Washington State vs Syracuse Prediction 12-27-24 College Football Picks
Syracuse Orange (9-3) vs. Washington State Cougars (8-4)
December 27, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Washington State Cougars +16 / Syracuse Orange -16; Over/Under: +59.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Washington State vs Syracuse prediction for this College Football game on Friday, December 27th at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for the Holiday Bowl.
Washington State Cougars Betting Preview
The Washington State Cougars are 8-4 this season after they lost to Wyoming by a score of 15-14 in their last game. Washington State led 14-3 in the second quarter, but they couldn’t find any more offense in the loss. The Cougars were out gained by a total of 340-285, won the turnover battle 3-2, and went 1-10 on third down in the game. John Mateer threw for 182 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while also rushing for 56 yards and one score in the game.
Washington State also has losses against Oregon State, New Mexico, and Boise State, while picking up wins against Utah State, San Diego State, Hawaii, Fresno State, San Jose State, Washington, Texas Tech, and Portland State. The WSU offense has scored 36.8 points per game with 268.8 passing yards and 171.6 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 28.1 points against per game this season. Washington State has a lot of production in the transfer portal and will be without their starting quarterback, running back, wide receiver, right tackle, and six starters on defense.
Syracuse Orange Betting Preview
The Syracuse Orange are 9-3 (5-3) this year after they defeated Miami by a score of 42-38 in their last game. Syracuse trailed 21-0 in the second quarter, but they came all the way back and scored the go ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter for the win. The Orange were out gained by a total of 503-479, tied the turnover battle at one, and went 7-10 on third down in the game. Kyle McCord threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns, while Trebor Pena caught six passes for 128 yards and one score in the win.
Syracuse also has wins against UConn, California, Virginia Tech, NC State, UNLV, Holy Cross, Georgia Tech, and Ohio, while losing to Boston College, Pittsburgh, and Stanford. The Syracuse offense has scored 32.6 points per game with 363.1 passing yards and 93 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 28.7 points against per game this season. Kyle McCord has completed 65.8% of his passes for 4,326 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, while LeQuint Allen has rushed for 901 yards and 14 scores this year.
Why Syracuse will beat Washington State
- Syracuse has won eight of its last nine games against non-conference opponents.
- Washington State has lost seven of its last eight games in December.
- Washington State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last eight games in December.
- Syracuse has covered the spread in five of its last six games in December.
- Washington State has lost the first half in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Washington State’s last six games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Four of Syracuse’s last five games have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Washington State ranks 6th among FBS teams for Q1 points per game this season (9.6).
- Washington State ranks 6th among FBS teams for H1 points per game this season (21.3).
- Syracuse ranks 1st among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (363.1).
- Syracuse ranks 3rd among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (33:42).
Washington State vs Syracuse Prediction
Washington State comes into this matchup on a three game losing streak and they are coming off of a bad loss against Wyoming to finish the regular season. The Cougars had a decent offense this season, but they are missing a lot of starters due to the transfer portal. Syracuse has won three games in a row and finished the season by upsetting Miami. The Orange have scored at least 31 points in five straight games and should feast on a Washington State defense that was bad before six starters opted out. This is a huge number to cover in a bowl game, but I honestly don’t know how Washington State is going to make this game competitive, as Mateer accounted for most of their production through the air and on the ground. Take Syracuse to win big here.
