Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse delivered a season-defining upset on Saturday, overcoming a 21-point deficit to defeat No. 6 Miami 42-38. The dramatic win not only eliminated the Hurricanes from Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title contention but also dealt a significant blow to their College Football Playoff hopes.
Quarterback Kyle McCord spearheaded Syracuse’s (9-3, 5-3 ACC) comeback, throwing for 380 yards and three touchdowns. Running back LeQuint Allen contributed two rushing scores and secured two pivotal first downs during the Orange’s final drive to seal the victory. A game-changing moment came when defensive standout Devin Grant forced a fumble and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown, marking Syracuse’s third win over a ranked opponent this season.
“I want to be part of the team that restored Syracuse football to greatness,” said McCord, a transfer from Ohio State. “This win proves we’re a force to be reckoned with. Coming here was the best decision of my life.”
Miami quarterback Cam Ward tallied 349 passing yards and two touchdowns for the Hurricanes (10-2, 6-2 ACC, No. 6 CFP). Despite the strong performance, Miami’s hopes now rest on securing an at-large bid in the 12-team College Football Playoff after missing out on the ACC title game.
“If we get our shot in the playoff, we’ll make it count,” Ward stated confidently.
Turning Point Decisions
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal faced criticism for a conservative fourth-quarter decision. Leading 38-35, he opted for a field goal on fourth-and-goal from the 10-yard line with four minutes remaining. “We trust the analytics,” Cristobal explained. “The decision was to take the points and rely on our defense. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the stop.”
Syracuse capitalized, burning over three minutes off the clock with eight consecutive rushing plays, aided by a crucial offside penalty, to close out the game.
Offensive Fireworks
The high-scoring affair saw both teams combine for 983 total yards and 51 first downs. Miami opened with three consecutive touchdown drives, building a commanding 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Syracuse struggled early, with a 40-yard touchdown pass from McCord to Trebor Pena nullified by an illegal formation penalty.
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown reflected on the shaky start: “We gifted them 21 points. But this team’s resilience stood out. The deficit tested us, and we proved we don’t quit.”
The Orange responded with back-to-back touchdowns in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 21-14 by halftime. Allen’s 8-yard scoring run and McCord’s 9-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Meeks set the stage for a thrilling second half.
Syracuse’s Record-Breaking Day
McCord completed 26 of 36 passes, becoming the first quarterback in Syracuse history to surpass 4,000 passing yards in a season. His 27 touchdown passes this year also set a new program record.
Allen contributed 143 yards from scrimmage, including 82 rushing yards on 22 carries and 61 receiving yards on six catches. Pena added six receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown, while Meeks hauled in seven catches for 110 yards and two scores.
“McCord and the receivers made tough, contested plays all game,” Cristobal admitted. “We couldn’t disrupt their rhythm as the game went on.”
Game-Changing Defense
The Syracuse defense made its presence felt late in the third quarter. With the score tied at 28, Grant forced Miami receiver Xavier Restrepo to fumble at the Orange 44-yard line. Grant recovered the ball and sprinted 56 yards for a go-ahead touchdown.
“We practice creating turnovers every day,” Grant said. “The ball came loose, and I just took it to the house.”
Miami quickly tied the game at 35 with Damien Martinez’s 2-yard touchdown run, but Allen’s 3-yard score in the fourth quarter gave Syracuse a 42-35 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Miami’s Missed Opportunity
Despite Restrepo’s nine catches for 148 yards and Jacolby George’s six receptions for 121 yards, Miami’s offensive firepower wasn’t enough to overcome Syracuse’s resilience. The Hurricanes have now dropped two of their last three games, including a pivotal loss to Georgia Tech earlier in the month.
“We fell short, and that’s on all of us, myself included,” Cristobal said. “This team is full of hard-working, accountable players, but tonight was a tough pill to swallow.”
Syracuse’s Statement Win
The Orange now boast three wins over ranked opponents this season, a testament to Brown’s impact in his first year as head coach. “This team has grit and heart,” Brown said. “Tonight was about proving we belong.”
Syracuse’s victory sends a clear message: the Orange are on the rise, with McCord and his teammates leading the charge into a new era of Syracuse football.
Up Next:
The Hurricanes awaits a playoff berth or a bowl game. Syracuse await their bowl game destination and foe.
