Syracuse football opens season against Ohio University

Today marks the beginning of the 2024-2025 campaign and the official start of the Fran Brown Era in Syracuse. The Orange, who finished last season 6-7 overall, will host Ohio University in a newly renovated JMA Wireless Dome that is expected to be packed. The Bobcats completed 10-3 overall last season. The last time ‘Cuse took the field, it was with less than-ideal circumstances, and the outcome fit that same criteria. They played South Florida in the Boca Raton Bowl after previous head coach Dino Babers was relieved of his duties. They were decimated, losing by a score of 45-0. Since then, a lot has changed for this program. Former Georgia DB coach Fran Brown was named the new head coach and has revitalized the entire fan base in the off-season. He and his coaching staff secured the best recruiting class in the program’s recent history, highlighted by big names like Ohio State transfer QB, Kyle McCord. He also retained key players already beloved in the 315, including TE Oronde Gadsden, RB LeQuint Allen, and LB Marlowe Wax. Today, Syracuse fans get their first taste of what this squad brings to the table as they attempt to light up Ernie Davis Legends Field. Follow this thread for updates throughout the game.

1Q 8:35 – Ohio University starts with the ball on offense. After a drive consisting of 12 plays, KGianni Spetic hits a 42 yd FG. Ohio University leads 3-0. Syracuse fans now get to watch Kyle McCord lead this offense for the first time.

1Q 8:17 – Kyle McCord completes his first past to Georgia transfer WR Zeed Haynes. Not much else to show for that first drive, consisting of 3 plays in total.

1Q 1:30 – Syracuse’s defense gets a couple of big stops as time dwindles in the 1st quarter. Ohio University QB Parker Navarro was sacked by Kevin Jobity Jr. and Denis Jaquez Jr. for a loss of 9 yards to the SYR 20. K Gianni Spetic then completes 37 yd FG. The Bobcats lead 6-0 at the end of the first 15 minutes.

TOUCHDOWN SU 2Q 12:17 – Kyle McCord completes a pass to Oronde Gadsden II for 28 yds for a TD.Brady Denaburg nails the kick for an extra point. SU leads 7-6.

2Q 3:35 – Kyle McCord completes a pass to WR Zeed Haynes for 12 yds and a first down. Haynes was visibly shaken up after the play, and was walked off the field, where he entered the tent on the sidelines. He then went to the locker room with two minutes remaining in the half.

2Q 2:02 – Brady Denaburg hits a 26 yd FG. SU leads 10-6.

2Q :49- After a SU defensive stop on 3rd & Goal, Ohio’s Gianni Spetic hits the 37 yd FG. SU leads 10-9.

TOUCHDOWN SU 2Q :05 – Kyle McCord finds Trebor Pena in the back left corner of the end zone.Brady Denaburg hits the kick for the extra point, SU leads 17- 9 going into the half.

TOUCHDOWN OHIO 3Q 11:44 – RB Anthony Tyus III runs 13 yds for a TD. He has 11 carries, 143 yds, and now a touchdown on the day. His performance is shining some light on issues with the Orange run defense. SU leads 17-16.

TOUCHDOWN SYRACUSE 3Q 8:37 – McCord finds RB LeQuint Allen for the TD. It came at the end of a drive were we saw McCord use his feet. To top it off,Brady Denaburg nails the kick. 24-16 ‘Cuse.

3Q 6:30 – Concern for LB Marlowe Wax, who spends some time down on the field after contact with QB Parker Navarro. He is supported by two coaches as he limps down the sideline, presumably something to do with knee/ankle.

TOUCHDOWN SU 3Q 3:34 – An exciting drive for the Orange, highlighted by a sick diving grab for WR Jackson Meeks. It all culminated with a 14 yd toss to Trebor Pena in the end zone for his second touchdown catch of the day. SU leads 31-16.

TOUCHDOWN SU 4Q 13:30 – Trebor Pena continues to make an impact on offense. He ball in on 4th & Goal to make the score 38- 16. This marks his 3rd TD of the day.

TOUCHDOWN OHIO 4Q 12:22 – A 46 yd TD run forAnthony Tyus III. On the day, he has 191 yds, 14 carries, and 2 touchdowns. Attempt at two point conversion was to no avail. SU leads 38-22.

4Q 11:35 – According to the ACC Network broadcast, Marlowe Wax is in a boot and will not return to the game.

4Q 6:49 – Syracuse interception by James Heard Jr.. SU will start this drive at the 35 yd line. It’s the first interception thrown by either QB today.

4Q 3:38 – Kyle McCord throws his first interception of the day. CB Tank Pearson makes the grab. Ball goes back to Ohio, who will start the drive at the 14 yd line.

After a shaky first quarter, things came together for SU in their season opener against Ohio University. With all of the offseason buzz, Ohio transfer QB Kyle McCord lived up to the expectations of ‘Cuse fans, throwing for 354 yds and showing off his connection with returning WR Trebor Pena. Pena finished the contest with 3 touchdown, two of which he caught, one of which he ran in from the goal line. LeQuint Allen also put a TD in the book. Fran Brown wins his first game as head coach of the Syracuse Football program. We will have a more complete game recap coming up.