Syracuse QB Kyle McCord Made History on Friday Night

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Spencer Ostrow | Last updated Dec 27, 2024 11:11 PM ET

The Syracuse Orange took on the Washington State Cougars in the Holiday Bowl on Friday night in San Diego, California.

Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord came into the matchup leading the nation in passing yards with 4,326. The former Ohio State Buckeye had already thrown for over 1,000 more yards than he did in 2023 in Columbus.

With just over 10 minutes left in the third quarter and Syracuse up 35-21, McCord made history. The New Jersey native faked the handoff, dropped back to pass from the Orange 24-yard line, and dropped a perfectly thrown ball to wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. for a 50-yard gain.

With that play, McCord surpassed former Clemson Tigers star and current Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson to break the ACC’s all-time single-season passing yards record of 4,593, which Watson achieved in 15 games.

WOOOWWW

What a play for @CuseFootball and a historic one for Kyle McCord pic.twitter.com/ohl05F4Gzy
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 28, 2024

McCord's night didn't end there. Later in the game, he added to his historic night by completing 391 passes on the season, breaking Watson’s single-season completion record of 388. He also set new Syracuse bowl game records for passing touchdowns and passing yards.

Syracuse went on to win the game 52-35, and the 6-foot-3, 220-pound signal-caller finished completing 24-of-34 passes for 453 yards and five touchdowns.

McCord's 2024 season ends with a total of 4,779 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

He has topped 300 passing yards in every game this season except one—a matchup against the Virginia Tech Hokies, where he fell just shy with 280 yards through the air.

McCord spent three seasons with the Buckeyes before transferring to Syracuse ahead of the 2023 season. During his time in Scarlet and Gray, he served as a backup for two years before finally earning the starting role as a junior.

Despite leading Ohio State to an 11-2 record last season, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day didn't commit to McCord being the starter in 2024 and essentially showed him the door.

Syracuse head coach Fran Brown welcomed him with open arms, and the rest is history. McCord led the Orange to their first 10-win season since 2018.

"I should send Ryan Day a bottle of champagne for allowing us to get him. Pretty cool," Brown said after Week 1.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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