ES 
NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Kyle McCord, Syracuse Welcome Stanford to ACC
Stanford will make its Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) debut on Friday night when it visits Syracuse, led by standout quarterback Kyle McCord. After decades in the Pac-12, Stanford (1-1, 0-0 ACC) is now part of the newly expanded ACC, which includes 17 teams following the additions of Stanford, Cal, and SMU.
Syracuse (2-0, 1-0 ACC) enters the matchup on a high note after a thrilling 31-28 victory over No. 23 Georgia Tech. Quarterback Kyle McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, has been instrumental in the Orange’s success this season. In the win over Georgia Tech, McCord threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns, pushing his season total to 735 passing yards and eight touchdown passes in just two games.
“I’m very thankful, of course, and the team is thankful to have him as our quarterback,” Syracuse coach Fran Brown said of McCord’s impressive start. McCord has quickly become the centerpiece of the Orange offense, showing poise and precision in his new system.
Stanford’s Fresh ACC Start
Stanford, meanwhile, is coming off a dominant 41-7 win over FCS opponent Cal Poly. Quarterbacks Ashton Daniels and Elijah Brown combined to go 26-of-30 for 318 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. The Cardinal’s offensive depth was on full display, and Stanford coach Troy Taylor is optimistic about Daniels’ growth.
“So much of a quarterback is just experience and knowing what to expect, and he just continues to grow in that area,” Taylor said. “He’s a dynamic runner, he’s a physical runner, and he gives us a chance to win.”
This will be Stanford’s first game in ACC play, making it a historic occasion for the program as they transition from the Pac-12 to the competitive ACC. For Daniels, this game marks an opportunity to make a statement against a tough conference opponent.
Special Teams: A Key Factor
Special teams could play a pivotal role in this game. Stanford showcased its versatility in that area last week by returning a punt for a touchdown, blocking a field goal, and successfully executing a fake punt. The Cardinal’s ability to create momentum through special teams could be a critical advantage as they look to upset Syracuse on the road.
In contrast, Syracuse struggled with special teams in their matchup against Georgia Tech. The Orange had both a punt and a field goal blocked, and they failed to recover an onside kick late in the game. Stanford cornerback Collin Wright, who also contributed an interception in the win over Cal Poly, knows the value of those momentum-changing plays.
“Those things are momentum changers,” Wright said, emphasizing the importance of special teams as the game’s potential X-factor.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Kyle McCord vs. Stanford’s Secondary: McCord has quickly settled into Syracuse’s system, and his deep ball has been a major weapon. With eight touchdowns already, he’ll test a Stanford defense that looked solid against Cal Poly but will face a significant upgrade in competition.
- Stanford’s Ground Game vs. Syracuse’s Front Seven: Stanford will rely on Ashton Daniels’ dual-threat capabilities. As he continues to develop, his ability to use his legs as well as his arm could pose problems for the Syracuse defense.
- Special Teams Battle: Syracuse needs to clean up its special teams errors to avoid giving Stanford extra opportunities. On the other hand, Stanford will look to repeat its success from last week in this area.
First-Ever Meeting Between the Teams
This game marks the first-ever meeting between Stanford and Syracuse. While Stanford aims to make a strong impression in its ACC debut, Syracuse will look to maintain its early season momentum and continue thriving under McCord’s leadership.
With both teams seeking to establish themselves early in the season, this Friday night showdown promises to set the tone for the rest of their campaigns.
