Kyle McCord, Syracuse Offense Excites CFB Fans vs. Hajj-Malik Williams, No. 25 UNLV

Zach BacharContributor IOctober 5, 2024

Ian Maule/Getty Images

Kyle McCord thrived during Syracuse’s clash with No. 25 UNLV on Friday night.

McCord went 40-of-63 for 355 yards, three touchdowns and an interception to help lead the Orange to a 44-41 win over the Rebels in overtime. He completed his first 10 passes of the game and added 22 rushing yards. His six-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Meeks with 23 seconds left in regulation forced the extra period.

After heading into the contest with an average of 364.8 passing yards per game, the highest mark in the country, McCord continued to rack up yards through the air against a Rebels team that entered the matchup with a 4-0 record.

Junior LeQuint Allen led the Syracuse rushing attack with 19 carries for 71 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score in overtime. He added nine catches for 58 yards and two more scores. Freshman Yasin Willis also provided a spark on the ground, picking up 62 yards and a touchdown on just eight attempts.

Fans were impressed with the performance of McCord as well as the rest of Syracuse’s offense.

FOX College Football @CFBONFOXSYRACUSE STRIKES FIRST!! 🔥 @CuseFootball pic.twitter.com/vekGZQQ8fM

Ari Wasserman @AriWassermanKyle McCord with a stutter step-back to rush for a first down and he continues to do things I’ve never seen him do before.

Orange Bias @OrangeBiasKyle McCord is an absolute maestro

Logan Schupp @Logan_SchuppKyle McCord is pretty darn good

Chris Trapasso 🏈 @ChrisTrapassoKyle McCord pic.twitter.com/tjFwLUTxW3

No Destination @no_destinationnKyle McCord is DIFFERENT. 10/10 to start the game is crazy

Faxon Childress @FaxOnSportsKyle McCord is slinging it

Hajj-Malik Williams started his second consecutive game at quarterback for the Rebels following Matthew Sluka’s exit amid an NIL dispute. He completed 84 percent of his throws for 227 yards, throwing three touchdowns and an interception while adding 53 rushing yards and a score in the loss.