10/24 CFB Preview: #19 Pitt -6 vs. Syracuse | Total: 62.5
We have an ACC showdown on Thursday night as the Syracuse Orange (5-1) play their third straight road game in four weeks against undefeated Pitt (6-0). Both teams still have hopes of reaching the ACC title game.
As of Tuesday, the Panthers are healthy 6-point favorites. This line moved from the opener of -3.5, but I don’t agree with the move. Whether the public has driven this line up or the sharps are manipulating it, I like Syracuse plus the 6 points.
This is a Pitt team that barely survived Cal, 17-15, in one of their last two home games. Cal is 0-4 in the ACC, and Pitt also barely held off West Virginia (3-4) with a 38-34 victory. Now, Pitt is being asked to win by a sizable margin over a solid Syracuse team. While Pitt has the offense to put up points, as reflected in the high total of 62, their defense has struggled. Outside of their game against Cal, Pitt has scored 28+ in every game but has allowed 24+ points in 4 of 5 games against FBS opponents.
Syracuse counters with QB Kyle McCord, who has played as well as anyone in the country. He’s thrown for 2,160 yards with a 19-6 TD-to-INT ratio and has passed for 339+ yards in every game this year. Syracuse will move the ball effectively in this game. Their defense isn’t stout, either, which is why the total sits at a high 62.5.
This game might turn into a shootout, but it’s likely to stay within one possession. In a coin-flip game, I’ll take Syracuse +6, as the team with the ball last could end up winning. Grab the points sooner rather than later, as this line might come down.
Strong Lean: Syracuse +6.