:15 p.m. SU will play Big 12 representative West Virginia.

The Orange upset the Mountaineers, who were formerly in the Big East, in each of the last two seasons.

“It means a great deal to us to play a bowl game in Yankee Stadium where many of our alumni and fans will have the opportunity to share it with us,” SU head coach Doug Marrone said in the release. “New York State is the foundation of our program.”

Syracuse won a thrilling matchup with Kansas State in the inaugural Pinstripe Bowl 36-34 in 2010. Delone Carter won MVP honors in that game after rushing for a career-high 198 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries while wide receiver Marcus Sales hauled in five passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns.

This year’s Pinstripe Bowl will serve as the final game for quarterback Ryan Nassib, who owns the program record for career passing yards, and wide receiver Alec Lemon, who will leave as SU’s all-time leading receiver.

The pair helped lead an explosive Orange offense that ranks 27th in the nation in total offense. The unit also boasts a 1,000-yard rusher in Jerome Smith.

SU athletic director Daryl Gross said the program is honored to return to the bowl game. And Mark Holtzman, Yankees executive director of the Pinstripe Bowl, expressed excitement to have the school competing in its game.

“We are excited to welcome back Syracuse University to the New Era Pinstripe Bowl,” Holtzman said in the release. “Their victory in the inaugural New Era Pinstripe Bowl was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”

Published on December 3, 2012 at 3:02 am

Contact Ryne: rjgery@syr.edu