Fast Start Propels 'Cuse to Win at Cal

Saturday, November 16

Berkeley, CA

3 PM (12 PM PST)

Syracuse University

7-3 , 4-3

Cal

5-5 , 1-5

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Syracuse

California

11/16/2024 6:33:00 PM | Football

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A fast start on both sides of the ball helped the Syracuse football team earn a 33-25 win over Cal in its final road game of the season. The victory marks the Orange's third away win this year, their most in a single season since 2018. Syracuse's earlier road wins came at UNLV and NC State.

The Orange (7-3, 4-3 ACC) scored on their first six drives of the game to establish a lead over the Golden Bears (5-5, 1-5 ACC) and never looked back, despite California's late comeback effort. Syracuse's defense also set the tone with interceptions on California's first two possessions, while the offense capitalized by converting all four of its fourth-down attempts to help earn the win.

LeQuint Allen Jr. had a standout performance, recording his second 100-yard rushing game of the season with 109 yards and two rushing touchdowns. The running back also contributed two catches for 13 yards in the passing game.

The Syracuse defense delivered a strong outing, recording two interceptions, eight tackles for loss, and tied a season-high with four sacks. Marlowe Wax was a key contributor, notching an interception on California's opening drive and adding a sack. Freshman Davien Kerr also made an impact, recording his first collegiate interception in the victory.

Kyle McCord completed 29 of his 46 passing attempts in the win, totaling 323 yards, marking his eighth 300-yard performance of the season. His 29 completions on the afternoon also set a new Syracuse single-season record, surpassing Ryan Nassib's previous mark of 294 completions from the 2012 season.

Oronde Gadsden II recorded his second-straight 100-yard outing, finishing with eight catches for 109 yards in the win. Trebor Pena was also key in the passing attack, catching a career-high 11 passes for 97 yards. Jackson Meeks contributed with the lone receiving touchdown for the Orange, his fifth of the season.

Syracuse opened the game with a 13-play, 69-yard drive, capped by a Jackson Kennedy field goal to take a 3-0 lead. On California's ensuing drive, Wax intercepted a pass, setting up the Orange offense for another possession, which 'Cuse capitalized on with a 42-yard field goal from Kennedy, extending the lead to 6-0.

Kerr then snagged a second-consecutive interception for the Orange on the Golden Bears' next possession. Syracuse continued to take advantage of its opportunities, as Allen finished off a 12-play, 69-yard drive with a 30-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 13-0.

The Golden Bears quickly responded with a 75-yard rushing touchdown to cut Syracuse's lead to 13-6, but the Orange answered right back, as Allen punched in a one-yard touchdown run to finish a nine-play, 75-yard drive. After forcing a quick three-and-out, Syracuse went 70 yards on eight plays, with McCord finding Meeks for a six-yard touchdown pass.

California attempted a field goal as the first half ended, but the kick missed, allowing Syracuse to head into halftime with a 27-7 advantage.

The Golden Bears opened the second half with a 14-play, 93-yard drive, ending in a 15-yard rushing touchdown to decrease Syracuse's advantage to 27-14. Kennedy answered for the Orange with his third field goal of the game, extending the score to 30-14 as the teams headed into the fourth quarter.

The home team added another field goal on their first possession of the final quarter, cutting the 'Cuse lead to 30-17. After forcing a California three-and-out, the Syracuse offense took control with just under 10 minutes left in regulation, driving 64 yards on 15 plays and taking six and a half minutes off the clock. The possession ended with the Orange's fourth field goal of the game. California responded with a touchdown and a two-point conversion on their final possession, but Syracuse recovered the Golden Bears' onside kick attempt to secure the 33-25 victory.

The Orange make their return to the JMA Dome for a matchup with UConn next Saturday (Nov. 23) for the team's Senior Day and School and Scout Day. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. and the game will be live on ACC Network. Tickets to remaining games can be purchased at Cuse.com/Tickets.