The Syracuse football team faced a compelling challenge as they squared off against the No. 6 Miami Hurricanes at the JMA Wireless Dome, achieving a remarkable 42-38 victory. This game marked a significant moment for the Orange as it was their first triumph over a top-10 opponent since 2017.
The match began with Miami bursting out of the gate, quickly establishing a 21-0 lead. However, the Syracuse squad displayed incredible resilience, overcoming this setback by scoring three consecutive touchdowns to level the game at 21-21. Miami briefly reclaimed a 28-21 advantage, but it would be the last time they would lead in the contest.
In a spectacular turnaround, Devin Grant made a pivotal play by recovering a Miami fumble and returning it 56 yards for a touchdown, allowing Syracuse to surge ahead 35-28 with just minutes remaining. The Orange maintained their grip on the game by holding Miami to a field goal in the closing moments, securing the win.
Quarterback Kyle McCord had an impressive outing, throwing for 380 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his connection with receivers Trebor Pena and Jackson Meeks, who recorded 128 and 100 receiving yards, respectively. LeQuint Allen also had a standout performance, accumulating 143 yards from scrimmage with three touchdowns.
For Miami, Cam Ward led the offense with 349 passing yards and two touchdowns, while receivers Jacolby George and Xavier Restrepo each topped 120 yards in receptions. Despite the strong offensive showing, the defeat eliminated Miami (10-2, 6-2 ACC) from the ACC Championship Game contention.
This victory not only highlights the resilience and tenacity of the Syracuse team but also sets a new record for the largest comeback in the program’s history, improving their regular season record to 9-3 and 5-3 in the ACC. As Syracuse looks ahead, this win may serve as a catalyst for the team’s momentum and confidence as they head into future matches.
In summary, this thrilling encounter showcased the determination of the Syracuse squad while delivering a significant setback for the Miami Hurricanes. The triumph is a hopeful indicator of the bright future for Syracuse football, as they continue to build on this season’s successes.