2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl: Jackson State vs South Carolina State

Kyle McCord etched his name in Syracuse history as the Orange powered past Washington State, 52-35, in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl.

 McCord’s 453-yard, five-touchdown performance broke Deshaun Watson's ACC season passing record, capping a historic campaign for No. 21 Syracuse.

Game Flow Recap

From the opening whistle, this game had all the hallmarks of a bowl classic. Washington State opened the scoring with Zevi Eckhaus’ 4-yard touchdown run. But Syracuse’s offensive onslaught began shortly after, with McCord connecting with Trebor Pena for a 19-yard score. LeQuint Allen added a 12-yard rushing touchdown to give Syracuse a narrow edge before Wazzu’s Kyle Williams brought the fireworks, hauling in a 66-yard bomb from Eckhaus. The Cougars closed the first quarter with a punt return touchdown by Josh Meredith, leading 21-14.

Syracuse took control in the second quarter, rattling off three unanswered touchdowns, including a pair of McCord-to-Oronde Gadsden II connections and another Allen rushing score. The Orange went into halftime up 35-21, holding the momentum firmly in their grasp.

Despite a third-quarter resurgence from the Cougars, highlighted by Carlos Hernandez’s 42-yard touchdown catch, Syracuse's explosive offensive continued. Trebor Pena’s 45-yard touchdown catch widened the gap, and a 33-yard strike to Allen in the fourth quarter sealed the victory.

Key Performers

Syracuse:

• Kyle McCord: 24/34, 453 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs – A flawless performance by the senior quarterback, distributing the ball with precision.
• LeQuint Allen: 17 carries, 120 yards, 2 TDs; 3 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD – Dominant on the ground and through the air.
• Darrell Gill Jr.: 4 receptions, 145 yards – A reliable deep threat throughout the night.

Washington State:

• Zevi Eckhaus: 31/43, 363 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs – Battled valiantly, but turnovers proved costly.
• Kyle Williams: 10 receptions, 172 yards, 1 TD – Virtually unstoppable in the passing game.
• Leo Pulalasi: 14 carries, 61 yards – Consistent between the tackles.

Defensive Highlights

Syracuse’s defense stepped up when it mattered most. Justin Barron led the charge with seven tackles, one for a loss, and a pass deflection. Meanwhile, Duce Chestnut showcased his shutdown ability with five solo tackles and tight coverage all game.

For Washington State, Tyson Durant recorded a team-high eight tackles, while Tanner Moku and Stephen Hall provided crucial stops to slow down Syracuse’s offense at key moments. However, the Cougars couldn’t generate the turnovers needed to flip the game’s script.

Key Stats

• Total Yards: Syracuse 606, Washington State 472
• Turnovers: Syracuse 0, Washington State 2
• Third-Down Efficiency: Syracuse 2/6, Washington State 8/16

Final Thoughts

Syracuse proved they belonged in the national conversation, riding McCord’s career-defining night to a 10-3 finish. The Orange showcased their offensive versatility and defensive grit, setting the tone for future campaigns.

Washington State fought hard in a season full of highs and lows, but Syracuse’s firepower ultimately overwhelmed the Cougars. This Holiday Bowl clash will be remembered for its offensive fireworks and McCord’s record-breaking performance.

Final Score: Syracuse 52, Washington State 35

This article was written by De’Shawn Minor(Moon) of CFB Nation while covering the Direct TV Holiday Bowl. All photos by Direct Tv Holiday Bowl, Espn Events. Wazzu Athletics & Syracuse Athletics.