Syracuse Football: Holiday Bowl Box Score Vs WSU

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Post on Dec 28, 2024

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Syracuse Football: Holiday Bowl Box Score & Recap: Orange Fall Short Against Washington State

Meta Description: Syracuse's Holiday Bowl hopes ended with a loss to Washington State. Review the final box score, game highlights, and analysis of the Orange's performance in San Diego. #SyracuseFootball #HolidayBowl #WSUCougars #CollegeFootball

The 2022 Holiday Bowl marked a bittersweet end to a remarkable season for Syracuse Football. After a stunning 7-5 regular season, the Orange faced off against the Washington State Cougars in a clash that ultimately saw the Cougars emerge victorious. This detailed recap provides a comprehensive look at the final box score, key moments, and an analysis of what went right and wrong for Syracuse.

The Final Score: Washington State 20, Syracuse 13

The final score reflects a closer contest than the box score might initially suggest. Syracuse battled hard, showcasing the grit and determination that defined their season, but ultimately fell short against a well-coached and resilient Washington State team.

A Look at the Box Score: Offensive Struggles for the Orange

The offensive performance was the defining factor in Syracuse’s defeat. While the Orange defense played admirably, containing a potent WSU offense, the inability to consistently move the ball and find the endzone proved costly.

• Passing: While Garrett Shrader displayed his usual resilience, his passing game struggled to find its rhythm, resulting in lower-than-average completion percentages and a lack of big plays downfield. This was in part due to WSU’s effective pass rush and coverage schemes.
• Rushing: The running game, typically a strength for Syracuse, also faced difficulties. The Cougar's defense effectively clogged up the middle, limiting Syracuse's ability to establish a consistent ground attack.
• Turnovers: Turnovers played a significant role. A crucial interception in the red zone and a fumble proved to be back-breaking mistakes that shifted momentum decisively towards Washington State.

Image Suggestion 1: A photo showcasing a key offensive play from the game, either a successful WSU defensive play or an unsuccessful Syracuse drive. Alt text: "WSU defense intercepts Syracuse pass during the Holiday Bowl."

Defensive Prowess: A Silver Lining in San Diego

Despite the loss, Syracuse's defense played exceptionally well, particularly in the second half. They consistently harassed WSU quarterback Cameron Ward, forcing him into uncomfortable throws and generating pressure. The defensive line’s performance, in particular, was a high point of the game, showcasing their strength and tenacity throughout the contest.

• Pressure on Ward: The consistent pressure on Ward resulted in several critical sacks and hurried throws, showcasing the defensive line's dominance.
• Tackling: Syracuse’s tackling was generally solid, limiting WSU’s ability to gain significant yardage after contact.
• Pass Coverage: While not flawless, the secondary held its own for the majority of the game, preventing big explosive plays through the air.

Image Suggestion 2: An image highlighting a strong defensive play by Syracuse, such as a sack or a tackle for a loss. Alt text: "Syracuse defensive lineman sacks WSU quarterback."

Game-Changing Moments: Decisive Plays That Shaped the Outcome

Several pivotal moments swung the momentum in Washington State’s favor. The aforementioned turnovers were undeniably crucial, but the Cougars also capitalized on several crucial third-down conversions, extending drives and keeping Syracuse's defense on the field for extended periods. This ultimately contributed to fatigue and impacted the Orange's overall performance.

Post-Game Analysis: Lessons Learned and Future Outlook

The Holiday Bowl loss, while disappointing, should not overshadow the remarkable success of Syracuse's 2022 season. The team exceeded expectations, demonstrating significant improvement and showcasing the potential for continued growth under Coach Dino Babers. The game highlighted areas for improvement, primarily on the offensive side of the ball, specifically in protecting the quarterback and maintaining consistency in the running game. The experience gained in a bowl game against a strong opponent will serve as valuable preparation for future seasons.

Image Suggestion 3: A photo of Coach Dino Babers addressing the team after the game. Alt text: "Coach Dino Babers speaks to the Syracuse football team after the Holiday Bowl."

FAQs (with Schema Markup suggestions)

Q: What was the final score of the Syracuse vs. Washington State Holiday Bowl game? <script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the final score of the Syracuse vs. Washington State Holiday Bowl game?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Washington State won 20-13." } }] } </script>

Q: Where was the Holiday Bowl played? <script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Where was the Holiday Bowl played?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Holiday Bowl was played in San Diego, California." } }] } </script>

Q: What are the key takeaways from Syracuse's performance in the Holiday Bowl?

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What are your thoughts on Syracuse's performance in the Holiday Bowl? Share your opinions in the comments below!