SYRACUSE - Syracuse coach Greg Robinson received a nice bonus when he accepted the head job in January - the Orange played their first three games of the season at home for the first time in more than half a century.

"It's been good for our team," Robinson said Tuesday. "We got into a rhythm and it's helped us grow, being at home. But I'd like to believe that we're ready to venture out. Road warriors."

Say goodbye to the comforts of home. Next up for the Orange (1-2) is No. 6 Florida State (3-0) on the road. The Seminoles were listed Tuesday as 21-point favorites - up a point from the opening line.

"I was informed today that we were underdogs, and then I was informed of the amount," Robinson said. "And I will tell you, through my coaching career, this is the most I've ever heard that I was an underdog in a game, other than a basketball game. Obviously, we have quite a test."

The good news is that Syracuse is coming off a bye week after a strong effort against unbeaten Virginia, which since has climbed six spots in the AP Poll to No. 19. The Orange lost 27-24 when the Cavaliers kicked a short field goal on the game's final play.

"It (the bye week) gave us an opportunity to grow and get better," Robinson said. "We've had four more practices without having to play a game. We're feeling better, getting a little bounce back. I'd like to think we're going to be improved."

The bad news now is the schedule.

Opening on the road at a place like Doak Campbell Stadium, against a head coach (Bobby Bowden) with 353 more victories than Robinson, certainly presents a challenge.

"It's obviously a great venue, a lot of tradition," Robinson said. "To me, it's one of those kind of places for a team to go play, it's why you go on the road to play."

Although Syracuse has a losing record and its only win came against Buffalo, one of Division I-A's worst teams, the Orange seem on the way to recovering some of the respect they lost over the previous three seasons, when they went 16-20.

The defense has forced 10 turnovers (six interceptions, four fumbles) and leads the nation in turnover margin at plus-2.67. Quarterback Perry Patterson's two interceptions are the only turnovers committed by the offense.

The Seminoles escaped the Carrier Dome last fall with a 17-13 victory after trailing 10-3 late in the third quarter.

The victory wasn't secured until linebacker Sam McGrew intercepted a pass by Patterson in the end zone with 5 seconds left.

Clearly, the Orange feel confident this time around.

"It isn't about, can we play with them?" Robinson said. "We need to win. We ain't going down to just play. We're going down there to win.