Syracuse University (SU) dominated their opponents in the Holiday Bowl, defeating Washington State Cougars 52-35 and securing its first bowl win since 2018. The Orange came into the game as 18-point favorites but struggled early on before taking control of the game.
Washington State made a strong start, with quarterback Zevi Eckhaus scoring a touchdown in the opening minutes. However, Syracuse answered quickly, and the teams scored three touchdowns each in the first quarter. The game remained tied at 14 until just before halftime, when Syracuse took the lead for good.
In the second half, Syracuse’s Kyle McCord led the team to victory with five passing touchdowns, including a record-breaking 50-yard pass play that set him as the single-season record holder for most passing yards in ACC history. McCord finished the game with 453 passing yards and five touchdowns, both SU records for a bowl game.
Syracuse’s LeQuint Allen had a standout performance, rushing for 120 yards and three total touchdowns, while Trebor Pena added 70 yards receiving and two scores. The Orange’s victory marks just its third 10-win season in the last 30 years and earns head coach Fran Brown his first 10-win season in his first year on the job.
Source: https://www.localsyr.com/orange-nation/su-leads-cougars-35-21-at-halftime-of-the-holiday-bowl