Orange Rise to the Challenge, Derail Hurricanes Season

© Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

The No. 6-ranked Miami Hurricanes (10-2, 6-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) travelled to Syracuse to battle the Orange (9-3, 5-3) in the regular season finale for both ACC programs on Nov. 30. Although not the traditional rivalry matchup, the game was important for both teams. In an offensive shootout, the Orange rose to the challenge and derailed the ACC title aspirations of the Hurricanes with a 42-38 win to end the regular season for both teams.

What Happened in the Game?

With the top two passers in the country taking the field, this game had the ingredients to be an offensive track meet. The Hurricanes opened the scoring with a 75-yard drive on their opening possession. Highlighted by a 2-yard touchdown run by running back Mark Fletcher Jr. to take an early 7-0 lead. After a turnover on downs by the Orange, the Hurricanes drove 63 yards down the field for another touchdown.

This time quarterback Cam Ward connected with receiver Xavier Restrepo on a 16-yard touchdown pass and a 14-0 lead. The Hurricanes would find the end zone again when Ward connected with receiver Jacolby George on a 19-yard pass to make the score 21-0 in the second quarter. Syracuse would score when running back LeQuint Allen scored on a 2-yard run after a 75-yard drive to make the score 21-7. After a punt by the Hurricanes the Orange and quarterback Kyle McCord drove 67 yards. The score became 21-14 when McCord connected with receiver Jackson Meeks for a 9-yard reception.

McCord and the Orange would tie the game at 21 when he connected with receiver Trebor Pena on a 25-yard touchdown reception. The Orange marched 75 yards down the field to tie the game in three plays. The Hurricanes would answer with a 75-yard drive of their own. Highlighted by 2-yard run by running back Mark Fletcher to retake the lead 28-21. McCord had an answer connecting with Meeks a second time to tie the game again 28-28. After a punt by the Hurricanes, the Hurricanes defense would create a turnover and recover a fumble to get the ball back to their offense.

Unfortunately, the Hurricanes would return the favor and give up a fumble that would be returned 56 yards by defensive back Devin Grant to make the score 35-28 Syracuse. The Hurricanes would tie the game at 35 when running back Damien Martinez found the end zone on a 2-yard run. Syracuse would add the eventual game winning score when Allen reached the end zone on a 3-yard run to make the score 42-35. A 27-yard field goal by Andres Borregales would make the score 42-38.

Player of the Game

QB Kyle McCord (26-of-36, 380 yards, 3 touchdowns)

In a battle of the top two passers in the country, both delivered. McCord stood out despite being down early he stayed composed. He delivered the ball to his playmakers and threw to all areas of the field. He averaged 10.6 yards per pass and kept his team focused and disciplined. He spread the ball out to seven different receivers and despite the early deficit stayed poised and led the team to victory.

© Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

What does the Game Mean?

For the Hurricanes, the loss derailed their hopes of playing in the ACC Championship game. Currently at 10-2 overall, they will have to wait and see if they did enough to secure a berth in the College Football Playoff. Ward continued his Heisman Trophy campaign with a 349 yard 2 touchdown performance and completed 25-of-36 pass attempts.

For the Orange, first-year head coach Fran Brown has quickly put his stamp on the team. McCord and the offense have the Orange in position for their first 10-win season since 2018. The win also boosts the Orange as they wait and see what bowl game they will be invited to.