The Virginia Tech Hokies will look to stay in the ACC title race when they visit the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday afternoon.
The Orange defense has been exposed on the ground repeatedly this year, and that’s why I’m taking the Hokies to cover in my Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse predictions.
Find out more about why I like Virginia Tech in this game in my college football picks for Saturday, November 2 below.
Virginia Tech vs Syracuse prediction and best bet
My best bet
Virginia Tech -4 (-110 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
Three early losses this season quickly took the Virginia Tech Hokies off the list of contenders in the ACC, but only one of those defeats came to a conference opponent — a 38-34 loss on the road to Miami — and Virginia Tech has now won three in a row by impressive margins.
On the other hand, the Syracuse Orange suffered a humiliating defeat at Pittsburgh last weekend, as the Panthers took three Kyle McCord interceptions back to the house on their way to a 41-13 win. With two losses, Syracuse is effectively out of the ACC title race, given the four undefeated teams currently topping the conference.
Things could get worse for the Orange this week. Virginia Tech has shown an excellent ability to run the ball this year, averaging 5.2 yards per carry on the year. Bhayshul Tuten has 14 total touchdowns on top of his 951 yards rushing and and should be where the Hokies focus their attack on Saturday.
Syracuse has been lucky to primarily face teams that haven’t been willing or able to run the ball against them. Opponents are running the ball less than 27 times per game against the Orange, one of the lowest totals in the country.
However, there’s no reason for this, especially against a banged-up Syracuse front, which is allowing 4.4 yards per rush on the year. I fully expect the Hokies, who run the ball 37.5 times per game, to exploit this from kickoff to the final whistle.
McCord has allowed Syracuse to throw the ball fairly effectively, though the passing game has increasingly relied on short gains, averaging just 6.2 yards per attempt. Virginia Tech is solid enough against the pass, holding opponents to a 53.9% completion percentage, and will be able to focus on the passing game against an Orange offense that's been shockingly one-dimensional this season.
Syracuse isn’t as bad as they looked against Pitt — McCord won’t throw five interceptions again — but Virginia Tech matches up too well to pick against them in this game.
Virginia Tech vs Syracuse same-game parlay (SGP)
Virginia Tech -3.5
Over 53.5
Bhayshul Tuten 100+ rushing yards
The Hokies should have their way on offense, especially when it comes to pounding the ball on the ground. That’s the narrative tying my SGP together.
I’m combining a bet on Virginia Tech to cover with the Over, as I think Syracuse will struggle to slow down the Hokies. On the other hand, the Orange typically get their fair share of offense in, and Kyle McCord should bounce back from the worst game of his career.
As for that Virginia Tech rushing attack, let’s take Tuten to reach the century mark. He's averaged 118.9 yards per game on the ground and has logged 100+ yards in five of his last seven outings.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Virginia Tech vs Syracuse odds
Virginia Tech vs Syracuse live odds
Virginia Tech vs Syracuse opening odds
- Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse spread: Syracuse +3.5
- Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse moneyline: Virginia Tech -160, Syracuse +135
- Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse Over/Under: 53.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM.
Virginia Tech vs Syracuse spread and Over/Under analysis
- Virginia Tech is 5-3 ATS this season, while Syracuse is 3-4 ATS.
- The Orange are 2-1 ATS in the last three meetings, though Virginia Tech did win (and cover) last time out.
- The Over is 5-3 when Virginia Tech has taken the field this year. The Under has a 5-2 edge in Syracuse’s games.
- The Orange are averaging a total of 57.9 ppg, with the Hokies playing to an average total of 51.2 ppg.
Virginia Tech vs Syracuse betting trend to know
Virginia Tech is 3-0 ATS in its last three road games. Find more college football betting trends for Virginia Tech vs Syracuse.
Virginia Tech vs Syracuse game info
| Location: | JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY |
| Date: | Saturday, 11-2, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | The CW Network |
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