When No. 21 Syracuse faces Washington State in the Holiday Bowl on Friday in San Diego, the matchup presents itself, in many ways, as stability vs. chaos.The Orange (9-3) have won their last three games, including a 42-38 upset of Miami in the regular-season finale, to enter the postseason with considerable momentum. More importantly, Syracuse has a head coach/quarterback combo that it can count on, as first-year coach Fran Brown has turned around the program, thanks in large part to standout signal-caller Kyle McCord.Meanwhile, the Cougars (8-4) are dealing with the opposite situation — and their three-game losing streak to end the regular season is the least of their concerns.Cougars coach Jake Dickert recently bolted for Wake Forest, while quarterback John Mateer announced that he is transferring to Oklahoma. More than 25 Washington State players have reportedly entered the transfer portal, which has turned Syracuse from a slight favorite in this game to a two-touchdown favorite at some sportsbooks.As for Syracuse, Brown has his sights set on double-digit victories in his first year at the helm. The program has only won 10 games in a season once over the last two decades.”(We’re) just trying to get to 10 wins,” said McCord, who finished 10th in the Heisman Trophy balloting after throwing for a national-best 4,326 yards and 29 touchdowns. “I think that would be a huge accomplishment for us and the team. I’m excited for it.”Not only has McCord decided to play in the bowl game, but he is reportedly challenging the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility.”We don’t opt out around here. We love football,” Brown said.Meanwhile, Washington State is scrambling under acting head coach Pete Kaligis and new No. 1 quarterback Zevi Eckhaus.