Syracuse head coach Fran Brown has made a significant impact in his first season, leading the Orange to a remarkable turnaround with a 10-3 overall record. This achievement was capped off with a thrilling 52-35 victory over Washington State in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl on Friday night, marking just the third time since 2001 that Syracuse has reached the 10-win milestone. It’s also the most wins the program has seen since 2018, a clear sign of progress and potential for the future.
Fran Brown’s Emotional Victory Speech
After the game, the atmosphere was electric as Holiday Bowl representatives prepared to celebrate with Brown. However, the coach had a humorous twist for the occasion, explaining his egg allergy and opting out of the traditional eggnog shower. “I just don’t want to break out on the plane in the morning or never make it back home and be in the local hospital,” he quipped, showcasing his lighthearted nature even in the face of victory.
In a heartfelt moment during the post-game celebration, Brown took the opportunity to reflect on his journey. Speaking on stage with FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt, he shared, “This is my first year, it means so much to me, man. Just right now, just been thinking towards the end of the game. I’m so thankful that my mother had me. She’s in heaven watching down. I just was thinking about that and just want to make sure I get a chance to say, ‘Mom, I love you and I know you’re watching down on us.’ But having the opportunity to be here means a lot.”
Key Players Shine in Holiday Bowl
The victory was a team effort, but a few players stood out in the Holiday Bowl. Senior quarterback Kyle McCord delivered a record-breaking performance, throwing for 453 yards and five touchdowns on 24-of-34 passing. His impressive display shattered Deshaun Watson’s ACC single-season passing yardage record, solidifying his status as a key player for Syracuse.
“Kyle means everything. He means everything to us,” Brown emphasized. “We’ve said from the beginning, I’m the head football coach. Kyle has the keys. So, Kyle was literally second in command. Right after myself.” This trust in McCord reflects the strong leadership dynamic within the team, where everyone is on board with following the quarterback’s lead.
Adding to the offensive fireworks, running back LeQuint Allen contributed significantly with 17 carries for 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Oronde Gasden II also made his mark, catching four passes for 74 yards before heading off to the NFL, following in the footsteps of his father, who had a successful career in both the NFL and CFL.
A Culture of Accountability and Toughness
Brown’s coaching philosophy is evident in the way his players carry themselves on and off the field. He praised his team for their toughness and accountability, saying, “These dudes are tough, these dudes are dart, detailed, accountable, relentless, and tough. And it’s day in and day out. And I love you guys y’all. I love you all.” This sense of camaraderie and mutual respect is a cornerstone of the Orange’s success this season.
He also highlighted the importance of discipline, particularly with McCord’s exemplary behavior. “I mean, this kid has never been late to a class. Never missed a class. Never been late into the building,” Brown noted. “He just leads by example. He’s the first one in and he’s the first one out. He’s just the ultimate teammate. He’s the ultimate brother.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Syracuse
With this season’s success, the future looks promising for Syracuse football. Brown’s vision for the program is clear, and he expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by Syracuse Athletic Director John Wildhack. “(Syracuse AD) John Wildhack took a chance with me. He trusted in my vision that I had. Told him all the things that I thought would be able to help this program get back to where it was,” Brown explained.
As the Orange look to build on this year’s achievements, the foundation laid by Brown and his players will be crucial. The combination of talent, discipline, and a strong team culture sets the stage for continued growth and success. “It’s just so many of these dudes that just leave everything out there. Like these guys are just amazing,” Brown concluded. “And we’re a great team and we’re just thankful and happy that we had the opportunity to come out here and compete in the Holiday Bowl. It was truly a blessing and thank you so much.”
In the world of college football, where every season brings new challenges and opportunities, Syracuse has shown that with the right leadership and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible. As fans look forward to what’s next, one thing is clear: the Orange are back, and they’re ready to make their mark.
