After dismantling a potent Louisville team in a convincing 31-7 win, Syracuse takes its show on the road to Connecticut where the Orange face Jim Mora and the up-and-coming Huskies.
After years of ineptness UConn finally looks ready to take a step forward, but facing all-world running back Sean Tucker and a loaded Syracuse defense will be a tough challenge. Despite being 23.5-point favorites, this is also a big test for the Orange as this is its only road game before an October 22 visit to No. 5 Clemson.
UConn, which beat FCS foe Central Connecticut 28-3 last week, is attempting to get its first win over an FBS opponent since beating UMass in late October of 2019. The Huskies, who went 1-11 a year ago, have not defeated a Power Five team since a win over Virginia in 2016.
If UConn is to stay in this game it will need big performances from true freshman quarterback Zion Turner and running back Nate Carter. Facing a Syracuse defense that just completely shut down Malik Cunningham and Louisville, however, is a tough ask. A lot will be asked of the Huskies defense as Mora and company will look to control the time of possession to give itself the best chance of pulling the upset.
Syracuse is trying to go 2-0 for the first time since 2018 and the Orange should feel confident heading into this game as it has outscored UConn 122-55 over their past three meetings — all wins for Dino Babers‘ squad. While it was the defense that got many of the headlines coming out of the Louisville game, the offense also played really well, led by quarterback Garrett Shrader who accounted for three touchdowns going 18-for-25 through the air and rushing for another 84 yards on the ground.
The aforementioned Tucker continued to show why he’s one of the best tailbacks in the country rushing for 100 yards on 21 attempts and a score and there’s good reason why Syracuse is over a three touchdown favorite in this spot.
Syracuse vs. UConn Predictions and Betting Picks
After last season, pretty much everyone believed in Syracuse’s ability to run the ball and it was no surprise to see the Orange have success in that department against Louisville. The biggest surprise in the season-opener was Shrader’s passing efficiency. He was dismal as a passer last season, but it was encouraging to see him play well in a decisive Orange victory. Pro Football Focus graded him as the top quarterback in Week 1 in the Power Five Conferences and if he continues to play like that this offense has a chance to be really good.
Returning eight starters on defense, however, the Huskies defense looks ready for the challenge it has looked good in both of UConn’s games so far holding Utah State to 31 points despite the offense turning the ball over five times in its season-opener, and then taking another step forward last week shutting down Central Connecticut. UConn’s defense is led by linebacker Jackson Mitchell who leads the Huskies with 23 tackles so far this year after posting a gaudy 120 last season.
Is UConn getting disrespected?
As of this writing Syracuse is currently a 23.5 point favorite with a point total of 49.5. The bookmakers are calling for a Syracuse route with little respect being given to this UConn offense with Turner behind center. Turner took over for the Huskies after Penn State transfer Ta’Quon Roberson went down with a season-ending knee injury against Utah State and he looked more than competent in his first start.
On the surface, Syracuse has rolled in this matchup recently and after destroying Louisville there’s little reason to believe UConn can keep this game close. As Lee Corso would say: ‘Not so fast my friends! The value looks to be on the Huskies here as the public continues to hammer the Orange in this spot.
This is a statement game for Jim Mora as he looks for his first name-brand victory as UConn’s head coach. While that is highly unlikely (+1155 on the money line), UConn definitely has a new swagger this season and it won’t be surprising at all if the Huskies sneak up on Syracuse a little bit as they catch the Orange in a bit of a sandwich spot coming off that win against Louisville while also looking forward to a big game next week against Purdue.
Syracuse vs UConn Prediction
Simply put, UConn is being undervalued in this spot. The Huskies have not had a winning record since 2010 and went a combined 4-31 over the last four seasons, including cancelling the entire 2020 season. With Mora now at the helm, however, there is plenty of reason for optimism in East Hartford as the program finally looks to be heading in the right direction. Syracuse is getting too much love after handling their business against Louisville and while it would be shocking to see the Huskies actually win this game, 23.5 points is far too many as Syracuse wins a closer-than-expected game somewhere in the neighborhood of 31-17.
Best NCAAF Bets: UConn +23.5
