Syracuse celebrates football upset and Clydesdale visit as fall peaks
A 30-27 win over No. 19 SMU at the JMA Wireless Dome and the arrival of the Budweiser Clydesdales at a Syracuse stable mark a lively autumn for Central New York.
Steve Angeli and the Syracuse Orange stunned No. 19 SMU 30-27 last Saturday at the JMA Wireless Dome, drawing more than 30,000 fans and capping a Halloween weekend that charged up the city, Spectrum News CNY reports. The win was Syracuse’s first over a ranked team since November 2024, sending Orange fans pouring onto the field.
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Denise Vespa welcomed the Budweiser Clydesdales to her Syracuse stables just a few miles from the Dome, drawing crowds eager to see the famous horses. Vespa set aside 12 stalls for the Clydesdales, a fall tradition that’s become a highlight for many in Central New York, according to Spectrum News CNY.
By The Numbers
- 30-27: Final score as Syracuse upset No. 19 SMU at the JMA Wireless Dome, per Spectrum News CNY.
- 2: Back-to-back ACC wins for Syracuse football, the first time since 2021, according to Spectrum News CNY.
- 12: Number of stalls set aside for the Budweiser Clydesdales at Denise Vespa Stables in Syracuse, per Spectrum News CNY.
- 65: Number of horses at Denise Vespa Stables, according to Spectrum News CNY.
- $1,000: Estimated monthly cost for Clydesdale bedding, per Spectrum News CNY.
- 10: Number of Clydesdales cared for by John Leavitt in Sloansville, according to Spectrum News CNY.
- 10: Bales of hay consumed daily by Leavitt’s herd, per Spectrum News CNY.
- 40 to 45: Gallons of water consumed daily by each Clydesdale, according to Spectrum News CNY.
- 17: Seconds left when Syracuse scored the game-tying touchdown, per Spectrum News CNY.
- 2024: Year of Syracuse’s last ranked win before this Halloween, according to Spectrum News CNY.
- 1984: Year John Leavitt bought his first Clydesdale, per Spectrum News CNY.
- 20: Years Denise Vespa has hosted the Budweiser Clydesdales at her Syracuse stable, according to Spectrum News CNY.
Football fever returns to the city
Angeli’s 26-yard rushing touchdown put Syracuse on the board early, but SMU answered right back, keeping the first half close, Spectrum News CNY reports. The Orange snapped an 11-game ACC losing streak just a week earlier at North Carolina.
Tripp Woody kicked two field goals and Ahmad Miller ran in a touchdown, giving Syracuse a 20-10 halftime lead. SMU surged in the second half, taking a 27-20 lead with minutes left. Angeli then hit Noah Meyers for a touchdown with 17 seconds to go, and freshman Chase Geter’s fumble recovery sealed the win as fans stormed the field, Spectrum News CNY reports.
Head coach Fran Brown credited the crowd: “Without the fans today I don’t know if the game [would have] gone this way. I just appreciate our fanbase, I appreciate them being here.”
Syracuse notched back-to-back ACC wins for the first time since 2021. The Orange are now 2-4 in conference play and scheduled to host Clemson next Saturday at noon, according to Spectrum News CNY.
Clydesdales draw crowds at Syracuse stable
Denise Vespa, who runs a full-service equine facility specializing in American Saddlebreds, has hosted the Budweiser Clydesdales for more than 20 years, Spectrum News CNY reports. Her Syracuse stable, home to over 65 horses, offers boarding, lessons, and training, and makes room for the Clydesdales by setting aside 12 stalls during their visit.
Vespa said the tradition started when the Budweiser team reached out more than two decades ago. The Clydesdales’ arrival draws visitors who follow the trucks and gather to see the horses up close, according to Spectrum News CNY.
“It’s like nothing else,” Vespa said. “It doesn’t matter when they pull in, you get just as giddy. It’s like seeing Elvis. Seriously.”
John Leavitt, who cares for 10 Clydesdales in Sloansville, starts feeding at 5:30 a.m. Each horse eats about one bale of hay and drinks 40 to 45 gallons of water daily. Bedding costs can hit $1,000 a month, Spectrum News CNY reports.
Leavitt bought his first Clydesdale in 1984. He brings the horses to weddings, funerals, and wagon rides, saying kids especially love seeing the gentle giants. Their presence at community events leaves lasting memories, according to Spectrum News CNY.
Why these moments matter for Syracuse
For folks in Syracuse and nearby towns like DeWitt and Salina, these fall traditions bring people together. The football win at the Dome boosts local pride and draws attention to Syracuse’s sports scene, while the Clydesdales’ visit connects people to Central New York’s agricultural and horse roots.
As the leaves peak and SU football Saturdays fill the streets from Tipp Hill to Eastwood, these events shape the season. For more, check our community events page.
Looking ahead: More to come this season
Syracuse football hosts Clemson next Saturday at noon, giving fans another shot to fill the Dome. The Clydesdales’ visit continues to draw families and horse lovers to Vespa’s stables, adding to the list of Syracuse business and community highlights this fall.
From gridiron upsets to the clip-clop of Clydesdales, Central New York’s traditions and surprises keep people coming back as the season changes.
Where to check for updates
For the latest on Syracuse football, visit the official Syracuse University athletics website. For equestrian events and the Budweiser Clydesdales, check the Denise Vespa Stables page or Spectrum News CNY. For more local stories, visit the CNY Signal community events and business news sections.
📷 Wikimedia / Wikipedia , Syracuse Orange football , CC BY-SA 4.0 / Public Domain (verify per file)
Sources
- Spectrum News CNY, Syracuse football brings the tricks and upsets No. 19 SMU on Halloween
- Spectrum News CNY, What it takes to care for Clydesdales in Central New York
