Led by second-year head coach Paul Pasqualoni, the Orangemen compiled an overall record of 10–2 with a mark of 6–1 in conference play.
Syracuse was invited to the Fiesta Bowl, where the Orangemen defeated Colorado.
Ranked sixth in the final AP poll, Syracuse was awarded the Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy, signifying them as champions of the East.
To date, this season is the last time that Syracuse won the award and the program's last top-ten finish.
The team played home games at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York.