Despite a slow start, Syracuse Football managed to open their season on a high note with a 38-22 victory over Ohio. They showcased a promising debut from quarterback Kyle McCord.
McCord Impresses:
Photo Cred: Syracuse.com
Kyle McCord’s first game in a Syracuse uniform began with some early struggles. On his initial drive, he completed just 1 of 3 passes and came close to throwing an interception. However, the Ohio State transfer quickly found his rhythm and settled into the game. After trailing 6-0 at the end of the first quarter, McCord demonstrated resilience and skill. He threw two touchdown passes that propelled Syracuse to a 17-9 lead at halftime. Notably, McCord engineered a key scoring drive in the final minute of the first half, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure.
McCord’s impressive performance continued into the third quarter. He added two more touchdown passes, helping to extend Syracuse’s lead to 31-16. By the end of the game, McCord had accumulated a career-high four touchdown passes and 354 passing yards, completing nearly 70% of his throws. His standout performance was a crucial factor in Syracuse’s victory, and he showed why he was a highly sought-after transfer.
Offensive Contributions:
McCord’s success was bolstered by strong performances from his receiving corps. Tight end Oronde Gadson II emerged as a key offensive weapon, amassing over 100 yards on just seven receptions. Meanwhile, wide receiver Trevor Peña was instrumental in Syracuse’s offensive output, catching six passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Peña’s contributions included a critical touchdown at the end of the first half, and he also added a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to solidify the win.
Run Defense Disappoints:
Despite the offensive fireworks, Syracuse’s defense struggled, particularly in stopping the run. Ohio remained competitive largely due to Syracuse’s inability to contain their rushing attack. Ohio managed to sustain several long drives, converting them into field goals due to Syracuse’s porous run defense.
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Photo Creid: USA Today
Ohio running back Anthony Tyus III was a standout performer. He ran for 203 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries. His impressive 12.7 yards-per-carry average allowed Ohio to control the time of possession and keep the game closer than it might have otherwise been. While Syracuse’s offense managed to overcome these defensive lapses this time, the poor run defense could present more significant challenges against stronger opponents later in the season.
Fran Brown’s Debut:
The game also marked Fran Brown’s debut as Syracuse’s head coach. Hired in the offseason from Georgia, where he served as a defensive backs coach and contributed to the National Championship team, Brown demonstrated his potential with strong clock management. His decision-making was evident during a crucial final drive before halftime, which helped secure the lead.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Nevertheless, Brown faces several challenges moving forward. Improving the defensive play, especially against the run, and minimizing penalties will be key areas of focus. Syracuse committed six penalties for 47 yards, including a particularly costly running-into-the-kicker foul that extended an Ohio drive. Addressing these issues will be critical for maintaining and building on the team’s early success.
Syracuse’s next challenge will be a matchup against Georgia Tech on September 7th. As they prepare for this game, Fran Brown will need to refine his strategies and continue to leverage McCord’s strengths to ensure sustained success throughout the season.
