Syracuse Football aims to culminate its 2024 season with ten wins by facing off against the Washington State Cougars at the 45th Holiday Bowl. The game is set to kick off on December 27 at 8:00 p.m. ET at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. This matchup holds significant meaning for Syracuse, which last achieved ten wins during the 2018 season.
Under the leadership of first-year head coach Fran Brown, the Orange concluded their regular season with a commendable 9-3 record. Syracuse’s offensive strategy has been anchored by quarterback Kyle McCord, who has turned out to be the star player this season. McCord leads the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with impressive passing numbers, having completed 65.8% of his throws for 4,326 yards and 29 touchdowns. His recent performances—including passing for 380 yards and three touchdowns against Miami—have made him a key asset for Syracuse, which is determined to secure its first bowl victory since the Camping World Bowl.
Syracuse is entering the Holiday Bowl with high expectations and significant momentum, having won three straight games leading up to this matchup. McCord’s dependability has been unparalleled; he is the first SU quarterback since Ryan Nassib to start and finish every game of the regular season since 2012. The Orange’s spirit is exemplified by coach Fran Brown’s attitude toward bowl game participation. "We don’t opt out around here man, we play football. We like the game. We get to play football. The more football you play, the more the NFL watches," he stated, emphasizing the importance of game time and exposure.
On the opposite end, Washington State presents quite the story. The Cougars wrapped up their regular season with an 8-4 record, but they have faced considerable challenges as they head to the bowl game. Following the departure of head coach Jake Dickert to Wake Forest, the team has dealt with significant turnover, including the loss of over 20 players and key coaches, not to mention starting quarterback John Mateer, who led all of college football with 44 total touchdowns this past season. Mateer’s transfer to Oklahoma just ten days before the bowl has left the Cougars scrambling for replacements. Zevi Eckhaus will start as the quarterback for Washington State, but with so many key player losses, they face serious difficulties leading up to the game.
Acting head coach Pete Kaligis has recognized the challenges but remains optimistic. "I’m not using the underdog mentality. It’s everything these young men have done. It’s the foundation built for three years..." he explained. Kaligis’ sentiments underline the resilience of the players still at Washington State, but doubts loom over their ability to compete effectively against Syracuse, especially with only days to adjust.
Despite Washington State’s historically strong performances as underdogs—9-1 against the spread over the last decade—this season's instability makes Syracuse the dominant favorite by 18.5 points. Both teams have rich football histories, yet this match will be only the second time they have faced each other since their previous meeting back in 1979, when Syracuse triumphed 52-25. This adds another layer of intrigue as nostalgia meets the grit of the modern game.
Syracuse's success this season has not occurred without hurdles. They have outperformed expectations and demonstrated growth under first-time head coach Brown. The Orange's past struggles, reflected by their bowl game record—having lost their last two—add urgency to this game. Syracuse aims to end its bowl game losing streak and assert its strengths gained over the season.
Looking at statistics and predictions, Syracuse carries the higher probability of victory. With the team maintaining its core players and minimizing loss to the transfer portal, they project strong team cohesion entering the Holiday Bowl. The Orange are favored heavily, leaving little room for error, especially against the backdrop of Washington State’s mounting troubles.
The game promises to be full of excitement and tension, playing out under the bright lights of Snapdragon Stadium. With Syracuse poised to make history, and Washington State seeking redemption amid transition, the outcome could chart the course for both programs' futures well beyond the Holiday Bowl.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET, offering fans the chance to witness not just another bowl game, but also the culmination of distinct journeys for these two storied programs.
