Carson Beck hits 10,000 yards, catches TD as Miami blasts Syracuse 38-10

It’s not every day a quarterback catches a touchdown pass — let alone while crossing a 10,000-yard milestone. But on November 8, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Carson Beck did just that, leading the University of Miami Hurricanes to a dominant 38-10 win over the Syracuse Orange. The game, which kicked off at 3:30 p.m. EST and ended just before 8 p.m., wasn’t just another ACC win — it was a statement. Miami improved to 7-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play, while Syracuse dropped to 3-7 and 1-6, extending their losing streak to seven games and all but ending their bowl hopes.

A Rare Feat in College Football History

Carson Beck, Miami’s starting quarterback, entered the game needing just 87 yards to reach 10,000 career passing yards. He finished with 214, hitting the mark on a 14-yard strike to tight end Jalen Wilkerson in the third quarter. But the real shocker came later. With Miami leading 24-3, Beck lined up in the wildcat formation — a trick play Miami had practiced for weeks. The snap went to running back Will Nixon, who faked a handoff and flipped the ball backward to Beck, who stepped up and fired a 7-yard TD pass to himself — yes, himself — as the defense bit on the fake. The crowd erupted. The stat sheet blinked. And history was made.

Beck became the first quarterback in NCAA FBS history to both throw and catch a touchdown pass in the same game while surpassing 10,000 career passing yards. The feat, while technically legal, is so rare it’s rarely even attempted. "You don’t script that," said Miami offensive coordinator Marcus Johnson afterward. "We ran it once in practice. We ran it once in the game. And it worked. That’s college football."

Defensive Turnover Seals the Deal

The game’s momentum shifted in the third quarter, not with a big pass, but with a strip. With Syracuse driving at their own 42-yard line, quarterback Anthony McCloud was hit hard by linebacker Aake Mezador (No. 3), who punched the ball free. In the ensuing pile, safety Jacobe Thomas and Mezador both clawed at the ball — Mezador finally yanking it free. The recovery, confirmed by replay at the 527-second mark of the broadcast, gave Miami the ball at the Syracuse 35.

On the next play, Will Nixon took a handoff, cut left, broke two tackles, and sprinted 23 yards for a touchdown. The score ballooned Miami’s lead to 24-3, and the Orange never recovered. "That play? That’s what we drill every Tuesday," said Miami defensive coordinator Darrell Wilson. "Strip, fight, recover. It’s not glamorous. But it wins games."

Offensive Line Magic — And a Backward Pass

Miami’s offensive line, often overlooked, played a starring role. Guard Francis Mauigoa — a 6’5", 320-pound anchor — was involved in one of the game’s most unusual scoring plays. On a trick play from the 1-yard line, Mauigoa took a direct snap, rolled right, and fired a backward pass to quarterback Beck, who then tossed a quick slant to wide receiver Jalen Wilkerson for the touchdown. It was the first time Mauigoa had ever thrown a pass in a college game. "I’ve thrown a few in the backyard with my little brother," he joked afterward. "Never thought I’d do it in front of 65,000 people."

Syracuse’s Season Crumbles

For Syracuse, the loss was more than a defeat — it was the final nail. They’ve now lost six straight ACC games, and their 1-6 conference record leaves them 15th out of 16 teams. With only two games left — against Boston College and Florida State — their postseason hopes are dead. Head coach Fran Brown called it "a season of missed opportunities," citing turnovers, poor third-down efficiency, and a defense that couldn’t stop Miami’s balanced attack. "We didn’t match their intensity," Brown said. "And when you don’t, you get run over."

Where Miami Stands Now

Miami’s win moves them into seventh place in the ACC standings — just one game behind the leaders: Georgia Tech (8-1), Virginia (8-2), Pittsburgh (7-2), and SMU (7-3). With six games left, they’re still in the hunt for a New Year’s Six bowl bid — and possibly a spot in the ACC Championship Game. Their next test: a road game against No. 12 Louisville on November 15. "We’re not satisfied," said Beck. "We’ve got work to do. But this? This was a good start."

What This Means for the ACC

The ACC is wide open. Five teams are tied at 5-1 in conference play, and the race for the title is anyone’s game. Miami’s win over a struggling Syracuse team doesn’t move them into the top tier — but it shows they’re capable of beating anyone on a good day. Meanwhile, Syracuse’s collapse has raised questions about their program’s direction. With only one win in their last seven games, the Orange are looking at a long offseason — and possibly a coaching change.