Thrilling Syracuse win and missed UNLV opportunity

It’s not always about how you get there. But Friday’s Syracuse win thrilled fans of the respective involved football programs and neutrals alike. For the winners, their season continues to breed optimism. For the losers, there are a lot of moments that they’d undoubtedly like to have back. 

This game competed against what ended up being a comfortable win for Oregon against Michigan State. Consequently, most of college football’s attention witnessed the end of the thrilling overtime victory by the Orange. And a game that ended 44 to 41 was a thrilling up-and-down affair that truly could have ended either way. 

The margins are often close in any given game. While the away team did enough to overcome their mistakes and take advantage of their chances, the hosts know how much their last performance stings. However, this game gave college fans a great example of everything that can happen on the field. The whirlwind of emotions and twists from quarter to quarter gave spectators an unpredictable and fun viewing ride. 

The Syracuse win showed that the Kyle McCord offseason acquisition was the right move, for now. The QB had a good start and end to the game. But by the same token, his inability to keep the football out of harm’s way nearly cost his team the win. However, it’s hard to be too harsh on him. The transfer was asked to throw the ball 60+ times in the game. 

While the victory was fun and is a feather in the cap, the sustainability of how they got there needs to be questioned moving forward. Ultimately, the ability of LeQuint Allen to sustain yards proved to be the difference. Furthermore, credit needs to be given to the offensive line, for wearing down the UNLV defense. The game extended to overtime, and only one was needed. 

But throughout the fourth, it was clear which side of the trenches was establishing the advantage. Had the game required multiple extra periods, there was little hope of the Rebels being able to even slow down the grinding, methodical approach of the Orange. 

This could point to a newer emphasis moving forward. The run focus proved to be effective and impossible for UNLV to handle. If the Orange can find more balance, this will have a double benefit. Firstly, McCord will not be forced to drop back as many times as he has needed to. But more importantly, opposing defenses are more likely to fatigue if they have to consistently be on the field for seven, eight-minute drives.

The Syracuse win nearly didn’t happen

Twice. Twice, UNLV had a chance to get a critical stop. But as mentioned, the grueling approach by the away team appeared to take its’ toll on the home team. While players were in position to get stops and force hard decisions of the Orangemen, there wasn’t quite enough energy left in the tank to finish critical plays. 

Finishing plays and getting game-saving tackles are a lot harder the deeper into the game that a team goes. But this fact becomes even more so when a disproportionate amount of time is spent playing defense compared to the opposition. Facing numerous run looks, and getting multiple long drives in a row takes a toll. 

Some may say that the final result was a fluke or that the visitors got lucky. However, this is overlooking the fact that when it came down to it, the Rebels looked completely unable to even slow their opponents down in OT. A play changed here or there alters outcomes. But for today, the Syracuse win looks like a quality resume builder and a possible blueprint to continue to rack up more.