Syracuse upsets No. 23 Georgia Tech with McCord’s 4 TDs

On Saturday, Syracuse achieved a significant victory by defeating Georgia Tech, who had recently entered the AP Top 25 rankings. Quarterback Kyle McCord was instrumental in the win, throwing for 381 yards and four touchdowns, with two touchdowns each going to Trebor Pena and Oronde Gadsden II. The Orange's defense played a crucial role, limiting Georgia Tech's leading rusher, Haynes, to just 35 yards on 11 carries, showcasing Syracuse's physicality throughout the game. The game was tightly contested, with Georgia Tech narrowing the score to 31-28 after a 15-yard touchdown run by Jamal Haynes with just over two minutes left. However, Syracuse managed to maintain possession and run out the clock, preventing Georgia Tech from having another opportunity to score. This victory marked Syracuse's first win against a ranked opponent since October 2022. McCord's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he also demonstrated his ability to scramble, achieving a career-long run of 16 yards on a critical third down. His leadership on the field was evident, especially after a pivotal play that energized the team. Georgia Tech's quarterback, Haynes King, completed 28 of 38 passes for 259 yards, contributing one passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns, but it was not enough to secure a win. The game also featured a special moment during halftime, as Syracuse honored former defensive end Dwight Freeney, who was recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Following this victory, Syracuse will have a week off before facing Stanford in their next conference matchup on September 20.