Syracuse Football: Five 'Cuse players who delivered in victory over Ohio at the Dome

After a slow start with zero points in the first quarter, Syracuse football turned on the gas and ignited their offense. The Orange put up 38 points in a win over Ohio on Saturday at the JMA Wireless Dome, showing how much of a balanced attack they have.

Syracuse football still had to be careful in the 4th quarter, as Ohio had multiple chances to make it a one-possession game late. Ultimately, the SU defense held its ground, making sure the offensive showcase didn't get put to waste.

While there was a handful of Syracuse football players who made their mark, a few stood out even more at the end of the game.

Five Syracuse football players who delivered in the Dome win against Ohio in week one.

1. Kyle McCord

All offseason, the hype around former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord was off the charts. The naysayers said he wouldn't be able to put up the same numbers with Syracuse that he did with the Buckeyes.

While Ohio isn't necessarily Big Ten competition, McCord threaded the Bobcats' defense, falling just short of the 10th most passing yards in a single game in Syracuse football history.

Despite a slow start after going three-and-out on his first offensive possession, McCord didn't mess around after that, throwing for 354 yards and 4 touchdowns, completing 27-of-39 passes. His lone interception might as well have been a punt, as it happened on third down and pinned Ohio deep in its own territory.

Two throws stood out a bit more - both deep balls, to Zeed Haynes and Jackson Meeks. McCord also showed a unique connection with Trebor Pena, with half of his TD passes going to the Cuse speedster.

Of course, all-star tight end Oronde Gadsden II was McCord's favorite target, leading the way with seven catches and over a hundred yards. Which leads us to our next player of note.

2. Oronde Gadsden II

Last season was cut short for Gadsden, who missed most of it after suffering a season-ending injury.

If you doubted his ability to come back stronger than ever, you have some reason to trust again. Gadsden hauled in seven receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown, which just happened to put Syracuse football on the scoreboard for the first time all season.

It wasn't just the passing game where Gadsden took over. He helped out on blocks, and his presence opened up the field for other receivers and the running game.

Gadsden will put up numbers because he's a wide receiver in a tight end's body. But he also opens up the offense to reach its peak. A healthy Gadsden makes for a very scary Syracuse football team.

3. Trebor Pena

Speaking about players who open everything up on offense, Pena can practically do everything on offense.

The speedy receiver was on the receiving end of two of McCord's touchdown tosses, but also rushed it in on 4th & 1 as the Orange really opened up the playbook to get into the end zone.

While Pena is primarily a receiver - he caught six passes for 78 yards - he also adds depth to the ground game. Kyle McCord can escape when needed, but he isn't Garrett Schrader. Pena makes up for that in the rushing attack, allowing for some trickery between the hashes and a (fast) change of pace.

The one-two punch of Pena and Gadsden is the perfect way to let the rest of Syracuse's more traditional receivers get to work.

4. LeQuint Allen Jr.

Sticking with the offense here, the SU starting running back didn't shy away from putting up numbers himself. Allen rushed 15 times for 98 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry.

In the receiving game, Allen had a nice one-handed grab for a touchdown to open the second half, which was one of four catches for 24 yards.

The 2024 Syracuse football offense is full of players who are more than one-trick ponies. Like Pena and Gadsden, Allen isn't just a running back. He helps out in the receiving game - and more than just out in the flat. McCord has an awesome safety blanket, because with Allen, it's anything but safe. He's going to go out and make plays, like he did on Saturday against Ohio, going for well over 100 yards from scrimmage.

5. Fadil Diggs

Don't worry, I didn't forget about the defense! Texas A&M transfer Fadil Diggs also didn't forget how to make an impact with his new team.

Diggs found his way to a pair of sacks, part of FOUR tackles for loss, and eight total tackles, which were the second most of anyone on the Orange defense.

On an evening when the Syracuse defense didn't put forth the best game, Diggs starred. And with star linebacker Marlowe Wax Jr. leaving on crutches and potentially missing a few games, Diggs showed that Syracuse can be just fine while Wax rests up to *hopefully* return.

The Orange got a really good one in the transfer portal.