When 21st-ranked Syracuse takes on Washington State in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego on Friday, the matchup will be, in many ways, stability versus chaos.
The Orange (9-3) enter the postseason with considerable momentum, having won their last three games, including a 42-38 upset of Miami in the regular season finale. More importantly, Syracuse has a reliable head coach and quarterback combination, with first-year coach Fran Brown turning the program around thanks in large part to standout signal-caller Kyle McCord. Because I let it happen.
The Cougars (8-4), on the other hand, are facing the opposite situation, with a three-game losing streak to end the regular season being the least of their concerns.
Cougars coach Jake Dickert recently transferred to Wake Forest, and quarterback John Matthia announced his transfer to Oklahoma. More than 25 Washington State players have reportedly entered the transfer portal, which moves Syracuse from a slight favorite to a two-touchdown favorite in this game at some sportsbooks.
As for Syracuse, Brown is aiming for double-digit wins in his first year as coach. The program has won 10 games in a season only once in the past 20 years.
“(We’re) just trying to get to 10 wins,” said McCord, who finished 10th in Heisman Trophy voting with a nation-best 4,326 yards and 29 touchdowns. “I think it’s going to be a huge accomplishment for us and the team. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Not only has McCord decided to play in a bowl game, but he is also reportedly challenging the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility.
“We don’t opt out here. We love football,” Brown said.
Meanwhile, Washington State is struggling under acting head coach Pete Kaligis and new No. 1 quarterback Zevi Eckhaus.
Eckhaus, a senior who has thrown just seven passes this season, will be making his first start for the Cougars. Mattea has thrown for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns, gaining a team-high 826 yards and also scoring 15 points, so he has a big job to fill.
“My message (to the players) was: ‘We know who we are. We’re going to go into this game and we’re going to give our all for the next nine days. That’s when you look back and say, “Wow, that was a very special time and I didn’t even realize it,” Kaligis said. spoke. “I love them so much. I want them to have it all. I want them to have it all in the next eight days.”
Washington State has lost its last three bowl appearances and hasn’t won a postseason contest since the 2018 season-ending Alamo Bowl.
Finally, what the two programs have in common is that Syracuse is also looking for its first bowl win since the end of the 2018 season, having lost a bowl in each of the past two years after winning the Camping World Bowl.
“I think (the Holiday Bowl win) puts us on the right track (in the future) to achieve our ultimate goal,” Brown said. “It’s about getting to the college playoffs and winning.” Winning a conference championship and then a national championship was always the goal. ”
–Field level media
