Today marks the launch of the 2024-2025 season and the official start of the Fran Brown Era at Syracuse. The Orange, who ended last season with a 6-7 record, hosted Ohio University in the newly renovated JMA Wireless Dome, which was expected to be packed with fans. The Bobcats, who finished last season with a 10-3 record, faced Syracuse in a highly anticipated matchup. The last outing for Syracuse ended poorly as they lost to South Florida in the Boca Raton Bowl by a score of 45-0, following the dismissal of former head coach Dino Babers. Since then, the program has undergone significant changes, notably the hiring of Fran Brown as the new head coach. Brown, previously the defensive backs coach at Georgia, has energized the fan base and secured a top-tier recruiting class, including notable additions such as Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord. He has also retained key returning players including tight end Oronde Gadsden, running back LeQuint Allen, and linebacker Marlowe Wax. Today, Syracuse fans witnessed the debut of this revamped squad, as they aimed to make an impact on Ernie Davis Legends Field.
In the first quarter at 8:35, Ohio University began with the ball and had a solid drive culminating in a 42-yard field goal by K Gianni Spetic, giving the Bobcats a 3-0 lead. Syracuse’s Kyle McCord completed his first pass to Georgia transfer Zeed Haynes but the Orange’s first drive ended in three plays.
By 1:30 in the first quarter, Syracuse’s defense made key stops, with Kevin Jobity Jr. and Denis Jaquez Jr. sacking Ohio’s QB Parker Navarro for a significant loss. Spetic then kicked a 37-yard field goal, and Ohio led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter at 12:17, McCord connected with Gadsden for a 28-yard touchdown. Kicker Brady Denaburg successfully added the extra point, putting Syracuse ahead 7-6. However, at 3:35, Haynes was injured and walked off the field to the locker room. With 2:02 left in the half, Denaburg hit a 26-yard field goal, extending SU’s lead to 10-6. Just before halftime, after a defensive stand by Syracuse, Ohio’s Spetic knocked in a 37-yard field goal, closing the gap to 10-9. With just 5 seconds remaining in the half, McCord found Trebor Pena in the end zone for another touchdown, bringing the score to 17-9 at halftime.
In the third quarter at 11:44, Ohio’s running back Anthony Tyus III scored on a 13-yard run, bringing the score to 17-16. Responding quickly, McCord threw a touchdown pass to LeQuint Allen at 8:37, extending Syracuse’s lead to 24-16. At 6:30, there were concerns for linebacker Marlowe Wax who was seen limping off after a hit. Syracuse continued to build momentum, and at 3:34 McCord helped orchestrate a drive that ended with another touchdown pass to Pena, making it 31-16.
The fourth quarter saw Pena score his third touchdown at 13:30, putting Syracuse ahead 38-16. However, Tyus III responded with a 46-yard touchdown run for Ohio, which brought the score to 38-22 after a failed two-point conversion. By 11:35, news broke that Marlowe Wax would not return, as he was placed in a boot. Syracuse added an interception to their resume at 6:49, leading to a drive starting at Ohio’s 35-yard line. However, McCord threw his first interception at 3:38, giving Ohio the ball back.
Despite a rocky start, Syracuse excelled in their season opener against Ohio University. The offseason buzz around McCord proved well-founded as he threw for 354 yards and established a strong connection with Pena, who scored three touchdowns. Fran Brown secured his first victory as the head coach of Syracuse Football, with a detailed game recap to follow.