Syracuse Orange vs. Ohio Bobcats: A Clash of Old and New in the Season Opener
The 2024 college football season kicks off with an intriguing matchup between the Syracuse Orange and the Ohio Bobcats on Saturday, August 31st. This game, hosted by Syracuse, will be the first test for both teams as they embark on new chapters in their respective journeys. Syracuse is a -14 point favorite with a total of 47.5 at BetUS Sportsbook and MyBookie.
Syracuse Orange: A New Era Begins
Syracuse enters this season with a fresh start under the leadership of new head coach Fran Brown. The Orange finished last season with a 6-7 record, struggling against tougher opponents with their lone win against a team with a winning record coming against Colgate.
With a wealth of returning talent, including 10 offensive and 8 defensive starters, and the addition of Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord, expectations are high for a turnaround.
Ohio Bobcats: Rebuilding After Success
Ohio, on the other hand, is coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons, fueled by a dominant defense. However, they face a significant challenge this year with only two returning offensive starters and four on defense. Head coach Tim Albin, entering his fourth season, has proven his ability to lead the Bobcats to success, but this year will undoubtedly be a test of his coaching prowess.
Handicapping the Matchup
This game presents a fascinating dilemma for handicappers. Syracuse, with a new coaching staff, might experience some early-season growing pains. Ohio, despite recent success, faces a substantial loss of talent. If last season’s data were used with our model, Syracuse would have been predicted to win 20-14. However if we used data from only the last 7 games, a strech that saw the Orange lose 5 of 7, the predicted score would have been 17-17.
The key questions are whether Ohio’s losses translate to a 14-point difference and how much Syracuse’s first-year head coach will impact the game. Historically, Syracuse has dominated MAC teams, boasting an 18-2 straight-up record and a 17-3 ATS record since 1999.
The Pick
If Fran Brown maintains some consistency in the offensive and defensive schemes, the Orange’s returning talent and the addition of McCord should give them the edge. Ohio, in a rebuilding phase, might not be able to match their previous success.
Syracuse -14 is the play, with the Orange covering the double digits and starting their season on a positive note. There’s no reason this Syracuse team shouldn’t hit the ground running.