Syracuse came into the weekend with something to prove. After a devastating last-minute loss to Stanford the previous week, the Orange were in desperate need of a win—not just for the standings, but to reaffirm their identity. This matchup against Holy Cross was more than just a game; it was a chance to reset, regain confidence, and reestablish dominance. It was a get-right game, and Syracuse delivered. With a commanding 42-14 victory, the Orange left no doubt that they were back on track.
Right from the opening drive, the Orange sent a clear message: they were not about to let one loss define them. Quarterback Kyle McCord, who had been stellar all season despite a couple of interceptions against Stanford, took command immediately. On the very first play from scrimmage, McCord connected with Umari Hatcher for a 7-yard touchdown, putting Syracuse on the board and instantly shifting the momentum in their favor. In addition to Hatcher’s dominant presence, Jackson Meeks was a force to be reckoned with. Meeks, who stepped into the WR1 role this week, made his presence felt early, signaling that he was ready to be McCord’s primary target moving forward. Shortly after Hatcher’s touchdown, Meeks reeled in a 38-yard pass from McCord to put Syracuse up 14-0.
By the end of the game, Meeks had a career day, hauling in 10 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown. His ability to create separation and consistently move the chains made him the most valuable player on offense, and his connection with McCord was instrumental in keeping the Orange offense firing on all cylinders…