Two ACC teams who are on the fringes of the conference championship picture will face off on Thursday night as the Syracuse Orange visit the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium.
Although the Panthers are undefeated this year, my Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh predictions expect the Orange to cover a generous spread.
Read on to see my full analysis of this key ACC matchup in my free college football picks for October 24.
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
Outside of a surprising home loss for Syracuse to Stanford — a defeat that looks almost inexplicable given the rest of its results — these two teams have both been perfect on the year. Neither has been dominant, but both Syracuse and Pittsburgh are better than the average ACC squad.
This undefeated Pitt team is worthy of respect. The Panthers are putting up 481.3 yards per game on offense, averaging 7.2 yards per play — both of which are among the Top 15 in the nation.
Freshman quarterback Eli Holstein has been up to the task, throwing 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 boasts 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 six interceptions for Syracuse. 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 might be the most pass-heavy offense in the country this season, and that could pose a bit of a challenge for Pittsburgh. Opponents are averaging a solid 11.9 yards per completion and 7.0 yards per attempt against Pittsburgh, and the Syracuse passing attack is the best the Panthers will have faced this year.
I’m also skeptical of Pittsburgh based on its results against Power 4 opponents. If we ignore 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 more than any of the opponents 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 same-game parlay (SGP)
Syracuse +6.5
Over 63.5
LeQuint Allen anytime touchdown
Despite a high number, I like both of these teams to score plenty on Thursday night, so I’m comfortable with taking Over 63.5.
I’m also going to back Orange running back LeQuint Allen to reach paydirt. Allen has become a focal point of the Syracuse offense lately, scoring six touchdowns in his last three contests. He’s also done so in four of six games overall this season, making him a good pick to find the end zone against Pitt.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Syracuse vs Pittsburgh odds
Syracuse vs Pittsburgh live odds
Syracuse vs Pittsburgh opening odds
- Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh spread: Pittsburgh -3.5
- Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh moneyline: Syracuse +170, Pittsburgh -210
- Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Over/Under: 60.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Syracuse vs Pittsburgh spread and Over/Under analysis
- Syracuse is 3-3 against the spread this year, while Pittsburgh enters at 5-1 ATS.
- The Panthers are 4-2 ATS in their last six matchups against the Orange.
- The Under has a 4-2 record in Syracuse’s games this season, while Pittsburgh has gone an even 3-3 against the total.
- The Orange are playing to an average total of 58.5 points, while Pittsburgh is averaging an O/U of 64.3.
Syracuse vs Pittsburgh betting trend to know
Syracuse is 2-0 SU and ATS on the road this year.
Syracuse vs Pittsburgh game info
| Location: | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date: | Thursday, 10-24, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
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