Fri Sep 20 11:38:54 UTC 2024: ## Syracuse’s McCord Thrives in New Home, Finding Freedom and Success
**Syracuse, NY** – After a successful but ultimately frustrating season at Ohio State, quarterback Kyle McCord has found a new home and a new level of confidence at Syracuse. Under first-year head coach Fran Brown, McCord is playing with a newfound freedom and passion, leading the Orange to a 2-0 start.
McCord’s journey to Syracuse is a story of familiar faces and a coach’s unwavering belief. Brown, a former defensive backs coach at Georgia, was determined to bring McCord to Syracuse, citing a deep personal connection and a shared vision for success. The two, who had known each other since McCord was a child, shared a Jersey background and a belief in McCord’s potential.
“I told him the truth,” Brown said. “I said, ‘Kyle, I need you to come play for me. I won’t have all these things, but what I’m going to do is care about you more than any football coach has ever cared about you.'”
McCord has responded with a dazzling start. He’s thrown for 735 yards, eight touchdowns, and just one interception, completing 69% of his passes. His ability to make plays with his legs, as evidenced by a highlight-reel spike after a third-down scramble against Georgia Tech, has added another dimension to his game.
“It feels like high school football all over again,” McCord said. “I feel like when you get to that mindset, it just allows you to have a lot of confidence in yourself and just play, almost subconsciously.”
The success of the Syracuse offense, currently ranked third in the ACC, is a testament to the strong bond between McCord and his coaches. McCord credits the offensive coordinator, Jeff Nixon, for building a rapport that allows them to read the game the same way.
“It’s how you know you’re on the same page as the offensive coordinator and that you’re seeing it the same way and have the same feel of the game,” McCord said.
McCord’s father, Derek, is thrilled to see his son thriving in a supportive environment. “I’ve been telling people I’m pinching myself these first two weeks,” he said. “It’s just great to see him playing at a high level, like I knew he had the potential to.”
While the season is still young, the early signs are promising. McCord’s ability to play with confidence and freedom, combined with the strong supporting cast in Syracuse, makes the Orange a team to watch in the ACC. And as McCord himself said, “The Syracuse offense hasn’t even scratched the surface yet.”
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