Syracuse Football (8-3, 4-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) had mixed expectations for Head Coach Fran Brown’s first year. Since 2000, the Orange have only achieved at least nine wins twice (2001 and 2018). If Brown wants to hit that mark, his squad has to take down No. 6 Miami (10-1, 5-1 ACC) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Syracuse and Miami's success has been largely due to transfer quarterbacks. Former Ohio State QB Kyle McCord (3,946 yards) and Washington State gun-slinger Cam Ward (3,774 yards) rank first and second in the country in passing yards, respectively.
Last week in the Orange’s 31-24 victory over UConn, McCord threw for 470 yards, 12 shy of SU’s single-game passing yards record held by Ryan Nassib. Nassib also had the ‘Cuse’s single-season passing yards record with 3,749. But late in the second quarter, McCord found wide receiver Darrel Gill Jr. for a 19-yard reception to become the record-holder.
Quarterback Kyle McCord is rewriting the @CuseFootball record books.@Hudson_Ridley was on the mic for a historic throw by the senior.
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) November 26, 2024
📽️: ACCN pic.twitter.com/4ZyTqPQM4g
“It’s a blessing. To come here, and take a leap of faith…and to have the year I’ve had…it’s pretty sweet,” McCord said on how it feels to hold an SU record.
The most passing yards are not the only accomplishment that the senior could break this year. On Saturday, McCord only needs one touchdown to have 27, the most in a Syracuse season.
After finding a home with Miami, quarterback Cam Ward has boosted himself into the national spotlight. Ward also became the Hurricane’s single-season leader in passing yards. ESPN has Ward as the third favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at +1200 and he is the highest QB on the list. The redshirt senior initially declared for the 2024 NFL draft, but less than two weeks later, Ward announced his commitment to the Hurricanes. His gamble has paid off, as Ward’s 34 passing touchdowns are the most in the nation.
This week Ward was named a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award for the nation’s best quarterback alongside Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel and Colorado's Sheduer Sanders. He was also announced as a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year award, given to the nation’s best player. Colorado two-way player and Heisman favorite Travis Hunter, and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty are the other two candidates.
Syracuse has the nation’s second-highest passing offense, and Miami leads the country in scoring offense. According to SU’s play-caller, a primetime game makes sense.
“To have the two leading guys in yards nationally going head-to-head in a week 12 game that holds a hold of weight, that’s exactly how you draw it up ideally,” McCord said after his big performance against UConn.
This contest has playoff implications for Miami. With the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, there are two ways to qualify. The top five conference champions highest in the College Football Playoff rankings are given automatic bids. Secondly, the seven highest-ranked remaining teams are given at-large bids.
Currently, the Hurricanes are No. 6 in the CFP rankings which would grant them a spot even if they don’t secure a win in the ACC championship. If Miami beats Syracuse, it earns a spot in the conference championship and likely a spot in the playoff, with or without the ACC championship. A loss, however, would push Clemson and SMU into the ACC title game and put Miami into a tricky spot with the playoff committee. Does a 10-2 Miami with zero wins vs AP Top 25 teams, or a three-loss Southeastern Conference (SEC) team get in?
Safe to say, the Orange have a good opportunity to spoil the Hurricanes season with a win. A victory would also likely put SU into the top 25 for the first time this season and give the ‘Cuse its third-ranked win of the year.
"What else are you gonna be doing at 3:30 Saturday?"
— Cuse Sports Talk (@CuseSportsTalk_) November 27, 2024
Whether you're at the JMA Dome, or even at home, Fran Brown wants all of #OrangeNation locked in for the Syracuse football regular season finale against Miami.
Watch the final Fran Brown Show of the season ⬇️… pic.twitter.com/6rKFbUbJxM
There is a lot on the line for Miami. But for Syracuse, Coach Brown has a chance to improve his resume and set the Orange program up for future success. Saturday’s contest is going to be a high-flying offensive showdown.
“You’re gonna see the two most prolific quarterbacks in the country go head-to-head,” Syracuse Athletic Director John Wildhack said.
Gametime from the JMA Wireless Dome is at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. WAER’s coverage on 88.3 FM or waer.org begins at 3:00 with Countdown to Kickoff.