Syracuse Football Falls in Heartbreaking 8-Overtime Thriller at North Carolina State
In what will go down as one of the most dramatic and heartbreaking games in recent college football history, Syracuse football suffered a gut-wrenching loss on the road to North Carolina State in an 8-overtime thriller. The Orange fought valiantly, but after nearly 4 hours of football, their efforts fell just short as the Wolfpack ultimately triumphed in a 38-36 contest.
Quarterback Kyle McCord was nothing short of spectacular for Syracuse, completing 23 of 24 passes on the day. His performance was a testament to his poise and precision under pressure, as he delivered one of his best games of the season. Despite his near-perfect passing performance, McCord’s heroics weren’t enough to secure the win.
Oronde Gadsden II also stepped up in a big way for the Orange, hauling in 9 catches during the grueling affair. Gadsden’s efforts were crucial in keeping the Syracuse offense moving throughout the marathon game, providing McCord with a reliable target in critical moments.
The game was an absolute marathon, with both teams trading blows and refusing to back down. The regulation ended with the score tied at 21, sending the game into overtime. What followed was a series of tense, nerve-wracking overtimes that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Each time it seemed like one team was poised for victory, the other dug deep and responded. But after eight exhausting overtimes, it was North Carolina State who finally emerged victorious, securing the win in the final moments.
Following the game, Syracuse head coach Mark Berokoff was visibly emotional as he addressed the heartbreaking loss. “This was one of the greatest games ever played in the league,” Berokoff said. “I am heartbroken for the fans and our young men for not getting that win. We gave everything we had.”
Berokoff continued, expressing his frustration and sympathy for the Syracuse faithful. “I will be going to all the local bars and apologizing to them for this. It was just a devastating loss for the whole Orange Football family,” he said.
Despite the loss, Berokoff made sure to acknowledge the efforts of North Carolina State and their head coach, Coach Narcman, who had orchestrated a brilliant game plan. “I tip my cap to Coach Narcman of North Carolina State,” Berokoff said. “He called a wonderful game today, and his team executed when it mattered most.”
The loss to the Wolfpack was not only a bitter pill to swallow for the Orange but also highlighted the competitive nature of the ACC. Syracuse had an incredible opportunity to take home a monumental road win, but the nature of the game, especially its extended overtimes, left the team and its supporters with a sense of disbelief.
Syracuse’s heartbreaking loss, however, doesn’t overshadow the incredible effort put forth by both teams. It was a battle of willpower, and while the result wasn’t in Syracuse’s favor, their performance will be remembered as one of the most thrilling and competitive games of the season.
For Syracuse fans, this loss stings, but the Orange will look to regroup and move forward, with their eyes set on the next challenge. The road ahead is still filled with opportunities to prove themselves, and while this defeat was tough, the heart and determination shown in this unforgettable 8-overtime thriller can only propel the team forward.
It was the kind of game that no one could have predicted. Syracuse Orange and NC State Wolfpack were locked in a relentless battle that would stretch beyond the normal limits of time. After four quarters, the score was deadlocked at 15-15, forcing the game into overtime.
First Four Overtimes:
Both teams were exhausted but determined. Back and forth they went, both teams scoring and answering, neither willing to concede.
The stadium buzzed with anticipation as the score kept climbing, yet neither team could edge out the other, and it was clear this game was far from over. Each overtime felt like a fresh start, but the tension only mounted with every passing minute.
Overtime 5-7:
By the fifth overtime, fatigue was setting in, but both teams were playing with sheer willpower. NC State's Grayson McCall had led his team with impressive passing yards, while Syracuse's offense, led by Kyle McCord, kept up the fight. The score stayed tight through overtime 6 and 7. NC State’s defense couldn’t quite stop Syracuse’s strong passing attack, but Syracuse’s defense couldn’t answer NC State's resilience either.
Overtime 8: The Final Breakthrough
After seven grueling overtimes, the game finally reached its breaking point. In the eighth overtime, NC State’s McCallthrew a flawless pass that found the end zone, securing a touchdown. Syracuse had one final chance to answer, but after a failed conversion attempt, the Wolfpack emerged victorious.
Final Score: NC State 38 – Syracuse 36 (8 OTs)
The crowd erupted as NC State’s players fell to their knees in disbelief. It was a game that had stretched the limits of endurance, leaving both teams battered but proud. A game that would be remembered as one of the longest and most thrilling in college football history.