The 2024 Holiday Bowl lived up to its billing as an offensive spectacle, with Syracuse pulling away for a 52-35 victory over Washington State. Played on Friday, December 27, 2024, the game showcased two teams determined to end their seasons on a high note. The Orange, led by their star quarterback Kyle McCord, capped off their season with a statement win that highlighted their offensive firepower and resilience.
McCord, who has been sensational all season, delivered a career-defining performance. Throwing for 453 yards and 5 touchdown passes while completing 70.6% of his throws, McCord not only dominated the game but also etched his name into the record books. With 4,997 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions this season, McCord set a new all-time ACC single-season passing yardage record—a remarkable achievement for the Ohio State transfer in his first season with Syracuse.
While McCord shone through the air, running back LeQuint Allen anchored the ground game, rushing for 120 yards and two touchdowns on an efficient 7.1 yards per carry. Allen also showcased his versatility as a receiver, hauling in three passes for 45 yards and another touchdown. His all-around performance complemented McCord’s aerial assault, creating a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Cougars’ defense.
An Intriguing Matchup of Similar Teams
This game was fascinating due to the similarities between the two programs heading into the matchup. Both Syracuse (9-3) and Washington State (8-4) posted solid records but suffered puzzling losses during the regular season. Syracuse stumbled against a struggling Stanford team (3-9), suffered a blowout loss to a 7-6 Pittsburgh squad, and dropped a close contest to Boston College (also 7-6). Washington State, meanwhile, had the hot hand early in the season before unraveling in November.
The Cougars’ only legitimate loss in their first eight games came against a strong Boise State team that finished 12-2 and featured Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty. However, things fell apart for WSU late in the season, with stunning losses to New Mexico (5-7), Oregon State (5-7), and Wyoming (3-9). All three losses were heartbreakers, with WSU failing to capitalize on late-game opportunities, leaving fans questioning what might have been.
A Shootout in San Diego
The Holiday Bowl itself did not disappoint. Both teams leaned into their offensive strengths, with Washington State’s backup quarterback Zevi Eckhaus stepping up in the absence of John Mateer, who transferred to Oklahoma. Eckhaus delivered a strong performance, throwing for 363 yards and three touchdowns, adding another score on the ground, and completing 72.1% of his passes. However, his two interceptions proved costly, allowing Syracuse to seize momentum.
The Cougars’ receivers played admirably, with Kyle Williams racking up 10 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown, while Carlos Hernandez added 80 yards and a score. Despite these contributions, WSU’s running game was inconsistent, which made it difficult to sustain drives and keep pace with Syracuse.
In contrast, Syracuse’s ability to run the ball effectively while McCord dissected the Cougars’ defense kept their offense humming. The Orange’s offensive balance and ability to capitalize on turnovers proved to be the difference.
A Tough Year for Washington State Fans
For Washington State, this loss capped a tumultuous season. Losing head coach Jake Dickert to Wake Forest before the bowl game was a significant blow, with assistant coach Pete Kaligis stepping in as interim head coach. Kaligis has since followed Dickert to Wake Forest, leaving incoming head coach Jimmy Rogers with the challenge of picking up from where they left off.
Rogers arrives from South Dakota State, where he compiled a 27-3 record and won a national title in 2023. WSU fans hope Rogers can bring that success to Pullman, where the program faces uncertainty both on and off the field. The Cougars remain one of only two teams in the remnants of the Pac-12 and have been lobbying to add Mountain West teams to salvage the conference.
Looking Ahead
For Syracuse, the win marks their first 10-win season in recent memory, punctuated by McCord’s historic achievements. The Orange have positioned themselves as a rising power in the ACC, with plenty of momentum heading into 2025.
For Washington State, the Holiday Bowl was a bittersweet reminder of their potential and the challenges they face. With a new coach and renewed focus, the Cougars aim to turn the page and reclaim their identity.
The Holiday Bowl may be in the books, but its storylines—McCord’s brilliance, the Cougars’ resilience, and the promise of a new era in Pullman—will linger as fans look forward to next season.
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