Syracuse Football: Where Orange players rank nationally in statistical categories

Syracuse football sits at 4-1 after a road win over then-No. 25 UNLV last Friday night in Las Vegas.

That thrilling three-point overtime triumph marked the second instance in the 2024 season when the Orange defeated an opponent that, at the time of their meeting, was ranked in the major top-25 polls.

In the latest Associated Press and Coaches polls that were released on Sunday afternoon, the 'Cuse did receive at least one vote in each poll. Candidly, I didn't think that Syracuse football would reside in the top-25 polls after week six.

However, the Orange travels to N.C. State this coming Saturday and then newly minted top-25 Pittsburgh (5-0) later this month. Should the 'Cuse prevail in both of those road encounters, Syracuse football might merit more consideration in the major polls.

Regardless, the most important thing for head coach Fran Brown and his program is to just continue winning in the 2024 season. If they do that, the national rankings will come.

Let's review where Syracuse football players arrive nationally in various statistical categories.

Note: the stats cited below come courtesy of the NCAA's Web site following week six.

Senior quarterback Kyle McCord

No. 4 in total passing yards, at 1,814 (all the guys ahead of him have played in six games, not five like McCord)
No. 2 in passing yards per game, at 362.80
No. 2 in passing touchdowns, at 17
No. 1 in completions per game, at 30.80
Tied for No. 4 in total points responsible for, at 108
Tied for No. 4 in points responsible for per game, at 21.6

Junior running back LeQuint Allen Jr.
No. 35 in all-purpose yards per game, at 116.80
Tied for No. 38 in receptions per game, at 5.8
Tied for No. 30 in total touchdowns, at 6

Redshirt junior wide receiver Trebor Pena
Tied for No. 14 in receptions per game, at 6.8
No. 50 in total receiving yards, at 383
Tied for No. 13 in total receiving touchdowns, at 5

Senior wide receiver Jackson Meeks
Tied for No. 48 in receptions per game, at 5.4

Redshirt junior wide receiver Umari Hatcher
No. 49 in yards per reception, at 18.17

Senior edge Fadil Diggs
Tied for No. 11 in tackles for a loss per game, at 1.6
Tied for No. 22 in sacks per game, at .80

Senior defensive back Clarence Lewis
Tied for No. 21 in passes defended per game, at 1.2