Quarterback Carson Beck did it all — including catching a touchdown pass — as No. 18 Miami used a flurry of creative plays and a stifling defense to power past Syracuse 38-10 on Saturday, taking the first step toward reviving its College Football Playoff hopes.
Beck, who eclipsed the 10,000-yard passing mark for his college career, finished 18 of 24 for 247 yards and a touchdown through the air while also hauling in a 14-yard scoring pass from receiver Malachi Toney late in the first half to spark the Hurricanes’ offense.
After punting on their first four drives, Miami (7-2, 3-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) erupted for 24 points on their next 22 plays, completely flipping the momentum of the game.
That defense made sure Syracuse (3-7, 1-6 ACC) never stood a chance. The Hurricanes racked up six sacks and got a highlight moment from Keionte Scott, who returned an interception for a touchdown just 23 seconds after Beck’s receiving score to make it 14-0.
The Hurricanes kept the fireworks coming in the second half. Offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa turned a backward pass into a 2-yard rushing touchdown, bringing the crowd to its feet. Then Beck connected deep with Keelan Marion for a 61-yard touchdown midway through the third quarter — the play that officially pushed the veteran quarterback past 10,000 career passing yards.
Marion led all receivers with 116 yards, while Girard Pringle Jr. added a short touchdown run to cap off Miami’s scoring.
For Syracuse, the struggles continued. The Orange managed just 85 passing yards as quarterback Rickie Collins completed 12 of 25 attempts and was sacked six times. His lone highlight came late, when Elijah Washington-Baker hauled in a 17-yard touchdown with 21 seconds left to avoid a shutout.
The loss extended Syracuse’s losing streak to six games — its longest since dropping eight straight in 2020.
Miami’s win not only avenged last year’s stunning loss in the Carrier Dome, which derailed its ACC title and playoff hopes, but also put the Hurricanes firmly back in the mix heading into a critical November stretch.
Syracuse visits Notre Dame on Nov. 22. Miami hosts N.C. State on Nov. 15, continuing its push toward the ACC title picture.
