Kyle McCord and Syracuse Knock No. 6 Miami Out of ACC Title Contention
Kyle McCord and Syracuse knocked No. 6 Miami out of Atlantic Coast Conference title contention — and possibly ended the Hurricanes’ College Football Playoff hopes — by rallying from a 21-0 deficit for a 42-38 win on Saturday.
Syracuse’s Comeback
McCord threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns for the Orange (9-3, 5-3). LeQuint Allen ran for two scores and picked up two critical first downs on Syracuse’s final, clock-killing drive, and Devin Grant forced a fumble that he returned 56 yards for a touchdown to help the Orange beat a ranked foe for the third time this season.
Miami’s Struggles
Cam Ward had 349 yards passing with two touchdowns for the Hurricanes (10-2, 6-2, No. 6 CFP), who will be off next week while Clemson faces SMU for the ACC title and will have to hope for an at-large bid into the 12-team playoff. Miami had little trouble scoring but settled for a field goal on what turned out to be its final possession when coach Mario Cristobal declined to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the 10.
The Game
Miami had defeated Syracuse six straight times before this shootout, in which the teams combined for 983 yards of offense and 51 first downs. The Hurricanes began the season 9-0 but have lost two of three, falling three weeks ago at Georgia Tech.
The Takeaway
Miami must clean up its defense, and given the struggles on that side of the ball, Cristobal will be second-guessed for kicking the short field goal late.
First-year coach Fran Brown’s Orange showed tremendous fight and resilience.
Up Next
Miami awaits a playoff berth or a bowl game. The Orange await their bowl game destination and opponent.
Key Players
Kyle McCord: 26 of 36, 380 yards, 3 touchdowns
LeQuint Allen: 22 carries for 82 yards, 6 receptions for 61 yards, 2 touchdowns
Devin Grant: 56-yard fumble return touchdown
Cam Ward: 349 yards passing, 2 touchdowns
Jacolby George: 6 receptions for 121 yards
Conclusion
Syracuse’s comeback victory over No. 6 Miami has significant implications for both teams. Miami’s loss may have ended their College Football Playoff hopes, while Syracuse’s win secures a bowl game appearance.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: Syracuse won 42-38.
Q: Who threw for the most yards in the game?
A: Kyle McCord threw for 380 yards.
Q: Who scored the most touchdowns for Syracuse?
A: LeQuint Allen scored two touchdowns.
Q: What was the significance of the game for Miami?
A: The loss may have ended Miami’s College Football Playoff hopes.
Q: What is next for Syracuse?
A: The Orange await their bowl game destination and opponent.
