Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh: 2024 Week 9 College Football Preview and Prediction

Week 9 of the 2024 college football season features a classic ACC showdown between the Syracuse Orange and the Pittsburgh Panthers. Both teams are having strong seasons, making this game crucial for their conference standings and potential bowl placements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect, the odds, and predictions for this Thursday night clash.

Syracuse’s Offensive Surge

Syracuse has been on a roll, winning their last three games to improve to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the ACC. A big part of their success has been the outstanding play of quarterback Kyle McCord, a transfer from Ohio State. McCord has been lighting up defenses, throwing for over 300 yards in every game this season. His chemistry with wide receiver Jackson Meeks has been key, as seen in their win against NC State, where Meeks hauled in 11 catches for 116 yards

In addition to McCord’s passing, Syracuse’s balanced offense features running back LeQuint Allen, who has been a reliable dual threat. In their last game, Allen totaled 119 yards and a touchdown, providing versatility in both the ground and passing games . Syracuse’s ability to mix things up offensively could pose a challenge for Pittsburgh’s defense.

Pittsburgh’s Perfect Season and Defensive Strength

Pittsburgh enters the game with a perfect 6-0 record, largely thanks to their defensive prowess. The Panthers have consistently been able to shut down opposing offenses, evidenced by their dominant performance against California, where they recorded six sacks 6†source. Pittsburgh’s defense will be tasked with applying pressure to McCord and disrupting Syracuse’s high-flying offense.

However, Pittsburgh’s offense, led by quarterback Eli Holstein, has been inconsistent. Despite their undefeated record, the Panthers have relied heavily on their defense to win close games, and Holstein will need to limit mistakes to keep them in the game. Against a Syracuse defense that thrives on turnovers, this could be a pivotal factor 7 sourc .

Odds and Prediction

According to oddsmakers, Pittsburgh is favored by 5 to 5.5 points at home. Early betting trends show a majority of bets coming in on Pittsburgh, though many analysts believe Syracuse has a real chance to cover the spread. Syracuse has averaged 36.6 points per game over their last three outings, and their offensive momentum could help them keep the game close 6 source .

The prediction for this game is that Syracuse, despite being underdogs, has the firepower to cover the spread, and potentially pull off an upset. McCord’s ability to stretch the field and his consistent play under pressure could give Syracuse an edge, especially if Pittsburgh’s offense continues to struggle.

Syracuse +5.5 Syracuse 27, Pittsburgh 24