Syracuse Wins DirecTV Holiday Bowl Against Washington State

Syracuse defeated Washington State 52-35 in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl, securing their first bowl victory since 2018 and achieving a tenth win for the season. Despite significant personnel losses, including the head coach and several key players due to transfers, Washington State showed resilience, leading at one point during the game but ultimately falling short. Syracuse's success was largely driven by quarterback Kyle McCord, who transferred from Ohio State and played a pivotal role in their offense. Washington State's acting head coach Pete Kaligis expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team amidst the upheaval and emphasized playing with energy and unity. The game was a test of Washington State's depth and adaptability as many players faced new roles due to the departures.