Have we ever had a more impactful player than Kyle McCord?

[RF2044]

Single handedly, the guy transformed our entire season. Our entire ability to dominate offensively was predicated upon his capabilities.

Freeney in 2001 maybe? I think you could make a case for Dungey in the 2018 season, due to his heroics.

But man -- McCord was a unicorn. I don't think we'll ever have another portal transfer on par with this kid. And hats off to the skilled players -- Pena, Meeks, Gadsden, Allen, and even Gill / Justice-Ross -- they made plays all freaking year for him.

 

[CIL]

I’d hate to see those late 90’s teams without #5.

 

[anglerman]

I’d hate to see those late 90’s teams without #5.

McCord is a much better player than Donovan was at this level. I predict that he excels at the next level as well despite what the so called experts say.

 

[FrancoPizza]

I’d hate to see those late 90’s teams without #5.

We saw what they could do without him in 1999. It wasn’t a total disaster.

Now take #6 off this team and I’m not sure they win a single game. I am serious. Maybe they eek a win out someplace by sheer luck. Even holy cross was putting up points on this defense. This was the worst defense I have ever seen and that includes the Gerg years.

But that scenario assumes Kyle had some type of season ending injury in preseason camp. A more likely hypothetical is what if Kyle didn’t come here and Fran finds another portal QB… which would be impossible to prognosticate… but even if cam ward was here I don’t think his skill set gets us to 10 wins.

 

[Newhouser]

He is the best thrower of the football by quite a wide margin. Not sure on most "impactful" but I could argue it both ways. His value and impact will grow if we don't have him next year.

 

[MamesJungro]

McCord is a much better player than Donovan was at this level. I predict that he excels at the next level as well despite what the so called experts say.

Cmon man...McNabb was a generational talent. Much better??

 

[swish7]

Single handedly, the guy transformed our entire season. Our entire ability to dominate offensively was predicated upon his capabilities.

Freeney in 2001 maybe? I think you could make a case for Dungey in the 2018 season, due to his heroics.

But man -- McCord was a unicorn. I don't think we'll ever have another portal transfer on par with this kid. And hats off to the skilled players -- Pena, Meeks, Gadsden, Allen, and even Gill / Justice-Ross -- they made plays all freaking year for him.

Good list.

1a - Kyle
1b - Freeney - remains one of SUs more enjoyable seasons
2 - McPherson
3 - Dungey
4 - McNabb
5 - Quadry Ismail maybe?

 

[money3189]

We saw what they could do without him in 1999. It wasn’t a total disaster.

Now take #6 off this team and I’m not sure they win a single game. I am serious. Maybe they eek a win out someplace by sheer luck. Even holy cross was putting up points on this defense. This was the worst defense I have ever seen and that includes the Gerg years.

But that scenario assumes Kyle had some type of season ending injury in preseason camp. A more likely hypothetical is what if Kyle didn’t come here and Fran finds another portal QB… which would be impossible to prognosticate… but even if cam ward was here I don’t think his skill set gets us to 10 wins.

McCord was the perfect transfer QB for this new staff. He exceeded expectations. Its hard to say how many wins we would have with another transfer QB ( not knowing who they would have gotten). We would have won some games but not 10. The defense was wildly inconsistent but nothing close to the worst Ive seen at SU

 

[money3189]

Cmon man...McNabb was a generational talent. Much better??

Yup different era, different schemes. McNabb playing today would look like Lenorris Sellars and he is only a redshirt freshman.

 

[Millhouse]

I’d hate to see those late 90’s teams without #5.

i think they would've been alright with downing.

is this a 2 win team with whoever the backup is?

mcnabb was better but part of mccord's impact is about the alternative

mccord's season was way better because they used his talents more

guy who stands there chucking it doesn't throw up

 

[cayugacuse]

Good list.

1a - Kyle
1b - Freeney - remains one of SUs more enjoyable seasons
2 - McPherson
3 - Dungey
4 - McNabb
5 - Quadry Ismail maybe?

I would add Dan Conley to the list and the 44's.

 

[Jeremy L.]

I’m 33. Granted the game is different now than it was in the 90s, Kyle is the only QB I’ve ever known besides Nassib and McNabb that could roll out of bed and spin it for 350 every game. He’d torch every Syracuse record in two seasons.

