Stanford football achieved a thrilling victory over Syracuse at The Dome on Friday, clinching a 26-24 win in the final moments of the game. Senior kicker Emmet Kenney was the hero, securing a game-winning 39-yard field goal with seconds left on the clock. This win marks a pivotal moment in Stanford’s season as they improve to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the ACC, while Syracuse drops to 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the conference.
Emmet Kenney’s Heroics Seal the Win
The night belonged to Stanford kicker Emmet Kenney, who went a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals, including a 51-yard bomb. His clutch 39-yard field goal with three seconds left capped off a dramatic comeback, giving the Cardinal their first-ever ACC victory. Kenney’s consistent kicking was instrumental, and his performance under pressure elevated Stanford’s chances throughout the contest.
Game Recap: A Battle from Start to Finish
Stanford and Syracuse traded blows throughout the game, with neither team pulling ahead by more than ten points. Stanford took an early lead and maintained it until halftime, but Syracuse fought back fiercely in the second half.
First Half: Early Stanford Dominance
Stanford opened the game with a 17-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Ashton Daniels to wide receiver Elic Ayomanor. The Cardinal’s 7-0 lead was quickly extended after Kenney’s first field goal, putting them ahead 10-0 early in the second quarter.
Syracuse responded with a field goal of their own after a critical interception by Devin Grant, which positioned the Orange in Stanford’s territory. Despite this, the Cardinal defense held Syracuse to a field goal, preserving their lead.
A key moment in the first half came when Stanford running back Chris Davis Jr. bolted for a 47-yard gain, setting up Kenney’s 51-yard field goal that extended the lead to 13-3. However, Syracuse struck back just before halftime, with quarterback Kyle McCord connecting on a 67-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Umari Hatcher, cutting the deficit to 13-10.
Second Half: A Defensive Showdown
The second half saw both teams’ defenses make crucial plays. Early in the third quarter, McCord threw an interception to Stanford senior safety Mitch Leigber, who returned it 71 yards for a pick-six, increasing Stanford’s lead to 20-10. However, Syracuse quickly answered with a nine-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a McCord touchdown run, bringing the score to 20-17 at the end of the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Stanford’s Grit and Kenney’s Clutch Play
The fourth quarter was filled with tension, as both teams traded punts and struggled to gain an edge. Stanford’s defense came up big again when safety Jay Green intercepted a pass, setting up another field goal by Kenney, extending the lead to 23-17.
Syracuse mounted a final comeback drive with McCord leading a seven-play, 60-yard march down the field. His 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jackson Meeks gave Syracuse their first lead of the game, 24-23, with just over three minutes remaining.
Stanford’s Final Drive
Stanford took possession with just over three minutes on the clock, starting from their own 25-yard line. The pressure was on, but freshman running back Micah Ford provided a spark with a 10-yard run on third-and-two to keep the drive alive. However, a holding penalty threatened to derail the drive, backing Stanford into a second-and-20 situation from their own 44-yard line.
Daniels, showing poise, connected with Ayomanor for 11 yards, and then on a crucial fourth-and-nine, he found Ayomanor again for a 27-yard completion, putting Stanford well within field goal range. After centering the ball, Stanford called a timeout with three seconds left on the clock, setting the stage for Kenney’s game-winning kick.
Despite a false start penalty that pushed the attempt back five yards, Kenney calmly nailed the 39-yard field goal, securing the dramatic 26-24 victory.
Key Performers: Offensive and Defensive Standouts
Emmet Kenney’s Perfect Day
The most crucial factor in Stanford’s victory was Emmet Kenney’s perfect kicking performance. Kenney hit all four of his field goals, including two from long range (38 and 51 yards). His calm under pressure was remarkable, especially on the game-winning kick after a last-minute penalty.
Elic Ayomanor’s Offensive Impact
Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Elic Ayomanor played a critical role, catching seven passes for 87 yards and a touchdown. His one-handed catch for Stanford’s first score set the tone early, and his clutch fourth-down reception in the final moments was pivotal in setting up Kenney’s winning field goal.
Defensive Heroes: Leigber and Green
On defense, Stanford senior safety Mitch Leigber’s pick-six was a turning point, giving Stanford a two-score lead in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Jay Green’s late interception in the fourth quarter prevented Syracuse from extending their lead, setting up a crucial Stanford field goal.
Quarterbacks’ Tale: Daniels vs. McCord
While Stanford’s Ashton Daniels managed the game effectively, completing 23-of-38 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, Syracuse’s Kyle McCord outpaced him statistically with 339 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
McCord’s passing kept Syracuse in the game, especially his deep connection with Hatcher for a 67-yard touchdown. However, McCord’s two interceptions—including the pick-six to Leigber—ultimately hurt Syracuse’s chances of pulling off a victory.
Impact on Stanford’s Season
This win is monumental for Stanford, not just for the victory itself, but for what it represents as the program moves forward. Head coach Troy Taylor’s squad showed resilience, executing under pressure and proving their ability to compete in the ACC.
For a team that struggled in recent years, this performance showcased significant improvements on both sides of the ball. The offense, while still finding its rhythm, made plays when it mattered most, and the defense delivered critical stops, turnovers, and even a score. Special teams, often an afterthought, also played a huge role, with Kenney’s perfect night being the difference-maker.
Defensive Turnaround
Stanford’s defense deserves special mention. In past seasons, this unit was plagued by inconsistency, allowing big plays and failing to force turnovers. In contrast, against Syracuse, Stanford’s defense came up with two interceptions, including a game-changing pick-six, and consistently put pressure on McCord. This defensive turnaround has been essential to Stanford’s early-season success.
Looking Ahead: A Tough Road Test at Clemson
Next up for Stanford is a major challenge—a road game against No. 21 Clemson on Saturday, September 28. This game will be a litmus test for how far the Cardinal have come under coach Taylor. A victory would put Stanford firmly on the map in the ACC and bolster their chances of a successful season.
Clemson’s stout defense and potent offense will provide a significant challenge, but Stanford can enter the game with confidence, knowing that they are capable of competing and winning against tough competition on the road.
Conclusion: A Statement Win for Stanford Football
Stanford’s 26-24 victory over Syracuse at The Dome was a statement win for the program, signaling a potential resurgence under head coach Troy Taylor. Emmet Kenney’s clutch kicking and a strong defensive showing were the keys to victory, proving that Stanford can win in all three phases of the game.
This win not only boosts Stanford’s confidence but also places them in a solid position as they prepare for the tough road ahead in the ACC. If they can continue to show the same grit and resilience displayed in this game, Stanford football may have more surprises in store this season.
