Syracuse coach Fran Brown gives surprising excuse for why he wants to avoid Holiday Bowl ‘eggsnap dump’ tradition

Bowl season often brings unique traditions and entertaining stories beyond the matchups themselves. This year’s DIRECTV Holiday Bowl, with the no. 21 Syracuse and Washington State on Dec. 27, has one such quirky twist: The winning coach will receive the second-ever “eggsnap dump.”

Last year, USC head coach Lincoln Riley received the inaugural eggnog bath after the Trojans’ 42-28 victory over Louisville. But if Syracuse manages to secure its 10th win of the season, don’t expect head coach Fran Brown to participate in the eggnog tradition.

“I’m allergic to eggs,” Brown revealed to journalists on Thursday. “So Dan Villari has a NIL deal… I think Meyers Creek has already said they’d love him to be the guy to do it. I’m allergic to eggs, but I would definitely love to pour the eggnog over Dan if I could.”

Villari, a tight end for Syracuse, quickly replied on X: “Gotchu covered coach.”

It’s unclear if Brown’s comments were completely serious or if he simply wants to avoid the sticky mess of a holiday-themed party. Either way, it’s an understandable desire to avoid an eggnog bath.

Whoever receives the eggnog will be given it by competitive eater Joey Chestnut, who was officially named “Chief Eggnog Official.”

This season has been a remarkable one for Syracuse under Brown’s leadership. The Orange have a chance to record 10 wins, end the year in the standings and claim their first bowl win since 2018. Whether Brown ends up dodging the eggnog or watching Villari make the jump, a win would cap an impressive campaign for Syracuse.