In a thrilling college football showdown, Stanford Cardinal kicker Emmet Kenney delivered a game-winning 45-yard field goal as time expired to secure a dramatic 27-24 victory over the Syracuse Orange. The nail-biting finish at Stanford Stadium on Saturday evening capped off a back-and-forth contest that saw both teams trade leads throughout the game, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Kenney’s heroics came after a well-executed drive by Stanford’s offense in the final minutes, and his calm under pressure earned him the spotlight in what was a statement win for the Cardinal early in the season.
Stanford’s Late Game Drive
With the game tied at 24-24 and just over two minutes left on the clock, Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels led the Cardinal on a crucial final drive. Starting from their own 20-yard line, Daniels orchestrated a series of short passes and crucial runs, eating up clock while advancing steadily down the field. A key 22-yard reception by wide receiver John Humphreys on a third-and-10 kept the drive alive and pushed the Cardinal into Syracuse territory.
As time wound down, Stanford running back Casey Filkins made several key rushes, allowing the Cardinal to position the ball well within field goal range. With three seconds remaining and the game on the line, Stanford called upon Kenney to clinch the win.
Emmet Kenney’s Moment of Glory
The pressure was immense, but Emmet Kenney remained poised. As the crowd hushed in anticipation, Kenney lined up for the 45-yard field goal attempt. The snap was perfect, the hold was clean, and Kenney’s kick sailed through the air. As the ball sailed between the uprights, the Stanford faithful erupted in celebration, while Syracuse players stood in disbelief.
Kenney’s game-winning kick not only secured a crucial victory but also solidified his reputation as a clutch performer. For Stanford, this was a significant win as they aim to make noise in the Pac-12 and improve upon last year’s struggles. Kenney, now a household name in the program, celebrated the moment with his teammates as the Cardinal moved to 2-0 on the season.
Syracuse’s Strong Performance
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Syracuse played an impressive game and showcased why they are a team to watch this season. Led by quarterback Garrett Shrader, the Orange offense gave Stanford’s defense all it could handle. Shrader threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 45 yards on the ground. His dual-threat ability kept the Cardinal defense on its toes, and he connected with wide receiver Oronde Gadsden II for several big plays, including a 50-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter that tied the game at 14-14.
Running back LeQuint Allen also had a solid performance for the Orange, rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown. Syracuse’s offense was efficient and balanced, keeping Stanford’s defense off-balance for much of the game.
Defensively, Syracuse put up a strong effort, forcing a turnover and keeping Stanford’s running game largely in check. However, in the end, they couldn’t stop Stanford’s final drive, which set up Kenney’s game-winning kick.
Key Moments in the Game
The game was a rollercoaster from the beginning, with momentum swings that left both teams feeling confident at different stages. Stanford struck first with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to tight end Benjamin Yurosek midway through the first quarter. Syracuse responded quickly with a touchdown drive of their own, capped off by LeQuint Allen’s 10-yard run into the end zone.
A pivotal moment came late in the third quarter when Stanford’s defense forced a fumble, leading to a quick score that gave the Cardinal a 24-17 lead. Syracuse answered back early in the fourth quarter when Shrader hit Gadsden for a short touchdown pass, tying the game at 24-24.
Stanford had opportunities to pull ahead earlier, but the Syracuse defense held firm, forcing punts and limiting big plays. However, the final drive proved too much for the Orange defense, as Daniels and Filkins methodically moved the ball into scoring position.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Stanford, this victory is a confidence booster early in the season. After a disappointing 2023 campaign, the Cardinal have started 2024 with renewed energy and purpose under head coach Troy Taylor. The win over Syracuse demonstrates that Stanford is capable of competing with strong programs and could be a contender in the Pac-12 if they continue to build on this performance.
Quarterback Ashton Daniels showed composure throughout the game, finishing with 260 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His ability to manage the game and lead his team on a crucial final drive bodes well for the Cardinal’s offensive prospects moving forward.
Syracuse, despite the loss, has a lot to take away from this game. Garrett Shrader’s leadership and playmaking abilities will be key for the Orange as they navigate a tough ACC schedule. The team showed resilience and fight, coming back from multiple deficits to stay in the game until the final whistle. Head coach Dino Babers can build on this effort as Syracuse looks to improve upon last season’s 7-6 record.
Conclusion
Emmet Kenney’s last-second field goal to lift Stanford over Syracuse was the defining moment of an exciting game that could shape the seasons for both teams. Stanford now heads into the next phase of the season with momentum, while Syracuse looks to regroup and focus on their upcoming conference play. With both teams showing flashes of brilliance, this matchup could be a harbinger of what’s to come in the 2024 college football season.