Syracuse rallies from big deficit, tops Virginia Tech in OT

Field Level Media|published: Sat 2nd November, 16:07 2024

Nov 2, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Jaden Keller (24) makes a tackle on Syracuse Orange wide receiver Trebor Pena (2) in the second quarter at JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

LeQuint Allen ran for three touchdowns -- including the late tying score and the decisive score in overtime -- as host Syracuse rallied from an 18-point deficit to stun Virginia Tech 38-31 on Saturday.

Allen rushed 21 times for 121 yards, while Justus Ross-Simmons, who came in without a catch on the season, nabbed two TD receptions for the Orange (6-2, 3-2 ACC). Kyle McCord went 24-of-35 passing for 280 yards with two touchdowns and one interception to help Syracuse become bowl-eligible for the third straight season.

Virginia Tech (5-4, 3-2) watched its three-game winning streak come to an end despite a productive day from Collin Schlee (16-of-24 passing, 206 yards, TD) and three rushing scores, including one by Schlee. The Hokies led by a touchdown late in regulation before allowing Allen's 1-yard TD run with 29 seconds left.

That set up an overtime session in which Syracuse opened with Allen's 9-yard scoring run, as he caromed off defenders into the end zone. On the ensuing possession, Marlowe Wax forced a fumble by Schlee, and Fadil Diggs recovered to send the Syracuse sideline into a frenzy.

Virginia Tech jumped out 14-0 behind a pair of first-quarter rushing touchdowns, and the Hokies were still in control midway through the third when Schlee found Ali Jennings for a 12-yard TD pass to make it 21-3.

However, the Orange continued to fight, as McCord hooked up with Ross-Simmons for a 55-yard scoring strike less than two minutes later. After a Hokies punt, McCord found Trebor Pena for 41 yards to set up Allen's 1-yard TD run.

The next Virginia Tech possession ended when Jeremiah Coney fumbled and Wax recovered at the Hokies 39. Syracuse didn't need long to cash in, as McCord connected with Ross-Simmons for a 28-yard score to put the hosts in front.

However, Jackson Kennedy's extra point was blocked, leaving Syracuse ahead 24-21 with 14:22 remaining.

Eight plays later, the visitors regained the lead as Malachi Thomas (14 carries, 73 yards) ran in for a 15-yard score.

The Orange punted on their next trip, setting up another Hokies score, a 27-yard field goal by John Love to make it 31-24 with 5:16 to play.

--Field Level Media

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