The UNLV Rebels will look to continue their undefeated start to the season as they host the Syracuse Orange at Allegiant Stadium tonight.
The Rebels have seemingly moved on from the loss of quarterback Matthew Sluka, and my Syracuse vs. UNLV predictions like them to pick up another win this weekend.
I’ll explain why I like the Rebels to cover in my college football picks for Friday, October 4 below.
Syracuse vs UNLV prediction
My best bet
UNLV -6.5 (-110 at BetMGM) 
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
For less than a week, there were fears that UNLV had lost its chance at a run to the College Football Playoff when Sluka moved on after an NIL dispute. However, the Rebels offense looked good in a 59-14 win over the Fresno State Bulldogs with Hajj-Malik Williams under center.
Williams was able to throw for 182 yards and ran for another 119 on the ground against Fresno State. He accounted for three touchdowns through the air and another on the ground.
That’s not what Syracuse wants to hear as it heads into Las Vegas this weekend. The Orange have been excellent on offense behind former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord, but the defense has been another story entirely.
Syracuse is allowing 22.5 points per game, but that number hides the fact that even the Holy Cross Crusaders were able to hit the Orange for 14 last week. Teams have been able to take advantage of the Orange through the air, where they are allowing over 200 yards per game while letting opposing quarterbacks pile up a 116.9 rating so far this season.
Unfortunately, the numbers are even worse on the ground. Syracuse is giving up 4.6 yards per rush, ranking only 100th in the nation in that category. That’s a problem against a Rebels team that can move the ball through the running game, having averaged 283 yards per game on the ground.
The Orange might be able to improve on those numbers if they were fully healthy. However, the early loss of potential All-American selection Marlowe Wax has put a lot of strain on Syracuse’s linebacker corps, exposing weaknesses in the defensive ground that quality opponents have taken advantage of regularly. That’s especially shown against mobile quarterbacks like Williams, who have given the Orange fits.
If Syracuse can’t do much to stop UNLV, it would be up to McCord & Co. to keep up in a shootout. While they might be able to do so for a bit, the Orange attack hasn’t looked sharp in the past two weeks. Notably, star tight end Oronde Gadsden II has been all but absent from the offense, catching just three passes for 16 yards in that period.
This game should feature plenty of points, and the Orange might keep up for a while. Eventually though, it will be the Rebels who run away with this game.
Syracuse vs UNLV same-game parlay (SGP)
UNLV -6.5
Over 57.5
Hajj-Malik Williams anytime touchdown
I’m expecting the Rebels to have their way with a shaky Syracuse defense, and that forms the basis of my same-game parlay. Along with taking UNLV to cover, I’m also taking the Over in this game, as both teams can score in bunches – but the Orange have trouble stopping their opponents from firing back.
If UNLV is going to score a lot of points, I firmly believe Williams will get on the board. Williams showed off his legs last weekend, going for over 100 yards with a touchdown against Fresno State. With Syracuse having a propensity to give up big plays to running quarterbacks, I expect him to find the endzone again.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Syracuse vs UNLV odds
Syracuse vs UNLV live odds
Syracuse vs UNLV opening odds
- Syracuse vs. UNLV spread: UNLV -4
- Syracuse vs. UNLV moneyline: Syracuse +!70, UNLV -210
- Syracuse vs. UNLV Over/Under: 58.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Syracuse vs UNLV spread and Over/Under analysis
- UNLV is 4-0 against the spread this year, while Syracuse has put up a 1-3 ATS record.
- The Rebels are 2-0 ATS as a favorite this season, winning each game by at least 45 points.
- The Under is 3-1 when the Orange have played this year. UNLV is 2-2 on each side of the total in 2024.
- Syracuse is playing to an average total of 56.3 ppg, with UNLV averaging a total of 59 ppg.
Syracuse vs UNLV betting trend to know
UNLV is 4-0 ATS in its last four games overall. Find more college football betting trends for Syracuse vs UNLV.
Syracuse vs UNLV game info
| Location: | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV |
| Date: | Friday, 10-4, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FS1 |
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