I don’t care if he’s not playing B10 competition like OSU fans keep barking about. Still need to put the stats up. He’s unbelievable

 

[dollarbill44]

Good list.

1a - Kyle
1b - Freeney - remains one of SUs more enjoyable seasons
2 - McPherson
3 - Dungey
4 - McNabb
5 - Quadry Ismail maybe?

Dungey over McNabb is recency bias to a high degree. I guess people forget just how good McNabb was at SU.
And Qadry? He was fun to watch, for sure, but putting him above all of the great players that have played here is nuts. Even the QB he played with was much more impactful.

 

[Archimedes]

Donnie was so much better than Kyle. Better numbers, a better arm and much better running.

Donnie threw 250 passes his senior year. Kyle threw 558. Because of that, Donnie's 22 TDs looks very good vs. Kyle's 29 TDs.

Donnie has the higher yards p/a and a lower int %. He was more dangerous outside the pocket and could extend plays (Kyle has one move to evade rushers -- he spins backwards to his left).

Donnie rushed for 438 yards and 8 TDs his senior season compared to -58 and 3 for Kyle.

I agree Kyle may have a greater impact but that says more about the state of the program at the time. It's not close.

 

[swish7]

Dungey over McNabb is recency bias to a high degree. I guess people forget just how good McNabb was at SU.
And Qadry? He was fun to watch, for sure, but putting him above all of the great players that have played here is nuts. Even the QB he played with was much more impactful.

Here we go. Its an internet showdown!

 

[Millhouse]

I’m 33. Granted the game is different now than it was in the 90s, Kyle is the only QB I’ve ever known besides Nassib and McNabb that could roll out of bed and spin it for 350 every game. He’d torch every Syracuse record in two seasons.

I don’t care if he’s not playing B10 competition like OSU fans keep barking about. Still need to put the stats up. He’s unbelievable

i doubt mcnabb ever came close to 350.

 

[swish7]

Donnie was so much better than Kyle. Better numbers, a better arm and much better running.

Donnie threw 250 passes his senior year. Kyle threw 558. Because of that, Donnie's 22 TDs looks very good vs. Kyle's 29 TDs.

Donnie has the higher yards p/a and a lower int %. He was more dangerous outside the pocket and could extend plays (Kyle has one move to evade rushers -- he spins backwards to his left. Donnie had about 20 moves).

Donnie rushed for 438 yards and 8 TDs his senior season compared to -58 and 3 for Kyle.

I agree Kyle may have a greater impact but that says more about the state of the program at the time. It's not close. Donnie is better.

10 wins

Kyle would be playing in the CFP w 13ish wins if he had McNabbs defense

 

[Millhouse]

Donnie was so much better than Kyle. Better numbers, a better arm and much better running.

Donnie threw 250 passes his senior year. Kyle threw 558. Because of that, Donnie's 22 TDs looks very good vs. Kyle's 29 TDs.

Donnie has the higher yards p/a and a lower int %. He was more dangerous outside the pocket and could extend plays (Kyle has one move to evade rushers -- he spins backwards to his left. Donnie had about 20 moves).

Donnie rushed for 438 yards and 8 TDs his senior season compared to -58 and 3 for Kyle.

I agree Kyle may have a greater impact but that says more about the state of the program at the time. It's not close. Donnie is better.

let's hope that syracuse continues to realize that throwing is better if you're any good at it

 

[Nick44]

Freeney. Carried them to 10 wins from DE position in 2001.

 

[Archimedes]

let's hope that syracuse continues to realize that throwing is better if you're any good at it

George ran his offense no matter who played QB. The number of attempts say nothing about Donnie's passing skills.

 

[Millhouse]

George ran his offense no matter who played QB. The number of attempts say nothing about Donnie's passing skills.

Yes, I agree - that is my point. it was my point all year about mccord being pretty good (until the last three where he was better than mcnabb ever dreamed)

 

[swish7]

Kyle ties for 26th all time single season passing yards. Crazy to think he is like 1,200 yards away from the #1 spot.

 

[money3189]

Freeney. Carried them to 10 wins from DE position in 2001.

This would be my vote. That team didnt have a lot and he flipped the field so many times

 

[anglerman]

Cmon man...McNabb was a generational talent. Much better??

Yes he’s much better. In my view he’s an elite talent and generational talent. His numbers destroy McNabb. My eyes are not lying to me

 

[OCESIP]

JIM BROWN!!