Syracuse vs Boston College: Reasons to Be Thankful

Tale of Two teams

Starting with some simple observations, Syracuse is a slumping football team that will likely be playing without starting QB Eric Dungey for the third consecutive week. The Orange have lost four straight since their improbable upset of second-ranked Clemson on October 13.

Worse yet, the Cuse has surrendered 120 points in its last two games and was bounced from bowl eligibility with the blowout loss to Louisville last week. In short, this team is limping into the season finale with nothing to play for other than pride.

On the opposing sideline, Syracuse will encounter a BC squad that has quietly salvaged a respectable season. The Eagles (6-5) have won 4 of their last 5 games, dropping only a three-point decision to a ranked NC State team.

Freshmen RB A.J. Dillon anchors a power running attack that has worn defenses down during the second half of the season. Syracuse was gashed on the ground last week by Louisville RB Malik Williams who gained 185 yards and two TD's on just nine carries and QB Lamar Jackson who also gained over 100 yards. With limited capacity to stop the run, it could be a long day for the Orange. 

Boston College has given up just 46 points in its last four games, allowing the Eagles to dictate the tempo. In fact, tempo will surely be the key to this matchup with Syracuse as the Orange offense is predicated on running as many plays as possible with a no-huddle, hurry-up attack. 

The Skinny

Boston College figures to have their way with Syracuse on both sides of the ball. Yes, this is a rivalry game, but I'm not sure this Syracuse team has much fight left in them.

BC should be able to control the lines of scrimmage - particularly on offense and keep Syracuse out of sync defensively. The Orange did not score a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter of last week's loss to Louisville against one of the worst statistical defenses in the ACC.

The only advantage Syracuse has in this game is home field advantage, but BC has been a solid road team this year, beating Louisville and Virginia as the visitor and playing Clemson close until well into the fourth quarter. Playing in front of a half-empty Carrier Dome crowd shouldn't present any major obstacles for the Eagles. 

The Pick

Whatever magic Syracuse had in beating Clemson was apparently short-lived and this team has been on a nosedive since the second half of the Wake Forest game two weeks ago.

I have no idea why this spread is just a little more than a FG, but the bad line certainly makes this mismatch the play of the week. In keeping with Thanksgiving, I'm truly thankful Vegas has served this one up and put it on a platter for us to enjoy; it looks like a bountiful harvest. 

TAKE Boston College -3.5 Play

Category : Betting Picks

Tag : College Football

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