SYRACUSE — At this time last year, Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson didn't want his Orange football team playing the role of spoiler.

Instead, Robinson said there was pride and respect to be garnered. But SU still finished with a 2-10 record and one Big East Conference win. This year, almost destined for the same fruitless finish, the embattled coach's opinion has changed. And again, there's nothing left to play for.

Syracuse faces Connecticut in the Orange's final home game at 7 p.m. today in the Carrier Dome. Robinson has three Big East wins to his credit. His first conference victory came at home against the Huskies in 2006. Today's game could be Robinson's last chance to win at the Dome.

"You pull out all you have and try to use every different thing you can do to try and take advantage of the situation," Robinson said. "It is what it is. Our job is to see if we can knock them off."

The Orange is stuck in a situation similar to last week when it squared off with Rutgers. The Huskies — losers of three of their last four games — had two weeks to prepare for stumbling Syracuse. Connecticut head coach Randy Edsall knows SU is motivated to officially eliminate his team from the Big East championship race.

"I'm certain everybody's going to be fired up for every game," Edsall said. "What we have to do is go and play our game. If we play our game and do the things we're capable of doing, then we'll be in really good shape. If we don't, then it becomes interesting."

It's uncertain who will start at quarterback for Connecticut — sophomore Zach Fraser or redshirt freshman Cody Endres — so the Huskies should give running back Donald Brown plenty of touches. The nation's leading rusher is averaging over 156 yards a game and has 15 touchdowns. Robinson feels that Brown is more than a speedy back.

"The thing I see now is that there's a power factor, a more explosive runner this year than I think in years past," Robinson said. "You can tell he's gone the extra mile as far as his physical development."

The only chance Syracuse might have at making it close is getting starting running back Curtis Brinkley going early. Brinkley rushed for just 67 yards against the Scarlet Knights last week. It was the first time in six games he was held under 100 yards. He's one of 17 Orange seniors whom Robinson has seen blossom during his tenure.

"I think he'd be the first to tell you that early in his career, he had a hard time sometimes adjusting to some of the problems he's had," Robinson said. "But as he's grown and matured, he's figured it out."

No matter what, Robinson is admittedly ready to shepherd Syracuse into its home finale and foil Connecticut's postseason plans.

"Here we are at home with our seniors, playing their last home game," Robinson said. "It is a game where there's a lot going on, and I'm looking forward to it."

EXTRA POINTS ...

Former Orange wide receiverDavid Tyreewill serve as the final honorary captain of the season. A wide receiver with the New York Giants, Tyree was placed on injured reserve earlier this month following offseason knee surgery and a hamstring injury. ... The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported this week that Syracuse and Minnesota have agreed to a home-and-home series beginning next year. The Orange will host the Gophers next season, and SU travels to Minnesota in 2012. ... Syracuse will host Fan Appreciation Day at the Dome today. The first 5,000 fans will receive a $25 gift card from Steiner Sports. Two random cards will have a value of $1,000. Fans can look up the worth of their cards online (www.steinersports.com).