The Orange won’t have a late change in opponent
To any Syracuse Orange football fans still deciding on Holiday plans: there’s one part you don’t have to worry about.
The Holiday Bowl between SU and Washington State is still on as originally scheduled. There has been some concern that the Cougars, who have lost 22 players to the transfer portal along with the bulk of their coaching staff, could follow the path of Marshall and choose to opt-out of postseason play late.
Both Holiday Bowl staff and Wazzu’s Athletic Director have reaffirmed that the game will proceed as planned:
Just hopped off the phone with Mark Neville, the executive director of The Holiday Bowl: He says he spoke to Washington State this morning and WSU is still committed to play. It’s his understanding the remaining players on the team are excited, no contingency plans at this time
— chris carlson (@ccarlsononSU) December 18, 2024
WSU AD Anne McCoy says the Cougars will not be opting out of the Holiday Bowl, even with head coach Jake Dickert leaving and 22 players in the transfer portal.
“We’re in. We’re 100% in.”
— Greg Woods (@GregWWoods) December 18, 2024
I spoke with John Wildhack tonight at the Club DART Party downtown. He put any concerns to rest about the Holiday Bowl. Syracuse will play Washington State next Friday in San Diego – there will be no change in spite of everything the Cougars’ program is going through right now. pic.twitter.com/IejNE38gSf
— Steve Infanti (@SteveInfantiNC9) December 19, 2024
Several Wazzu players have also posted that they will still be playing in San Diego:
HOLIDAY BOWL 5pm… COUGS WILL BE THERE #NOUGHSAID
— KT (@KyleThornton52) December 19, 2024
My WSU career w/ coaches (2019-2024)
Head Coaches: 3
Special Team Coaches: 4Undergraduate degree and Masters in Business!
Stayed through all the ups and downs. Love this school and love this town! Coug for life Can’t wait for Holiday Bowl! #GoCougs
— Dean Janikowski (@deanojanikowski) December 18, 2024
WSU assistant coach Pete Kaligis will take the reigns from Jake Dickert, who was recently hired by Wake Forest to replace the retiring Dave Clawson. The team is still down offensive and defensive coordinators, QB and RB coaches, starting quarterback John Mateer (who committed to Oklahoma), leading tackler Buddah Al-Uqdah, and more… but they will have enough guys to suit up for a 13th game.
On the other side, Kyle McCord will play for SU and many of his teammates are also expected to compete as well.
The game kicks off Friday, December 27th at 8pm EST and will be televised nationally on FOX.