Last-Second Field Goal Gives Stanford Victory Over Syracuse

© Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

In their first-ever Atlantic Coast Conference competition, the Stanford Cardinal (2-1) defeated the Syracuse Orange (2-1) 26-24. Stanford kicker Emmet Kenney nailed a 39-yard field goal as time ran out in the game.

Kenney was 4-for-4 in field goals on Friday night, including a career-high 51-yarder in the first half.

Game Summary

Although Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord completed 8 of 13 passes in the first half for 158 yards, the Stanford defense kept the Orange out of the end zone until late in the second half. McCord connected with wide receiver Umari Hunter for a 67-yard touchdown reception.

The Stanford defense was smothering on the ground in the first half, holding Syracuse to minus-13 rushing yards.

After an interception from Syracuse defensive back Clarence Lewis, the Orange looked to gain some momentum. However, on the ensuing Syracuse offensive drive, a 71-yard Stanford Pick-6 by Mitch Liegber increased the Cardinal lead to 20-10.

McCord responded, though, when the Orange got the ball back. In capping off a 75-yard drive, McCord took matters into his own hands, scrambling into the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown after the initial play broke down.

However, McCord threw another interception in the second half, this time to Stanford defensive back Jay Green. The Cardinal offense stalled, but a Kenney field goal increased the Stanford lead to 23-17.

The teams traded punts before the Syracuse offense helped give the Orange its first lead of the night with 3:13 left in the fourth quarter. A 7-play, 60-yard drive culminated with McCord finding wide receiver Jackson Meeks for his first TD in Syracuse (after three seasons with Georgia). The score put Syracuse up 24-23.

Stanford Secures Victory

Stanford would not go quietly, though. Quarterback Ashton Daniels took charge, leading his team into Orange territory. On a fourth-and-9 play, he found wide receiver Elic Ayomanor for a 27-yard reception, keeping his team alive and getting into field goal range.

After a false start penalty pushed them back 5 yards, Kenney kicked the game-winning field goal. It also set up a long, joyful plane ride for Stanford back to Palo Alto, Calif.

What it Means

The Cardinal improve to 2-1. This late-game victory should give Stanford a bit of confidence and momentum. Two of their their next three games are against ranked opponents.

Syracuse drops to 2-1. First-year head coach Fran Brown and offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon may start facing questions about why Syracuse's running game can’t get going. It has led to an over-reliance on McCord to make big plays. Against Stanford, the Orange only managed 26 rushing yards in the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

Up Next

Stanford will play host to the current No. 21-ranked Clemson Tigers on Sept. 28. Kickoff is at 7:30 pm EST. Syracuse goes up against the Holy Cross Crusaders (1-2) of the FCS on Sept. 28. Kickoff is at noon EST.