Syracuse’s offense ended its impressive season on a high note, defeating Washington State 52-35 in the Holiday Bowl to cap off a record-breaking campaign. The Orange scored the most points in a bowl game and broke the ACC single-season passing yards record under quarterback Kyle McCord.
McCord, who led the country in passing yards this season, threw for 453 yards and five touchdowns, earning him the offensive MVP of the bowl. His performance included a 50-yard bomb to Darrell Gill Jr., which broke Deshaun Watson’s ACC single-season passing yards record.
The game marked McCord’s final college football season under NCAA rules, as he transferred from Ohio State and is petitioning for a fifth season. The biggest question heading into the offseason is whether he will return to Syracuse.
Meanwhile, tight end Oronde Gadsden II left school after his senior year, spurning interest from top programs to stay with Syracuse. Gadsden set multiple records at Syracuse and will enter the NFL draft.
The Orange’s defense struggled throughout the season, but held strong against Washington State. The team’s best chance at making things easy for their defensive backfield was missing due to injuries, but they still managed to secure several big plays.
Syracuse’s LeQuint Allen broke the 1,000-yard barrier in the first half and wide receiver Jackson Meeks crossed that mark after following head coach Fran Brown from Georgia. The Orange piled up 607 total yards, setting a program record.
The win capped off an impressive season for Syracuse under new head coach Fran Brown, who has brought rare enthusiasm to the program. The team finished with a 10-3 record and will look to build on this momentum in the offseason.
Source: https://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2024/12/kyle-mccord-and-syracuse-football-deliver-one-more-celebration-in-blowout-win-over-washington-state.html