The 2024-2025 campaign officially begins with the launch of the Fran Brown Era in Syracuse. The Orange, who concluded last season with a 6-7 record, are set to host Ohio University in a refurbished JMA Wireless Dome that is anticipated to be full of fans. The Bobcats had a successful previous season, finishing with a 10-3 record. The last time Syracuse took the field, circumstances were far from favorable as they faced South Florida in the Boca Raton Bowl after the dismissal of former head coach Dino Babers, resulting in a 45-0 loss. However, a lot has changed for the program since that game. Fran Brown, previously the defensive backs coach at Georgia, has been appointed as the new head coach and has energized the fan base during the offseason. Brown and his coaching staff have brought in the best recruiting class in recent history, featuring notable player Kyle McCord, a quarterback transfer from Ohio State. He has also managed to retain popular players like tight end Oronde Gadsden, running back LeQuint Allen, and linebacker Marlowe Wax. Today, fans will get their first glimpse of this revamped team as they aim to illuminate Ernie Davis Legends Field.
In the first quarter, Ohio University began on offense and completed a 12-play drive, with K Gianni Spetic kicking a 42-yard field goal to put the Bobcats ahead 3-0. Syracuse then saw Kyle McCord’s debut as he completed his first pass to Georgia transfer wide receiver Zeed Haynes, although that drive ended abruptly.
As the quarter wound down, Syracuse’s defense made significant plays, including a sack of Ohio’s quarterback Parker Navarro by Kevin Jobity Jr. and Denis Jaquez Jr. K Gianni Spetic followed up with a 37-yard field goal, ending the quarter with Ohio ahead 6-0.
In the second quarter, McCord tossed a 28-yard touchdown pass to Oronde Gadsden, which was followed by a successful extra point from Brady Denaburg, putting Syracuse up 7-6. However, Haynes suffered an injury and left the game before Denaburg kicked a 26-yard field goal to extend SU’s lead to 10-6. After a defensive stand, Ohio’s Spetic managed another field goal, closing the gap to 10-9. Just before halftime, McCord connected with Trebor Pena for a touchdown, giving Syracuse a 17-9 lead going into the break.
The third quarter opened with Ohio’s Anthony Tyus III scoring on a 13-yard run, bringing the score to 17-16. Syracuse quickly responded with a touchdown from McCord to LeQuint Allen, making it 24-16. Unfortunately, concern arose for Marlowe Wax, who was seen limping off after a tackle. The Orange continued to dominate, with McCord’s touchdown pass to Pena extending the lead to 31-16.
In the final quarter, Pena scored again, pushing the score to 38-16. However, Tyus answered back for Ohio with a 46-yard touchdown run, making him a standout performer of the game with 191 yards and two touchdowns. Despite efforts from Ohio, Syracuse remained strong, and while McCord threw his first interception of the day, the team maintained control of the game.
After a challenging start, Syracuse’s performance improved significantly throughout their season opener against Ohio University. McCord displayed his skills, throwing for 354 yards and forming a strong connection with Pena, who finished with three touchdowns. Fran Brown secured his first victory as the head coach of Syracuse football. A detailed recap of the game will follow soon.