UPDATE: Syracuse football suffered its sixth consecutive double-digit loss, falling 38-10 to No. 18 Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2023. The defeat, highlighted by a disastrous outing from backup quarterback Rickie Collins, signals a troubling decline for the Orange, officially eliminating them from bowl contention for the first time since 2021.
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown fielded four true freshmen as game captains, emphasizing a shift toward youth amid a tumultuous season. Despite a promising start, where the Orange managed to keep pace with Miami through the first quarter, the game quickly spiraled out of control. The Hurricanes seized the momentum with two touchdowns in just 29 seconds during the second quarter, effectively sealing Syracuse’s fate.
Collins, who completed only 12 of 25 passes for 85 yards and threw two interceptions, struggled under constant pressure, being sacked six times and leading to a defensive score that widened the gap. His eighth interception in five games proved to be a pivotal moment, allowing Miami to extend their lead to 14 points just before halftime.
The Orange’s defense, hampered by injuries and inexperience, could not contain Miami’s offense, which entered the game averaging just 15.6 points per game. The situation was exacerbated by the absence of starting center Austin Collins and guard TJ Ferguson, further weakening Syracuse’s offensive line.
As the game progressed, Syracuse finally found the end zone with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Joe Filardi to Elijah Bakser-Washington with just 24 seconds left on the clock. However, the late score did little to mask the reality of a team that has lost its last six games by a staggering total of 135 points, a grim statistic not seen since 1948.
The defeat places Syracuse at 3-7 overall and 1-6 in the ACC, a stark contrast to previous seasons and a clear indication of the challenges facing the program. The Orange’s final games will be critical as they look to regroup, with upcoming matchups against Notre Dame and Boston College—the latter being the only team in the ACC without a conference win this season.
With a focus on rebuilding, Syracuse’s decision to prioritize younger players may reshape the team’s dynamics in the coming years. The presence of notable recruits at the game, including five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell, underscores the potential for future talent, yet the immediate path remains fraught with obstacles.
As the season winds down, Syracuse must address its turnover issues and find stability at the quarterback position to avoid further setbacks. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Orange responds to this challenging season and what steps will be taken to turn things around.
