Kyle McCord dominates with 453 yards and 5 touchdowns in Syracuse's big win

In the United States, Syracuse football team played in the Holiday Bowl on December 27, 2024, against Washington State. Kyle McCord, the starting quarterback for Syracuse, entered the game needing 268 yards to break the Atlantic Coast Conference single-season passing record of 4,593 yards, which had been set by Deshaun Watson in 2016. McCord had already established a solid season with 4,326 yards, making him the national passing leader at the time. His first opportunity to break the record came on the Orange's initial offensive play of the second half, where he completed a stunning 50-yard pass to Darrell Gill Jr., marking the record-breaking moment. This completion allowed him to pass Watson's record by a yard. Throughout the game, McCord showcased his composed and efficient style, ultimately finishing with 453 passing yards and five touchdown throws. He played a crucial role in leading Syracuse to a triumphant 52-35 victory. McCord's outstanding performance was complemented by running back LeQuint Allen, who rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns. This result not only gave Syracuse their first 10-win season since 2018, but also reaffirmed McCord's significance to the team's success and performance throughout the season. The match was a significant occasion for Syracuse's football program, cementing its place in recent NCAA history with their surpassing victory in the Holiday Bowl. Fran Brown, the head coach, joined limited company as only the second coach since World War II to win 10 games in his first season with the Orange. Though Washington State displayed tenacity despite their depleted roster—having lost their head coach and several key players to transfer—Syracuse proved dominant, especially in the second quarter where they outscored the Cougars and took control of the game. Kyle McCord's record-setting feat will surely leave an indelible mark, not just on Syracuse's history but on the ACC's record books. His future looks promising, and if he continues to perform at this level, he could have a lasting impact on the Syracuse program in the years to come. The victory in the Holiday Bowl also sets a solid precedent as the Orange prepare for their new season match against Tennessee, hinting that Syracuse football could be on the rise in coming seasons.