SAN DIEGO, CA — Syracuse University capped off its 2024 football season with a thrilling 52-35 victory over Washington State, showcasing the potential of the Orange under new head coach Fran Brown. The win, which took place during the Holiday Bowl on December 28, 2024, marked Syracuse's first bowl victory since 2018 and highlighted their resurgence as a competitive program.
This victory not only secured the Orange their 10th win of the season — something they haven’t achieved since 2018 — but also placed Coach Brown among elite company. With this win, he joins Paul Pasqualoni as the only Syracuse head coaches since World War II to win 10 games during their first season at the helm.
Behind the strong performance of former Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord, who set multiple records during the game, Syracuse overcame early challenges presented by the Cougars. McCord threw for 453 yards and five touchdowns, cementing his status as the national passing leader. He surpassed Deshaun Watson’s record for single-season passing yards within the ACC, finishing the season with 4,779 yards. McCord opened the second half with a 50-yard touchdown pass, breaking the record by just one yard on his first attempt.
LeQuint Allen also played a pivotal role, rushing for 120 yards and scoring two touchdowns, marking his second consecutive season surpassing 1,000 yards. The teamwork, highlighted by Syracuse’s effective offensive coordination, was evident throughout the game. Allen expressed after the game the importance of their win, stating, "We want to go out and have a good game. We have the opportunity of winning 10 games, which means you’re starting to become a successful program, right? Our players haven’t had a chance of winning a bowl game. So there’s a lot of things on the line for us to really be able to build our program and move forward."
The Orange were also able to rally after initially trailing; Washington State started strong, scoring first and taking the lead late in the first quarter. Backup quarterback Zevi Eckhaus led the Cougars aggressively, throwing for 363 yards and four total touchdowns but was unable to maintain momentum against Syracuse's powerful offense.
Despite losing coach Jake Dickert to Wake Forest and reportedly more than 20 players entering the transfer portal, Washington State put forth a spirited effort. Acting head coach Pete Kaligis acknowledged the difficulties, but remained optimistic. He noted, "Going to the ins-and-outs of the game tomorrow doesn’t matter. We are who we are, we have what we have. I know we came here with 98 guys. That’s who we’re going to show up on the field with."
Throughout the game, the Syracuse offensive unit exhibited resilience and coordination, erasing deficits and taking control of the scoring. McCord connected with several different receivers, with Trebor Peña and Oronde Gadsden each catching two touchdowns. Gadsden’s contributions were particularly significant, demonstrating his prowess as star receiver.
Interestingly, the game also showcased the resilience of both teams amid significant changes and challenges faced earlier in their seasons. Washington State had been at one point 7-1 before experiencing substantial losses, including all its coaching staff and key players. This game was more than just a win for the Orange; it was a statement of their rebuilding efforts and a glance toward their brighter future.
Syracuse's playoff aspirations earlier this season faced trials, yet this bowl victory is seen as momentum heading toward next year. McCord, along with Allen, are key players around whom the team aims to build future success. With challenging matchups scheduled next season, including games against notable teams like Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Miami, the Orange appear well-positioned to capitalize on their recent successes.
With the season ending on such a high note, fans and players alike can look forward to what this team will do moving forward. Coach Fran Brown has not only managed to turn the program around but also instilled hope for consistent success. Under his leadership, Syracuse is set to embrace the future and aim higher within college football's elite standings.
