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McCord's 453 Yards, 5 TDs Propel Syracuse to 52-35 Holiday Bowl Win Over Washington State

Dec 28, 2024, 03:46 AM

Syracuse University defeated Washington State 52-35 in the Holiday Bowl at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, securing its 10th win of the season. Quarterback Kyle McCord led the No. 22-ranked Orange, completing 24 of 34 passes for 453 yards and five touchdowns, setting Syracuse bowl game records for passing yards and touchdowns. McCord became the first Syracuse quarterback to throw five touchdowns and over 400 yards in a bowl game. His performance also broke the ACC single-season passing yards record, surpassing Deshaun Watson's previous mark with a 50-yard pass to Darrell Gill Jr. Running back LeQuint Allen contributed significantly with 165 total yards and three touchdowns, including a 12-yard touchdown run. Wide receiver Trebor Pena added two touchdown receptions, one for 19 yards and another for 45 yards. Tight end Oronde Gadsden also had two touchdown catches. The Orange amassed 607 yards of offense in the high-scoring affair. The game was high-scoring from the outset, with Syracuse scoring 35 points in the first half—the most in a half for a bowl game in program history. Washington State, despite playing without nearly a dozen starters and its head coach, jumped out to an early lead. Quarterback Zevi Eckhaus ran in the opening touchdown and connected with Kyle Williams on a 66-yard touchdown pass and Carlos Hernandez on a 42-yard score. The Cougars also blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown but were unable to keep pace with Syracuse's offense. Kyle McCord was named the game's offensive MVP. The victory marks Syracuse's third 10-win season this century.