In a dramatic showdown on October 4, 2024, the Syracuse Orange narrowly defeated the UNLV Rebels 44-41 in overtime at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas. Both teams entered the game with matching 4-1 records, and the contest lived up to the hype with high-paced scoring and critical plays.
First Quarter: Syracuse Takes Early Lead
Syracuse took control early, with running back LeQuint Allen leading the charge. The Orange opened the scoring with a 9-yard pass from quarterback Kyle McCord to Allen, capping off a 75-yard drive. Later in the quarter, Allen found the end zone again, this time with a 3-yard rush, pushing Syracuse ahead 14-0 by the end of the first.
Second Quarter: UNLV Responds with a Flurry
UNLV roared back in the second quarter, led by quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams. Williams threw a 6-yard touchdown to Kaleo Ballungay and followed it up with a 3-yard rushing score. A 9-yard touchdown pass to Casey Cain gave UNLV a sudden 21-14 lead, capitalizing on quick-strike offense. Syracuse managed a late field goal before halftime to cut the deficit to 21-17.
Third Quarter: Momentum Shifts
The third quarter saw more back-and-forth action, as Syracuse regained the lead. McCord and Allen connected again for a 6-yard touchdown, followed quickly by a 21-yard touchdown run by Yasin Willis. UNLV responded with a field goal and a remarkable punt return touchdown by Charles Correa, tying the game at 31 by the end of the third.
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Fourth Quarter: Drama Unfolds
With less than three minutes left in the fourth, UNLV struck with a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ricky White III, taking a 38-31 lead. However, Syracuse was not done. In a dramatic drive, McCord led the Orange down the field, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Meeks with just 23 seconds left, sending the game to overtime at 38-38.
Overtime: Syracuse Emerges Victorious
In overtime, Syracuse kicker Jayden Oh sealed the win with a 21-yard field goal after a crucial defensive stop by the Orange. The final score: Syracuse 44, UNLV 41.
Key Performers
- Syracuse: Kyle McCord threw for 355 yards, and LeQuint Allen scored three touchdowns. Wide receiver Oronde Gadsden II had 142 receiving yards.
- UNLV: Hajj-Malik Williams passed for 227 yards and accounted for three touchdowns. Ricky White III led with 135 receiving yards.
Game Stats and Analysis
Syracuse’s balance between run and pass, coupled with McCord’s leadership, made the difference. UNLV’s resilience and explosive plays kept them in the game, but Syracuse’s clock management and key defensive stops in overtime sealed the win.
Both teams are now 4-1 on the season, with Syracuse improving to 1-1 in ACC play and UNLV falling to 1-0 in Mountain West conference games. The game highlighted Syracuse’s ability to handle pressure situations and showed that UNLV, despite the loss, is a force to be reckoned with this season.
This nail-biter is likely to have significant implications as both teams move deeper into their respective conference schedules.
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