Syracuse vs Pittsburgh Prediction, Picks & Odds – College Football Week 9

Two ACC teams on the fringes of the conference championship picture will square off Thursday night as the Syracuse Orange visit the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium.

Even though the Panthers are undefeated this year, my predictions for Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh expects the Orange to cover a big spread.

Read on for my full analysis of this key ACC matchup in my free college football picks for October 24th.

Syracuse vs Pittsburgh prediction and best bet

My best bet
Syracuse +6.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.

My analysis

Aside from a surprising Syracuse home loss against Stanford, a loss that seems almost inexplicable given the rest of their results, both of these teams have been perfect on the year. Neither has been dominant, but both Syracuse and Pittsburgh are better than the average team in the ACC.

This undefeated Pitt team is worthy of respect. The Panthers are racking up 481.3 yards per game on offense, averaging 7.2 yards per play, both of which are in the top 15 in the nation.

Freshman quarterback Eli Holstein has been up to the task, throwing for 15 touchdowns on the year, though he has thrown three picks in his last two games as the level of competition has increased. Pittsburgh also has 11 touchdowns on the ground, with Holstein joining running back Desmond Reid to create a dynamic running attack.

On the other side of the ball, most of the country is familiar with Kyle McCord’s performance behind center for the Orange. The former Ohio State quarterback has thrown for 2,160 yards and 19 touchdowns against Syracuse’s six interceptions. The Orange have leaned heavily on their transfer star, as the QB has attempted at least 42 passes in each of his last five starts.

Syracuse could be the top passing offense in the country this season, and that could pose a challenge for Pittsburgh. Opponents are averaging a solid 11.9 yards per completion and 7.0 yards per attempt against Pittsburgh, and Syracuse’s passing attack is the best the Panthers will have faced this year.

I’m also skeptical of Pittsburgh based on their results against Power 4 opponents. Ignoring blowout wins against Kent State and Youngstown State, the Panthers have won their other four games by an average of just 4.3 points, including a two-point win over California at home in Week 7.

I like Syracuse better than any opponent Pittsburgh has played this year, and the Orange offense will certainly challenge the Panthers. This will be a close one that could go either way, and Syracuse is getting too many points to ignore.

Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh (SGP) Same Game Stand

Syracuse +6.5

More than 63.5

LeQuint Allen anytime

While that’s a high number, I like both of these teams to score a lot on Thursday night, so I’m comfortable with over 63.5.

I’ll also back Orange running back LeQuint Allen to make it to Paydirt. Allen has become a focal point of Syracuse’s offense of late, scoring six touchdowns in his last three contests. He’s also done it in four of six games this season, making him a good choice to find the end zone against Pitt.

Learn how to bet on the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

Syracuse vs Pittsburgh Odds

Syracuse vs Pittsburgh live odds

Syracuse vs Pittsburgh starting odds

• Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh spread: Pittsburgh -3.5
• Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh: Syracuse +170, Pittsburgh -210
• Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Over/Under: 60.5

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Syracuse vs Pittsburgh Over/Under spread and analysis

• Syracuse is 3-3 against the spread this year, while Pittsburgh enters 5-1 ATS.
• Panthers are 4-2 ATS in their last six matchups against the Orange.
• The Under has a 4-2 record in Syracuse games this season, while Pittsburgh has gone 3-3 against overall.
• The Orange are playing with an average total of 58.5 points, while Pittsburgh has an average O/U of 64.3.

Syracuse vs Pittsburgh betting trend to know

Syracuse is 2-0 SU and ATS on the road this year. Find more college football betting trends for Syracuse vs Pittsburgh.

Syracuse vs Pittsburgh Game Info

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Syracuse vs Pittsburgh Weather

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