SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) Halfway through his third season at Syracuse, coach Dino Babers is closer to that magic number of six wins than he's ever been at this juncture with the Orange.

Despite a two-game losing streak - to Atlantic Coast Conference foes Clemson and Pittsburgh (in overtime) - Syracuse (4-2, 1-2 ACC) has demonstrated its strides as it enjoys a bye week at the right time.

"I think the first half of the season has had its ups and downs, but I'm not down on this football team," Babers said. "I mean, you can pick and choose your moments, but you're talking about a 4-2 football team. Both the games they lost they were winning in the fourth quarter. Now, that part is disappointing."