Syracuse Stuns No. 6 Miami in Epic Comeback, Shakes Up ACC and Playoff Picture
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — What a night for college football fans in Syracuse! The Orange pulled off one of the most thrilling comebacks of the season, rallying from a 21-0 deficit to take down No. 6 Miami in a jaw-dropping 42-38 victory on Saturday. This wasn’t just any win—it was a statement. Syracuse not only knocked Miami out of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title race but also likely crushed the Hurricanes’ College Football Playoff dreams. Talk about drama!
Leading the charge for Syracuse was quarterback Kyle McCord, who put on a show with 380 passing yards and three touchdowns. Running back LeQuint Allen was equally clutch, rushing for two touchdowns and securing two critical first downs during the Orange’s final drive to seal the win. And let’s not forget Devin Grant, who delivered a game-changing moment by forcing a fumble and returning it 56 yards for a touchdown. This was Syracuse’s third win over a ranked opponent this season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Miami’s Playoff Hopes Take a Hit
For Miami, this loss is a bitter pill to swallow. The Hurricanes, who came into the game with a 10-1 record and ranked No. 6 in the College Football Playoff standings, now find themselves on the outside looking in. Quarterback Cam Ward did his part, throwing for 349 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Syracuse’s relentless second-half surge.
One of the most debated moments of the game came late in the fourth quarter. Facing a fourth-and-goal from the 10-yard line, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal opted to kick a field goal instead of going for the touchdown. That decision loomed large as the Hurricanes never got the ball back, thanks to Syracuse’s clock-killing final drive. It’s a call that will likely be dissected and second-guessed for weeks to come.
Offensive Fireworks and Defensive Struggles
This game was an absolute shootout, with both teams combining for a staggering 983 yards of total offense and 51 first downs. Miami had dominated Syracuse in recent years, winning six straight matchups before Saturday’s thriller. But this time, the Orange flipped the script in dramatic fashion.
For Miami, the loss marks a disappointing end to what had been a promising season. The Hurricanes started the year 9-0 and looked like legitimate ACC and playoff contenders. However, they’ve now lost two of their last three games, including a stunning defeat to Georgia Tech three weeks ago. Despite their 10-2 record, Miami’s hopes of an ACC title and a playoff berth are all but dashed. They’ll have to sit out next week while Clemson and SMU battle it out for the ACC crown.
Player Reactions: Mixed Emotions for Miami
After the game, Cam Ward summed up the team’s frustration during Miami’s postgame radio show. “Both sides didn’t get the job done,” Ward said. “Our main goal wasn’t accomplished. But, I mean, we’re blessed. We won 10 games this year. Not a lot of teams can do that.” While Ward’s perspective is admirable, it’s clear that this loss will sting for a while.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- Kyle McCord’s Heroics: The Syracuse quarterback was unstoppable, throwing for 380 yards and three touchdowns to lead the comeback.
- LeQuint Allen’s Clutch Plays: Allen’s two rushing touchdowns and late-game first downs were pivotal in securing the win.
- Devin Grant’s Defensive Spark: Grant’s 56-yard fumble return for a touchdown was a game-changer.
- Miami’s Missed Opportunity: Cristobal’s decision to kick a field goal instead of going for it on fourth-and-goal will be heavily scrutinized.
For Syracuse, this win caps off an impressive 9-3 season and solidifies their reputation as giant-slayers, having now beaten three ranked teams in 2024. For Miami, the focus shifts to salvaging what’s left of their season and hoping for an at-large bid in the expanded 12-team playoff. But with their ACC title hopes dashed, it’s hard not to wonder what could have been.
One thing’s for sure: this game will go down as one of the most memorable moments of the 2024 college football season. Syracuse fans will be talking about this comeback for years, while Miami fans will be left wondering how it all slipped away.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
