Everything went much smoother for the second Syracuse University home college football game on Saturday.

My dear wife Karen and I decided to forego any tailgating in our designated parking lot before the noon kickoff between the Syracuse Orange and Albany Great Danes, instead walking right to the quad to get in line to secure a wristband after show our vaccination cards.

If you recall, in week one the line snaked so long that we were told to go right to the dome gate instead, where the worker said, no, that’s not right before clicking our tickets off my phone and letting us in.

This time we were able to walk right to the table and get our wristbands.

And that allowed us to take in the glory of the Syracuse marching band performing on the steps of Hendricks Chapel.

We were not the only ones to enjoy the performance.

When they were done playing, the band members took their title seriously and marched.

We went into the dome wearing our masks.

It was obvious university officials were far more serious about having those inside the Carrier Dome keep their masks on when not eating or drinking. And it appeared to me more folks were up to this.

On the field, too, Syracuse played by the letter.

Final score: Syracuse 62, Albany 24.

The 2-1 Orange plays for a third straight week in the dome come Friday night, against a strong Liberty squad. We shall see.