Syracuse Football faced off against No. 23 Georgia Tech in the Dome for its second game of the 2024 season. The Orange entered the matchup with a record of 1-0 after defeating the Ohio Bobcats in their season opener, while the Yellow Jackets boasted a 2-0 record, highlighted by an upset victory over Florida State and a convincing win against Georgia State.
In the first quarter, Syracuse struck first with a touchdown as quarterback Kyle McCord connected with Trebor Pena on a 75-yard drive, putting the Orange ahead 7-0. Georgia Tech quickly responded when quarterback Haynes King ran for a touchdown, leveling the score at 7-7 after a review showed he was not down before crossing the goal line.
Syracuse had a chance to extend its lead with a field goal attempt that was blocked. However, they regained control in the second quarter with another touchdown from Pena, followed by a touchdown pass from McCord to Oronde Gadsden II, making it a 21-14 lead for the Orange after a quick response from King, who added another rushing touchdown.
The first half concluded with a missed field goal attempt by Georgia Tech, leaving Syracuse ahead at halftime 21-14. In the third quarter, Brady Denaburg added to Syracuse’s lead with a successful field goal from 33 yards, putting the score at 24-14.
In the fourth quarter, McCord found Gadsden II again for a 17-yard touchdown, extending Syracuse’s lead to 31-14. Georgia Tech answered back with a touchdown from King to Chase Lane, narrowing the gap to 31-21. The game concluded with Georgia Tech recovering an onside kick, setting up a thrilling finish.