The 2024 Holiday Bowl is set to showcase the No. 21 Syracuse Orange taking on the Washington State Cougars, creating significant intrigue among college football fans. This matchup, taking place on December 27, 2024, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, will feature two teams with vastly different trajectories following the conclusion of the season.
Syracuse enters the Holiday Bowl after closing out the regular season with a strong 9-3 record, marked by impressive victories, including one against the Miami Hurricanes, which ended the latter's College Football Playoff aspirations. The Orange's offense has been particularly explosive this year, with standout quarterback Kyle McCord—who transferred from Ohio State—leading the nation with 4,326 passing yards and 29 touchdown passes. His performance against Miami, where he threw for 380 yards and three TDs, solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks this season.
On the other hand, Washington State's road to the Holiday Bowl has been tumultuous. The Cougars posted an 8-4 record, highlighted by their Apple Cup victory over Washington, but their season took several unexpected turns. Head coach Jake Dickert left for Wake Forest shortly before the bowl game, and starting quarterback John Mateer entered the transfer portal, eventually committing to Oklahoma. This exodus has severely impacted the Cougars, who are now struggling to field a competitive team following the losses of both key staff and numerous players.
Kickoff for the highly anticipated game is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST on FOX, with the betting lines favoring Syracuse by 18.5 points, reflecting the challenges faced by Washington State. The over/under for total points is set at 59.5, indicating expectations for either high-scoring action or tight defensive play.
Despite entering the game down several key players, Washington State aims to rally under interim head coach Pete Kaligis. Kaligis emphasized the importance of maintaining team chemistry and trust, commenting, “We are who we are. We have what we have.” He is banking on the resilience of his players, who have faced immense pressure following their recent struggles and roster upheaval. Kaligis also acknowledged the difficulties of maintaining relationships with players during this period of transition.
Conversely, Syracuse's Coach Fran Brown expressed confidence leading his squad as they look to secure their first ten-win season since 2018. “We want to go out and have a good game,” Brown stated. Not only does the team hope to achieve this milestone, but they aim to continue building momentum moving forward after what has been a successful year.
The Orange's defense should prove to be a challenge for the undermanned Cougars. For the season, Syracuse ranked significantly higher on both total offense (10th nationally at 456.1 yards per game) and scoring (32.6 points per game), thanks to their balanced offense led by McCord.
Washington State's recent form raises concerns. After winning the first seven games, they collapsed down the stretch, losing three consecutive contests. The Cougars' last win came against Utah State on November 9, and they have been plagued by inconsistencies, which have been magnified by the offseason changes.
Adding to their woes, Washington State's record indicates they rank 90th among FBS teams for scoring defense, allowing 28.1 points per game this season—a statistic Syracuse will aim to exploit. With Mateer's absence, how well they can adjust on offense remains to be seen, but they're tasked with overcoming significant odds against Syracuse.
For fans eager to watch the game, several streaming options are available. Aside from FOX, platforms such as FuboTV and DirecTV Stream are offering free trials, allowing fans to access the game without cable subscriptions.
The stakes are high for both teams. Syracuse’s aspirations for growth as they maintain their winning culture align with Washington State’s need to regroup and recover from recent setbacks. With the backing of dedicated fanbases, both teams are ready to put on a show.
Historically, Syracuse has had the upper hand against this opposition, with their last meeting dating back to 1979, where they triumphed 52-25. Both sides will be eager to write their own chapters as this match-up presents another opportunity for glory on the national stage.
This Holiday Bowl not only stands as a celebration of collegiate football but also reflects the ever-changing dynamics of team placements, player movements, and the nature of college sports. It’s set to be an exciting contest as both teams take to the field, each carrying their unique burdens and ambitions. The game promises to bring thrilling moments and potentially pave the way for future successes or shedding of losses.
