SMU Mustangs (6-1) vs. Syracuse Orange (3-4)
October 31, 2026 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Syracuse Orange 9.5 / SMU Mustangs -9.5; Over/Under: 58.5
(Get latest betting odds)
Syracuse vs SMU Prediction
SMU is obviously the more talented team and should be favored, but I’m grabbing the points with Syracuse. The Orange have quietly covered three straight games, and that includes an outright win on the road over North Carolina as an 8.5-point underdog. This is the most competitive football Syracuse has played in a while, and the JMA Wireless Dome should be jumping with a 6-1 SU team coming to town.
SMU can be a bit hit or miss offensively with a limited running game, and we saw teams like Boston College and Missouri State give the Eagles a scare. The last time we saw SMU on the road, it allowed 41 points to Louisville. No thank you. Syracue is imrpvoing offensively and shudl be as confident as its been in a while. I’ll grab the points with Syracuse at home in what should be a competitive ACC showdown.
Why the Syracuse Orange will win
- The home team has won each of SMU’s last six games.
- SMU has lost three of its last four road games as an AP-ranked team.
- Syracuse has covered the spread in each of its last seven October home games against AP-ranked teams.
- SMU has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four road games as an AP-ranked team.
- Syracuse has won the first quarter in each of its last five October games as a home underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- Syracuse has won the first half in each of its last six October home games against AP-ranked teams.
Why the SMU Mustangs will win
- Syracuse has lost each of its last nine October games as a home underdog.
- SMU has won 13 of its last 14 games in October.
- Syracuse has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six home games against conference opponents.
- SMU has covered the spread in six of its last eight road games in October.
- SMU has won the first quarter in 12 of its last 15 October games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Syracuse has lost the first half in each of its last seven games against AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Syracuse’s last five games against AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Five of SMU’s last six October games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.
Syracuse Orange Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 9, Umari Hatcher is one of only two players in the FBS to record 100+ receiving yards in three or more consecutive games this season.
SMU Mustangs Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 9, Kevin Jennings ranks T6th amongst FBS players for passing touchdowns (19) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Four of Syracuse’s seven games this season have been decided by a margin of three points or less – equal-most amongst FBS teams.
- Syracuse has played in the equal-highest number of games that went to overtime this season (2).
- SMU ranks T5th among FBS teams for average point differential in second quarters this season (+8.6).
- SMU ranks 7th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (313.1).
SMU Mustangs Betting Preview
The SMU Mustangs beat Virginia and Cal, and they play Virginia Tech next. SMU has won 4 straight games. Kevin Jennings is completing 72.6 percent of his passes for 2,062 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Yamir Knight and Yannick Smith have combined for 785 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while Jalen Cooper has 22 receptions.
The SMU Mustangs’ ground game is averaging 157.9 yards per contest, and Kendrick Raphael leads the way with 641 yards and 8 touchdowns. Defensively, SMU is allowing 21.1 points and 303.3 yards per game. Alexander Kilgore leads the SMU Mustangs with 39 tackles, Marques White has 5.5 sacks, and Jarvis Lee has 1 interception.
Syracuse Orange Betting Preview
The Syracuse Orange lost to Louisville, beat North Carolina, and they play Clemson next. Syracuse has lost 4 of its last 6 games. Steve Angeli is completing 55.8 percent of his passes for 987 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Umari Hatcher and Daunte Bacheyie have combined for 1,174 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, while Justus Ross-Simmons has 12 receptions.
The Syracuse Orange ground game is averaging 164.4 yards per contest, and Tylik Hill leads the way with 461 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Syracuse is allowing 26.3 points and 336.3 yards per game. Chris D’Appolonia leads the Syracuse Orange with 51 tackles, Keyshawn Johnson has 4 sacks, and Davien Kerr has 3 interceptions.
