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Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord announced live on CBS5 Wednesday night he will play in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 27 against Washington State. SU’s bowl game is likely McCord’s final appearance with the Orange, as his college eligibility is set to expire.

Head coach Fran Brown seemed bullish McCord would opt-in to the Holiday Bowl Monday during his weekly press conference. He reiterated that McCord is SU’s starting quarterback numerous times when asked about his bowl game status and potential transfer portal replacements. Brown also made it clear he expects everyone to play versus Wazzu.

“We don’t opt out around here,” Brown said. “We play football.”

McCord has said he plans to begin the NFL Draft process after the bowl game, which will start with the East-West Shrine Bowl on Jan. 30, 2025, in Dallas. For now, though, he’s set to complete the full 2024 season as SU’s starting quarterback and add to his already historic season totals.

Everything came full circle for the Ohio State transfer this year, setting Syracuse single-season program records for passing yards and passing touchdowns. Those totals currently sit at 4,326 and 29, respectively, and the former of which leads the nation.

Considering McCord’s 360.5 passing yards per game mark, he’s a clear threat to break Deshaun Watson’s (Clemson) all-time ACC record of 4,593 passing yards in one campaign, which he set in 2016. He needs 268 yards to surpass Watson. Washington State’s defense gives up 255.3 air yards per game.

Published on December 11, 2024 at 7:28 pm

Contact Cooper at: ccandrew@syr.edu | @cooper_andrews