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Syracuse enters the final week of the 2024 regular season at 8-3. The Orange reached the eight-win mark for just the fifth time in the 21st century, knocking off UConn in their penultimate contest.

While SU won by just one score, the game was further apart than what the scoreboard showed. Syracuse dominated time of possession at a 37:26 to 22:34 margin. The Orange outgained the Huskies 546-352, starting off the game with a 53-yard bomb from Kyle McCord to Darrell Gill Jr. on the first snap. McCord set the program’s single-season passing record in the matchup, while Gill recorded the best game of his young career.

The Orange face No. 8 Miami to cap off their regular season, giving them their toughest test to date under first-year head coach Fran Brown. Led by Heisman Trophy contender Cam Ward, a win for Miami would secure a spot in Charlotte, North Carolina, next week in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship.

Here’s everything you need to know before Syracuse’s (8-3, 4-3 ACC) final regular-season game against No. 8 Miami (10-1, 6-1 ACC) Saturday:

All time series

Miami leads 15-7.

Last time they played …

Syracuse traveled to Miami on Oct. 21, 2017, to face off with the then-No. 8 Hurricanes. Led by its potent rushing game, SU pushed Miami to the brink. The Orange trailed 20-19 with seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter thanks to a 13-0 run to cut into a once 20-6 Hurricanes lead.

Miami added a touchdown with five minutes left and Syracuse had no answer, falling 27-19. In the contest, SU quarterback Eric Dungey rushed for 100 yards while running back Dontae Strickland led the way with 105. However, Miami’s air attack was too much to handle, as Malik Rosier’s 344 yards and two touchdowns far outdid Dungey’s four-interception day.

The Hurricanes report

Miami is in its third year under Mario Cristobal and its best yet. With 10 wins through 11 games, the Hurricanes have secured a second-straight bowl appearance and their second season with double-digit wins since 2004. Their only blemish this season came against Georgia Tech in Week 11, where then-No. 4 Miami fell by five.

Still, in that contest, its star quarterback produced three touchdowns. Ward has been arguably the best passer in the country and is in the mix for the Heisman Trophy. He’s totaled 300 passing yards or more in all but two games and three or more passing touchdowns in 8-of-11.

Miami’s three running backs — Damien Martinez, Mark Fletcher Jr. and Jordan Lyle — each have four or more touchdowns. Through the air, Ward has largely relied on senior wide receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George. He’s also used star tight end Elijah Arroyo plenty, as the junior has totaled five touchdowns.

The offensive unit ranks first in the nation in total yards with 541.5 per game and first in scoring offense at 44.7 points per game. Defensively, the Hurricanes have also been impressive. They lead the ACC in yards against with 305.4 per game and are fourth in interceptions.

Cornerback Mishael Powell transferred from Washington and has been sensational, notching five interceptions and four pass breakups. Linebacker Francisco Mauigoa leads the way in total tackles with 75, 29 more than the next closest.

Rounding out the Hurricanes is one of the best kickers in the country. Andres Borregales is 15-for-16 on field goals this season while going 7-for-8 from 40-plus yards. He’s perfect on extra points at 52-for-52 and ranks second on ESPN Analyst Mel Kiper’s Big Board for the 2025 NFL Draft.

How Syracuse beats Miami

Syracuse takes down Miami for the first time since 1998 by pressuring Ward and forcing at least one turnover. While the Hurricanes’ defense has been a formidable bunch, SU’s offense has proven weekly it can score on anyone.

McCord is playing at an outrageous pace currently and has the weapons to spread the ball. The Orange forcing a turnover will give McCord and Co. a necessary added possession and could be the difference-maker in a possible one-score game. Ward has been sacked three or more times in five contests this season and has totaled seven interceptions.

If SU fails to put pressure on Ward and doesn’t force any turnovers, Miami will likely rip through the Orange just as it has to most opponents this season.

Stat to know: 701.82

Syracuse and Miami’s first meeting in seven seasons brings together two of the top quarterbacks in the nation: McCord and Ward. Both transferred to their respective schools this past offseason and have lit it up, totaling a combined 701.83 passing yards per game.

Ward’s had a prolific season with the Hurricanes, notching 343.09 yards per game in the air and an NCAA-leading 34 passing touchdowns. Ward led the nation in passing yards for most of the year until McCord took over his totals after a gaudy day against UConn. McCord’s 358.73 passing yards per game now leads the country, making Saturday a likely shootout.

Player to watch: Xavier Restrepo, wide receiver, No. 7

Every star quarterback needs a lethal weapon to feed on the outside. Ward has just that in Restrepo. Following an All-ACC First Team season in 2023, where he totaled 85 receptions for 1,092 yards, Restrepo has followed that campaign with similar success.

The senior has a career-high 10 touchdowns with 979 receiving yards and 60 receptions through 11 games. He’s eclipsed the 100-yard mark in 5-of-11 games this season, including a 146-yard, three-touchdown day against Duke on Nov. 2.

Restrepo ranks in the top five in yards, receptions and touchdowns in the ACC and is listed as a possible second-round pick in the NFL Draft, per Pro Football Focus. SU has faced its fair share of stud receivers this season, but Restrepo could pose its biggest challenge yet.

Published on November 27, 2024 at 1:49 pm

Contact Aiden at: amstepan@syr.edu | @AidenStepansky