3. Both teams combined for 42 points in the fourth quarter
After a slow start to the game, both teams exploded in the fourth quarter going back and forth, exchanging scores that ended in a thrilling finish. Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader struggled in the first half, completing just four passes for 35 yards. He was much better in the second half, completing nine passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns.
The Orange scored 22 fourth-quarter touchdowns despite its best offensive player, Sean Tucker, being held in check for most of the game. Tucker had just 42 yards rushing and 2.3 yards per rush attempt. Schrader had the better rushing day with 89 yards on the ground.
The Boilermakers were without running back King Doerue, who was nursing a calf injury. Doerue’s injury put the game on Aidan O’Connell. The former walk-on quarterback responded by throwing for 424 yards and three touchdowns. The Boilermakers needed every one of those yards because they could not run the football.
Iowa transfer Charlie Jones has paid enormous dividends for the Boilermakers. Jones had 188 yards receiving, including a 55-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for the Boilermakers, they could not hold the lead at the end of the game.