Syracuse coach Fran Brown and Washington State acting coach Pete Kaligis shared an emotional hug after their Holiday Bowl press conference on Thursday. Kaligis surely needed that support, as he faces a tough situation with his team.
No. 22 Syracuse (9-3, No. 21 CFP), led by national passing leader Kyle McCord, is a 17-point favorite for Friday night’s Holiday Bowl against the struggling Cougars (8-4). Washington State’s season has taken a sharp turn since mid-November.
After a 29-26 win over future Pac-12 opponent San Diego State on Oct. 26, the Cougars were 7-1 and close to being ranked in The Associated Press Top 25. But now, the team looks much different.
Coach Jake Dickert left for Wake Forest, quarterback John Mateer transferred to Oklahoma, and running back Wayshawn Parker moved to Utah. Many coaches, including the offensive and defensive coordinators, are gone, and more than 20 players have entered the transfer portal.
The Cougars, who have lost their last three games, show how quickly things can change in college football.
“Going into the ins-and-outs of the game tomorrow doesn’t matter,” Kaligis said. “We are who we are, we have what we have. I know that’s for both of us.”
Kaligis also confirmed that players who entered the portal after Dickert’s departure will still play in the game. “I know we came here with 98 guys. That’s who we’re going to show up on the field with.”
