KYLE McCORD, SYRACUSE DEFENSE DOMINATE OHIO, 38-22

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The Syracuse Orange started their season on a high note Saturday, defending their home turf against the Ohio Bobcats, 38-22.

Kyle McCord gets under center for the first time in a Syracuse jersey. Photo Credits: Ted Jacobs.

In his first game with the Orange, senior quarterback Kyle McCord completed 27 of his 39 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns. The former Ohio State Buckeyes starter not only earned impressive numbers but made difficult throws look easy time and again.

First-year Syracuse head coach Fran Brown joked after the game about his gratitude to the Buckeyes for sending McCord to the Orange.

Syracuse defenders swallow OU QB Parker Navarro. Photo Credits: Ted Jacobs.

“Kyle’s a good football player,” Brown said. “I should send [Ohio State head coach] Ryan Day a bottle of champagne for allowing us to get him.”

McCord’s arm was not the only reason the Orange came out on top. Syracuse’s defense was tremendous, from the front four back to the safeties.

The Orange recorded four sacks, three pass breakups, and an interception against the Bobcats. Ohio’s offense was on the field for almost 14 minutes in the first quarter but managed just six points on two field goals after Syracuse held firm.

Syracuse WR Trebor Pena adds a 20-yard catch to his highlight reel. Photo Credits: Ted Jacobs.

Brown said he wants to continue the pattern his team set of both sides of the ball working toward a win.

“If we put it all together, we’ll be playing really good complementary football,” Brown said.

Syracuse is back at the JMA Wireless Dome next weekend, hosting the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at noon on Saturday, Sept. 7.