In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, Syracuse emerged victorious against Washington State in the high-stakes Holiday Bowl, held in San Diego. This triumph was largely attributed to quarterback Kyle McCord’s exceptional performance, where he threw for 453 yards and five touchdowns, breaking Deshaun Watson’s Atlantic Coast Conference season passing record.
Kyle McCord’s leadership on the field was a key factor in Syracuse’s success. He entered the game with an impressive 4,326 yards, needing just 268 to surpass Watson’s record of 4,593 set during the 2016 season with Clemson. McCord achieved this milestone early in the second half with a spectacular 50-yard pass to Darrell Gill Jr., who executed a stunning over-the-shoulder catch. This accomplishment brought McCord’s total to 4,779 yards, further solidifying his place as a national leader in passing.
LeQuint Allen contributed significantly with 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns, marking his second consecutive 1,000-yard season. This effort was instrumental in guiding Syracuse to their first 10-win season since 2018, a feat last achieved under the leadership of coach Paul Pasqualoni in 1991.
The game was not without challenges for Washington State, who despite a spirited performance, faced numerous setbacks. The team had recently lost their coach Jake Dickert and several coordinators, and witnessed over 20 players entering the transfer portal. Nevertheless, backup quarterback Zevi Eckhaus showed resilience by throwing for 363 yards and three touchdowns, though he also incurred two interceptions. Kyle Williams set a new Holiday Bowl record with 172 yards on ten receptions, breaking Dez Bryant’s previous record.
Syracuse’s strategy proved effective as they narrowed Washington State’s early lead. The Cougars initially surged ahead with a 21-14 lead, boosted by a dramatic 66-yard touchdown by Williams and a punt block by Leon Neal Jr. that led to a quick score by Josh Meredith. However, Syracuse responded with three touchdowns in the second quarter, establishing a lead they maintained for the remainder of the game.
BetMGM had anticipated Syracuse as a 17-point favorite, a prediction that aligned with their eventual 52-35 victory. This outcome highlights Syracuse’s offensive strength and ability to overcome early setbacks, solidifying their position in the competitive landscape of college football.
Syracuse’s victory in the Holiday Bowl underscores their offensive capabilities and resilience in high-pressure scenarios. As they look forward to the next season with a strong foundation, Washington State must regroup and address the challenges of coaching changes and player transitions. Both teams will commence their 2025 campaigns on the same date, with Syracuse facing Tennessee and Washington State contending with Idaho.
Source: News4jax
