At 8:00 ET, the Bulls and Orange square off at FAU Stadium in a week 1 NCAAF matchup. TV coverage belongs to ESPN with the game being played on Thursday, December 21st. In this non-conference clash, Syracuse comes in as 3.5 point road favorites against the Bulls. Check out my recommendations and betting analysis by continuing to read.

SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS VS SYRACUSE ORANGE BETTING PICK

The Pick: Syracuse Orange -3.5

This game will be played at FAU Stadium at 8:00 ET on Thursday, December 21st.

WHY BET THE SYRACUSE ORANGE:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 34-29 in favor of Syracuse.
  • Not only will Syracuse pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -3.5.
  • The over/under is currently sitting at 61 points, and we like the over with a projected 63 points.

Can South Florida Pull Out the Win as Road Underdogs?

With a 6-6 record, the South Florida Bulls take on Syracuse. Their road record so far is (2-4) and at home (3-2).

So far, South Florida has been favored four times and the underdog in seven games. This has led to an ATS record of 6-5 and an average scoring differential of -4.1.

After 12 games, the average over/under line in South Florida’s matches stands at 62.9 points. The collective score in their games has averaged 65.8 points, resulting in an OU record of 7-4.

On offense, South Florida comes into the game averaging 30.8, which is 44th in the NCAA. On average, they are averaging 270.7 passing yards (34th) compared to 36th in rushing yards. For the season, they are averaging 533 rushing attempts per contest.

On defense, the Bulls defense has 21 sacks and are 1st in QB hurries. So far, teams are scoring 34.9 points per game against them (145th). In terms of pass defense, they’re ranked 183rd in the NCAA, allowing 301.2 passing yards per game. Moreover, South Florida’s run defense is allowing 155 rushing yards per contest.

Can Syracuse Lock in a Home Win?

So far, the Syracuse Orange are 6-6, including going 1-4 on the road and 4-2 at home.

Syracuse’s average scoring differential for the season is +1.8 leading to an ATS mark of 4-7. The Orange have been favored three times and the underdog in seven games

Heading into this week’s game, Syracuse’s over/under record is 4-7. Their average margin against their over/under lines is currently -2.7 with their games averaging 49.2 points per game.

On the ground, the Orange are 22nd in college football at 483 attempts per game. This has led to an average of 185.4 (35th). So far, they have turned to the passing game 24.3 and have a per game average of 173.7. Overall, they are 66th in points (25.5 PPG).

This season, the Orange’s defense has allowed 147.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 140th. Opponents average 234.6 passing yards, and opposing quarterbacks have put together a passer rating of 87.8 against Syracuse. They hold the 68th position in NCAA points allowed.