Miami Hurricanes collapse to Syracuse, eliminated from ACC ‘ship

Miami, Florida – The No. 6 ranked Miami Hurricanes blew a 21-point lead losing to the Syracuse Orange 42-38, eliminating themselves from the ACC title game. The loss opens the door for the Clemson Tigers to face the SMU Mustangs in the conference championship in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s the largest comeback win in program history for ‘Cuse and their first win against a top 10 opponent since 2017 versus Clemson. UM ends season 10-2 (6-2, ACC) losing control of its CFP fate.

The Cardiac Canes got off to a fast start scoring on its first two possessions. The defense, meanwhile, forced a turnover on downs followed by a three-and-out that included a forced fumble by Tyler Baron. After a dominant first quarter, the Canes continued to pour it on in the second when Ward hit Elijah Arroyo for the third score. Seeing the predicament Syracuse’s Kyle McCord commenced the rally as the Orange put up 21 unanswered points tying it by the third quarter. McCord finished the game recording 380 yards and three touchdowns.

One quarter is in the books and it's all Miami. Canes lead 14-0. Great stuff from both sides of the ball. #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/VgW0Gl7B0n

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) November 30, 2024

With their advantage gone, the opposing sides exchanged TDs as McCord kept hitting at Miami’s weakness. Syracuse was seven of 10 on third-down conversions. When it looked like the Orange would grab their first lead of the day, Miami freshman Cameron Pruitt stripped the ball from Yasin Willis recovering the pigskin. The momentum swung back to ‘Cuse when Xavier Restrepo coughed up the ball for the second consecutive week resulting in a scoop and score.

If this play wasn’t called back for illegal formation (that was questionable at best), here’s what things would have looked like:

Kyle McCord:

• 27/36 (75%)

• 420 yards

• 4 TDs

Trebor Pena:

• 7 catches

• 168 yards

• 2 TDs

49-38, ‘Cuse@BarstoolCuse | @CuseFootball pic.twitter.com/hBfnQFYXGL

— Depressed New York Fan (@JudgeEnjoyer) December 1, 2024

Down 42-35, a costly personal foul on Jacolby George forced the Miami Hurricanes to settle for a 27-yard field goal. They never got the ball back. Despite Ward’s 349-yard performance that included two touchdowns and a combined monumental effort from Restrepo, George, and Arroyo it was not enough.

Takeaways

Defense dooms Miami

Kyle McCord and Trebor Pena connected on a NFL-level throw-and-catch to set-up the opening drive TD of the second half.#CuseFootball | @BarstoolCuse | @CuseFootball pic.twitter.com/MBuqEyyFpd

— Depressed New York Fan (@JudgeEnjoyer) November 30, 2024

The unit started great putting up a superb first quarter giving hope toward an effective outing. However, ‘Cuse turned it around in the second quarter, and from that point forward eviscerated the secondary torching Miami’s corners in man coverage. A lot of folks are angry at coach Mario Cristobal for deciding to go for the three points. Even if they went for the touchdown and succeeded do you think the defense was going to stop them? Mishael Powell nearly intercepting the ball back in the second was the best chance they had. For over two hours they ran wild and it wasn’t going to change.

Penalties played a role too

Holding called on Miami pic.twitter.com/Kbt900NImz

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) November 30, 2024

The Hurricanes committed nine penalties costing them 90 yards and more. The holding penalty back in the second quarter on third and seven ultimately resulted in a touchdown to Jackson Meeks. Francis Mauigoa was also called for a hold late in the first half. Then midway in the third, Damien Martinez’s 55-yard rush was negated by you guessed it, a holding penalty on Jalen Rivers. And yes there was also the pass interference on OJ Frederique Jr too. Overall, this contributed to the defeat.

A disappointing end to the season

Cam Ward 9/12 with 153 yds 2 TDs . 21-0 Canes #Villans pic.twitter.com/VhXa6qXFEm

— Caneville (@caneville305) November 30, 2024

I never thought I’d be cheerless at a 10-2 season. Normally, this is considered a highly successful campaign. However, the pain of letting two games slip from their fingers and missing out on the ACC Championship far outweighs correctly predicting Miami’s record. The raw talent of a Heisman candidate coupled with a magnificent group of wide receivers and running backs was spoiled by a rotten defense. Restrepo caught nine passes for 148 yards and a touchdown while George caught six for 121 yards. Lastly, Arroyo hauled in five for 44 yards and a TD.

X and George share a big chunk of the blame for the fumble and personal foul respectively but at the end of the day, the Canes blew a 21-point lead. It’s inexcusable. As much as it hurts to say it the Miami Hurricanes do not deserve to be in the CFP. For those that want them in the postseason, there’s a chance. A slim one, but a chance nonetheless. We shall see.