Boston College has lost three in a row with the defense looking putrid, and Syracuse won’t make tings any easier.
Photo By – Imagn Images. Pictured: Trebor Pena runs with the ball after catching it.
The Boston College Eagles look to break a three-game losing streak this afternoon when they host the 6-2 Syracuse Orange.
The Eagles are small favorites at home, but I like the Orange to win, as I explain in my Syracuse vs. Boston College predictions.
Find out all about it in my college football picks for Saturday, November 9, with kickoff at 12:00 p.m. ET on CW.
Syracuse vs Boston College prediction and best bet
My best bet
Syracuse moneyline (+105 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
Syracuse has been a difficult team to read this year. For a while, it seemed like a stunning loss at home to the Stanford Cardinal was a blemish keeping what would otherwise be a fringe playoff contender under the radar.
A 41-13 loss at the Pittsburgh Panthers seemed like it exposed the Orange as a team that can’t really compete with good teams: A thrilling comeback win last weekend over the Virginia Tech Hokies showed they might still be one of the better teams in the ACC.
Perhaps that lack of consistency — and a large number of close wins — is why sportsbooks have given Boston College the slightest of edges in this matchup. But the Eagles haven’t looked great since the first couple weeks of the season and are currently riding a three-game losing streak, with all three defeats coming to middling ACC competition.
BC hasn’t been a great defensive team all season, but that has particularly shown over the current losing streak where the Eagles have allowed opponents to score an average of 32.3 ppg.
That’s a dangerous trend against an inconsistent Syracuse offense that undoubtedly has a lot of weapons. The Orange have underused running back LeQuint Allen, but he should find success against a Boston College front allowing 4.1 yards per run.
Quarterback Kyle McCord has had some awful outings — the Pittsburgh game stands out as one of the worst quarterbacking performances in the nation this season — but has mostly struggled with pressure, while Boston College is only averaging 1.5 sacks per game.
On offense, the Eagles are averaging just 26.4 ppg on the season. They’ve had a bit more success in the running game, where Treshaun Ward has become the most dangerous weapon in a loaded backfield.
However, the Syracuse front looks better with the return of pro prospect Marlowe Wax, with the senior linebacker recording eight takes, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble against Virginia Tech.
All of these factors lead me to think the wrong team is favored in this game. I’m backing Syracuse to win this game outright as a slight underdog, which I feel is a better play than taking the 2.5 points.
Syracuse vs Boston College same-game parlay (SGP)
Syracuse moneyline
Over 52.5
Trebor Pena anytime touchdown
Along with taking the Orange to win outright, I’m throwing in a bet on the Over. Both teams have played above this total this season, and even Boston College has hit the Over in each of its last two games.
As for who might score for Syracuse, I’m going to look for a little value by picking wide receiver Trebor Pena.
While LeQuint Allen has been the go-to weapon for the Orange as of late, Pena is their best weapon in the passing game and has a total of six scores on the year, making him a good threat to score against an Eagles secondary struggling to contain the passing game.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Syracuse vs Boston College odds
Syracuse vs Boston College live odds
Syracuse vs Boston College opening odds
- Syracuse vs. Boston College spread: Boston College -1.5
- Syracuse vs. Boston College moneyline: Syracuse -123, Boston College -108
- Syracuse vs. Boston College Over/Under: 53.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Syracuse vs Boston College spread and Over/Under analysis
- Syracuse and Boston College have identical 4-4 records against the spread this season.
- The Orange are 3-1 ATS in their last four games overall, while the Eagles are 1-4 ATS in their last five.
- The Under has gone 5-3 in each of these teams’ games this season.
- Syracuse is playing to an average total of 59.3 ppg this year, with Boston College’s average total standing at 52.8 ppg.
Syracuse vs Boston College betting trend to know
Boston College is 0-3 straight up in its last three games overall. Find more college football betting trends for Syracuse vs Boston College.
Syracuse vs Boston College game info
| Location: | Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA |
| Date: | Saturday, 11-9, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | The CW Network |
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