In a stunning display of resilience, Syracuse rallied from a 21-0 deficit to secure a remarkable 42-38 victory over No. 6 Miami, marking the largest comeback in the history of the program. This win not only knocked Miami out of contention for the ACC title but also jeopardized their chances for a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Quarterback Kyle McCord led the Orange (9-3, 5-3 ACC) with an impressive performance, throwing for 380 yards and three touchdowns. LeQuint Allen contributed significantly with two rushing touchdowns and crucial first downs in the final moments, while Devin Grant made a game-changing play by forcing a fumble that he returned 56 yards for a touchdown.
Despite Miami’s strong start and a total of 349 passing yards from quarterback Cam Ward, the Hurricanes (10-2, 6-2 ACC) faltered in their final possession, opting for a field goal rather than attempting a risky fourth-and-goal play from the 10-yard line. Head coach Mario Cristobal expressed accountability for the loss, stating, “We came up short, and that’s on all of us, starting with myself.”
The victory was significant for Syracuse, who had struggled against Miami in previous encounters, having lost six consecutive games to them prior to this matchup. Syracuse coach Fran Brown expressed his gratitude towards the fans and confidence in his team’s future, declaring, “Syracuse is back. We’re back. I just love it.”
For Miami, this defeat caps off a disappointing end to what began as a promising season, having held strong at the top of the ACC standings for most of the year before losing two of their last three games. Cam Ward acknowledged the setback but remained optimistic about the future, noting, “We’re blessed. We won 10 games this year. Not a lot of teams can do that.”
This remarkable game not only highlights Syracuse’s turnaround and resilience but also sets a hopeful tone for the program’s future aspirations. With newfound confidence and support, the Orange seem poised to build on this momentum moving forward.
In summary, Syracuse’s victory over Miami proves that no lead is safe in college football, as they overcame a significant deficit to snatch a much-needed win while Miami hopes to regroup and secure an at-large bid to the upcoming playoffs.