Amber Aniston • December 27, 2024

Syracuse Clinches Holiday Bowl Victory Over Washington State, 52-35

The No. 22 Syracuse Orange concluded their season with a resounding 52-35 victory over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl on Friday night at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. Quarterback Kyle McCord led the Orange with a record-breaking performance, throwing for 453 yards and five touchdowns to break the Atlantic Coast Conference single-season passing yards record.


Syracuse’s explosive offense and a resilient defensive effort propelled the team to its first 10-win season since 2018, capping off an impressive debut season for head coach Fran Brown.


Early Fireworks

The game started with a fast-paced first quarter that saw both teams trading touchdowns. Washington State opened the scoring with a four-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Zevi Eckhaus, showcasing his versatility despite limited regular-season action.


Syracuse responded with two consecutive scoring drives, highlighted by McCord’s pinpoint passes to Oronde Gadsden II and Darrell Gill Jr. Washington State struck back when Eckhaus connected with Kyle Williams for a 66-yard touchdown, tying the game at 14-14. Moments later, a blocked Syracuse punt was recovered and returned for a touchdown by Josh Meredith, giving the Cougars a 21-14 lead late in the first quarter.


Syracuse Takes Control

Syracuse regained momentum in the second quarter with a dominant offensive display. McCord threw two touchdown passes to Gadsden and orchestrated a methodical drive capped off by a two-yard rushing score from LeQuint Allen.


The Orange defense tightened its grip, forcing a critical interception by Alijah Clark, which set up another Syracuse touchdown before halftime. By the break, Syracuse had taken a commanding 35-21 lead, leaving Washington State searching for answers.


A Record-Breaking Performance

McCord’s historic outing was the centerpiece of Syracuse’s victory. Breaking Deshaun Watson’s ACC single-season passing record, McCord finished the season with 4,779 passing yards and 34 touchdowns. In the Holiday Bowl, he connected with four different receivers for touchdowns, showcasing his ability to spread the ball across the field.


Darrell Gill Jr. emerged as McCord’s top target, finishing with 145 yards on four receptions, including a 50-yard over-the-shoulder grab that broke the ACC record. Jackson Meeks added 110 receiving yards, while Trebor Pena and Gadsden combined for four touchdown catches.


Washington State’s Grit

Despite being shorthanded due to the transfer portal and coaching changes, Washington State played with determination. Zevi Eckhaus, filling in as the starting quarterback, threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score.


Kyle Williams was the standout for the Cougars, recording 172 receiving yards and breaking the Holiday Bowl record set by Dez Bryant in 2008. His 66-yard touchdown in the first quarter electrified the crowd and kept Washington State in contention early.


The Cougars’ defense struggled to contain Syracuse’s high-powered offense, allowing 568 total yards. However, their special teams made a significant impact, with Leon Neal Jr.’s blocked punt and Meredith’s touchdown recovery providing a highlight moment for Washington State fans.


Second-Half Highlights

Washington State narrowed the deficit early in the third quarter with a 42-yard touchdown pass from Eckhaus to Carlos Hernandez, cutting Syracuse’s lead to 35-28. Syracuse quickly responded, with McCord finding Pena for a 45-yard touchdown that re-established a two-score lead.


LeQuint Allen sealed the victory with his second rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Allen’s performance included 120 rushing yards, complementing McCord’s aerial attack and providing balance to the Syracuse offense.


A Season to Remember

The Holiday Bowl victory marked a triumphant end to a milestone season for Syracuse. Under Fran Brown’s leadership, the Orange achieved their first double-digit win season in six years and set multiple individual and team records. McCord’s dominance as the national passing leader, combined with contributions from a talented receiving corps and a reliable run game, defined Syracuse’s success.


For Washington State, the game served as a testament to their resilience. Despite missing key players and coaches, the Cougars displayed grit and showcased the potential of their younger players, including Eckhaus, who proved his capability to lead the offense in challenging circumstances.


Looking Ahead

Syracuse opens the 2025 season with a high-profile matchup against Tennessee at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. With the potential return of McCord pending his eligibility appeal, the Orange aim to build on their success and contend for another strong season.


Washington State faces a rebuilding process as they search for a new head coach and work to stabilize their roster amid transfer portal losses. Their 2025 campaign begins with a rivalry game against Idaho, offering an opportunity to reset and regroup.


A Historic Bowl Victory

Syracuse’s 52-35 win over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl will be remembered as a showcase of offensive firepower and resilience. McCord’s record-setting performance and the team’s overall execution highlighted their growth throughout the season. As both programs look ahead, the Holiday Bowl stands as a celebration of the unpredictability and excitement that defines college football.

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