This was McNeese State's 2nd Southland Conference title in three years.
McNeese State retaliated with a Chad Millet touchdown run to make it 10–7 going into the fourth quarter.
A 15 play, 73 yard drive culminated with an Art Monk touchdown catch from Bill Hurley.
Tom Matichak made it 31–7 on a touchdown run of his own to seal off the scoring and give the Orangement the win.
Joe Morris ran for 155 yards on 33 carries for Syracuse in their first bowl win since 1961.