Syracuse Stuns No. 6 Miami with Impressive Comeback Victory
In one of the most thrilling games of the season, Syracuse (9-3, 5-3 ACC) rallied from a 21-0 deficit to defeat No. 6 Miami (10-2, 6-2, No. 6 CFP) 42-38 on Saturday, knocking the Hurricanes out of contention for the Atlantic Coast Conference title and possibly ending their hopes of a College Football Playoff berth. This heart-stopping victory marks a historic moment for the Orange and solidifies their place as a rising force in college football.
A Tale of Two Halves
The game started as a nightmare for Syracuse, with Miami jumping out to a commanding 21-0 lead in the first quarter. The Hurricanes seemed poised to run away with the game, dominating the first 15 minutes of play by outgaining Syracuse 189 yards to 42. Miami's offense, led by quarterback Cam Ward (349 yards passing, 2 TDs), appeared unstoppable, scoring touchdowns on each of their first three possessions.
However, Syracuse refused to back down. Head coach Fran Brown's first-year squad showed resilience, turning the tide with two quick touchdowns in the second quarter. Running back LeQuint Allen bounced off a tackler and sprinted for an 8-yard touchdown, and quarterback Kyle McCord connected with Jackson Meeks on a 9-yard score to make it 21-14 at the half.
“We gave them 21 points. There were a lot of self-inflicted wounds,” Brown said postgame. “But that 21-0 deficit showed we won’t quit and that we’ll continue to push.”
McCord's Record-Breaking Performance
McCord, the former Ohio State transfer, was the hero for Syracuse. He finished with a career-high 380 yards passing and three touchdowns, making crucial throws all afternoon. His connection with Meeks was particularly potent, as the two linked up for two touchdowns in the second half, including a 9-yard score to tie the game at 28-all.
The win was historic for McCord, who became the first Syracuse quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in a season. His 27th touchdown pass of the year to Meeks set a new Orange record.
“I want to be the one who brought Syracuse football back to what it once was,” McCord said after the game. “That’s a testament to this team. This win shows that Syracuse is for real.”
Defensive Heroics Seal the Victory
While McCord and the offense kept the Orange in the game, it was Syracuse’s defense that delivered the game-changing moment. With the score tied at 28 early in the third quarter, Devin Grant made a heads-up play, forcing a fumble from Miami receiver Xavier Restrepo. Grant scooped up the loose ball and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown, giving Syracuse a 35-28 lead with 1:47 left in the third quarter.
“We do it in practice. The ball is the program,” Grant said, reflecting on his fumble return. “I was grateful for it to come out and was fortunate to take it to the house.”
Miami quickly answered with a 2-yard touchdown run from Damien Martinez to tie the game at 35-all. But Syracuse wasn’t finished. Allen, who finished with 143 yards from scrimmage (82 rushing, 61 receiving), capped off the Orange’s comeback with a 3-yard touchdown run to give Syracuse a 42-35 lead. Miami had one final chance, but their hopes were dashed when head coach Mario Cristobal opted for a field goal instead of going for it on fourth-and-goal from the 10-yard line, down by 7 with four minutes to play. The field goal cut the lead to 42-38, but Syracuse ran out the clock on a methodical drive that was aided by a Miami offside penalty.
“We use analytics,” Cristobal said, justifying his decision to take the points. “It was outside the 10-yard line with four minutes to go. Get the points. Get a stop.” Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, the stop never came.
Miami's Collapse and Missed Opportunities
For Miami, this loss was a gut punch. After a hot start to the season, the Hurricanes have now dropped two of their last three games, including a devastating loss to Georgia Tech just three weeks ago. Their defense, which has been a question mark all season, struggled mightily against Syracuse’s passing game and could not stop the Orange in critical moments.
Syracuse’s offense was relentless, and Miami's inability to cover wide receivers like Trebor Pena (6 catches, 128 yards, 1 TD) and Meeks (7 catches, 110 yards, 2 TDs) contributed to their downfall. Cristobal was quick to take responsibility for the loss, especially his decision to kick the field goal instead of going for the touchdown.
“It’s brutally difficult,” Cristobal said. “We came up short and that’s on all of us, starting with myself. We don’t shy away from it. We’re not in any way, shape or form anything but hard workers and accountable people.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Syracuse and Miami
Syracuse: With the victory, Syracuse has now secured its third win over a ranked opponent this season and solidified its spot in a potential New Year’s Six bowl. The Orange have turned the corner under Coach Fran Brown, and this win marks a major milestone in the resurgence of the program. They’ll await their bowl destination, but it’s clear that this team is no longer just an afterthought in the ACC.
Miami: For the Hurricanes, this loss likely ends their hopes of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. Miami will now have to wait for the committee’s final rankings on December 8 to see if they’ll be included in the expanded 12-team playoff field. If not, they’ll likely receive an at-large bid to a major bowl game, but that will hardly be enough to satisfy a team that had championship aspirations.
Final Thoughts
Syracuse’s 42-38 win over No. 6 Miami will go down as one of the most significant moments in recent program history. The Orange’s resilience, McCord’s record-breaking performance, and the defense’s clutch plays are a testament to the team’s growth under first-year head coach Fran Brown. For Miami, the loss is a crushing blow to their playoff dreams, and questions about their defensive struggles will linger as they prepare for the postseason. Regardless of what happens next, Syracuse has proven they are a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.
Cameron Williams
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Senior Writer
