Kyle McCord Leads Syracuse to Victory Over Georgia Tech

Eric Boggs September 7, 2024

Syracuse secured a hard-fought 31-28 victory over No. 23 Georgia Tech, marking their first win over a ranked opponent since 2022. The Orange, now 2-0 on the season, were led by quarterback Kyle McCord, who delivered a career-high 381 yards and four touchdowns, two each to Trebor Pena and Oronde Gadsden II.

The Orange offense started strong, with McCord orchestrating a seven-play, 75-yard opening drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Pena. Georgia Tech quickly responded, but the first quarter remained deadlocked as both teams traded failed scoring attempts.

Air Assault 🔥

OG's 2nd TD, Kyle's 4th passing TD of the day

📺 ACCN pic.twitter.com/zA8vOmdn9H
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) September 7, 2024

McCord continued to shine in the second quarter, connecting with Pena again to put Syracuse up 14-7. After a defensive stop, McCord engineered a 89-yard drive, finding Gadsden for another touchdown to extend the lead to 21-7. The Syracuse run defense clamped down, limiting Georgia Tech’s Jamal Haynes to just 14 rushing yards in the first half. However, Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King found an opening late in the second quarter with a 26-yard rushing touchdown, closing the gap to 21-14 at halftime.

In the second half, Syracuse’s defense dominated, holding Georgia Tech to just 30 yards in the third quarter. McCord, continuing his stellar play, added to the lead with a field goal and a fourth touchdown to Gadsden, putting the Orange up 31-14.

Kyle McCord is freaking ballin!!!!!!!!!!!
Decisive! Attacking the whole field. Poised. I mean dude looks like a new man. Fran Brown with quote of the week “I shld send Ryan Day a bottle of champagne for allowing us to get him.”@CuseFootball looking legit!!!!!!!!!
— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) September 7, 2024

Georgia Tech made a late push in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to 31-28 after a Jamal Haynes touchdown and a recovered onside kick. However, Syracuse’s offense iced the game with key first downs from Gadsden and LeQuint Allen, preventing the Yellow Jackets from getting the ball back.

McCord’s record-breaking performance was supported by strong defensive efforts from Fadil Diggs and Derek McDonald, who each had seven tackles. Despite some struggles on special teams, the Orange held on for the win, improving to 1-0 in ACC play.

Syracuse will now enjoy a bye week before facing ACC newcomer Stanford on September 20.