Date/Time: Friday Night Football, September 20, 2024, at 7:30 PM EDT
Where: JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, New York
TV: ESPN
Betting Odds
- Point Spread: Syracuse -10/Stanford +10 (Bovada)
- Money Line: Syracuse -360/Stanford +280
- Total: Over/Under 57 points
Why the Over 57 is the Smart Bet for Syracuse vs. Stanford
1. Explosive Offenses on Both Sides
Both Syracuse and Stanford have shown they can put points on the board. Syracuse is averaging 34.5 points per game, while Stanford is close behind at 34.0 points per game. Both teams have demonstrated the ability to score consistently, and with two quarterbacks who can move the ball effectively, it’s likely this will be a high-scoring affair.
2. Ashton Daniels’ Dual-Threat Ability
Stanford’s Ashton Daniels has emerged as a legitimate dual-threat QB, with 384 passing yards, 118 rushing yards, and 3 touchdowns to just 1 interception. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs makes Stanford’s offense versatile and harder to defend. With Daniels leading the charge, Stanford should be able to move the ball and put points on the board against a Syracuse defense that has allowed 25 points per game so far this season.
3. Syracuse’s High-Flying Passing Attack
Syracuse’s offense has been dominant through the air, averaging 367.5 passing yards per game. Quarterback Garrett Shrader has been extremely efficient, stretching defenses with deep throws and taking advantage of weaker secondaries like Stanford’s, which has allowed 278.5 passing yards per game. The combination of Shrader’s arm and the Orange’s fast-paced attack means Syracuse is fully capable of putting up points in a hurry.
4. Stanford’s Defensive Struggles
Stanford’s defense has been a liability, especially against the run, where they’ve allowed 183.5 rushing yards per game. Syracuse has a balanced offense that can take advantage of this, pounding the ball on the ground to keep drives alive and set up big plays through the air. Stanford’s defense has already shown it struggles to stop opponents, giving up an average of 20.5 points per game, and that number could rise against Syracuse’s explosive attack.
5. Syracuse’s Defense is Vulnerable Too
While Syracuse’s offense has been putting up points, their defense hasn’t been locking down opponents, either. They’ve allowed an average of 25 points per game, and they’ve been particularly vulnerable to big plays. With Daniels leading Stanford’s offense, expect the Cardinal to take advantage of Syracuse’s defensive lapses, especially on the ground, where the Orange have given up 183.5 rushing yards per game. This sets up for a back-and-forth scoring battle.
6. Pace of Play
Both teams have shown a willingness to push the tempo. Syracuse, in particular, can speed up the game with their no-huddle attack, which can lead to more possessions and scoring opportunities. With Stanford averaging 34 points per game and Syracuse doing the same, the 57-point total looks reachable in a game where both teams are likely to trade touchdowns.
7. Betting Trends and Line Movement
The total for this game has been set at 57 points, and both teams have hit the Over once in two games so far this season. Given the offensive firepower on both sides and the defensive vulnerabilities, this number feels very attainable. Both teams have also had trends pointing toward higher-scoring games:
- Stanford has gone Over in 4 of their last 6 road games.
- Syracuse has hit the Over in 4 of their last 6 games overall.
Conclusion: The Over 57 is the Smart Play
With both offenses performing at a high level, and both defenses showing weaknesses, this game has all the makings of a shootout. Expect big plays on both sides of the ball, as Syracuse’s high-flying passing attack clashes with Stanford’s versatile dual-threat quarterback. Betting the Over 57 points looks like a strong play in what could turn into a high-scoring affair.
