The Hurricanes had a chance to score the game-tying touchdown in the game’s final minutes, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty backed them up.

Despite racing to an early 21-0 lead in the regular-season finale, quarterback Cam Ward and the Miami Hurricanes were knocked out of contention for the ACC title game Saturday, falling 42-38 at the Syracuse Orange.

The ‘Canes’ College Football Playoff hopes also may have been dashed in the shootout, in which the teams combined for more than 980 yards and 51 first downs.