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Twenty-five years ago Friday, 3,000 Americans were killed as part of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Each American who lived during that period shares a unique experience and a unique memory of that day.

Sports took a back seat in the wake of the attacks, but the Syracuse University football team did eventually carry on with its season.

Let's a take look at the first game back in the Carrier Dome (now JMA Wireless Dome) following the attacks.

What team did Syracuse football play in the Carrier Dome following Sept. 11?

The original opponent for Syracuse that week was the East Carolina Pirates. The matchup set for Sept. 15 was rescheduled because of the attacks until later in the season. Syracuse eventually played East Carolina on Sept. 29 and won 44-30.

However, the Orange did have a home game prior to that East Carolina showdown as the Auburn Tigers traveled to the Carrier Dome for a non-conference contest on Sept. 22.

The programs entered that contest with a history against one another. In 1988 Auburn and Syracuse tied in the Sugar Bowl.

Many Orange fans remember Auburn coach Pat Dye electing to kick a field goal to tie the game, rather than try to win the game. The tie cost Syracuse a rare perfect undefeated season.

While the Orange won the 2001 game 31-14, the most memorable moment from the game was then-Governor George Pataki addressing the crowd during a pregame ceremony. 

As former Syracuse football reporter Donnie Webb wrote, Pataki said:

"You know, we New Yorkers are strong people, While those evil criminals have been able to break our hearts, they haven’t been able to break our spirit. The American people are stronger and stand more unified than ever before.”

Personal experience as a fan

As a young 11-year-old, I was in the building that day.

I remember being overwhelmed by the emotion of the fans in attendance. All 40,000 plus fans were waving American flags and chanting "U-S-A" before kickoff. As a fan, I sat in Section 303, Row ZZ, Seat 1. For some perspective, that seat is the highest seat in the Carrier Dome.

Having that view, even at a young age, gave me the appreciation of how sports can serve as a unifying force to people during timse of grief. The was truly one of the most memorable games in Syracuse football history.

What's next for Syracuse football?

This year's Syracuse team will take on California in game two of the season on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Orange opened up the season with an historic 66-3 win over New Hampshire.

The ACC Network will have the television coverage. On the audio side, fans can listen on TK99/105 (99.5/100.5 FM) and WAER (88.3) in Syracuse, or through Cuse.com. Following the game on Saturday, SyracuseRoundtable will be offering insight and takeaways from the JMA Wireless Dome.

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