BREAKING: Syracuse football faced a devastating blow with a 38-10 loss to No. 18 Miami on November 4, 2023, marking their sixth consecutive double-digit defeat. This latest setback at Hard Rock Stadium highlights the challenges ahead for the Orange as they struggle to find a winning formula this season.
In a game showcasing the team’s reliance on youth, Syracuse deployed four true freshmen as game captains. However, the strategy faltered against one of the nation’s top defensive lines, leaving the Orange unable to keep pace with the Hurricanes, who improved to 7-2 (3-2 ACC).
The game began promisingly, as Syracuse managed to match Miami’s scoreless drives through the first quarter. Yet, the momentum shifted dramatically when the Hurricanes scored two touchdowns in just 29 seconds during the second quarter, pushing the lead to 14-0. A pivotal moment occurred when backup quarterback Rickie Collins threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, compounding Syracuse’s woes and extending their losing streak.
“This season has been a difficult one, and we are shifting towards a youth movement,” said Syracuse head coach Fran Brown. “We need to build for the future.”
Syracuse’s struggles intensified after the season-ending injury of starting quarterback Steve Angeli. Collins, who completed just 12 of 25 passes for 85 yards with two interceptions, faced relentless pressure, getting sacked six times. The Orange has now lost five of their last six games against teams with winning records, with a total point differential of 135 over this losing streak.
For Syracuse (3-7, 1-6 ACC), this defeat confirms their failure to qualify for a bowl game for the first time since 2021. The last time they endured such a lengthy losing streak was in 1948, further emphasizing the gravity of the current situation.
As the game wore on, the Orange managed to score their first points with an 11-yard field goal late in the third quarter. However, their only touchdown came in the final moments, a 17-yard pass from Joe Filardi to Elijah Bakser-Washington, too little, too late to change the outcome.
Looking ahead, Syracuse faces a critical off week before finishing the season with challenging matchups against Notre Dame and Boston College, the latter being the only ACC team without a conference win this season. The urgency to regroup and develop the younger talent is at an all-time high.
In attendance at the game were three top recruits from Syracuse’s Class of 2026, including five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell, highlighting the ongoing effort to attract quality talent amid a turbulent season.
As the Orange navigate a tough path forward, fans and players alike are left grappling with the harsh realities of a difficult season, hoping for a brighter future as they rebuild.
