The Army Black Knights and the Syracuse Orange meet Saturday in college football action from the Carrier Dome. Army is fresh off a matchup versus UTSA last Friday. In that one the Knights managed to move to 2-1 with an eight-point win. As for Syracuse, they played Purdue in their last game. The Orange ended up posting a 15-point win to stay undefeated. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Army Black Knights 

The Knights had a lead on LA-Monroe 10-3 going into the fourth quarter during their opener matchup this year but ended up losing 17-13. Army had five turnovers in the defeat: three fumbles and two picks. In game two versus Delaware State the Knights were able to pull back to .500 with a blowout win 57-0. Army got 525 total yards (238 passing) in that one. 

Matched up against UTSA last week, the Black Knights scored points in every quarter and kept the Roadrunners at bay for a 37-29 win. Army’s Bryson Daily threw for 133 yards and a score. Hayden Reed had 20 carries for 107 yards with a TD, and Noah Short was the leading receiver on 68 yards and a touchdown off of three catches. 

Army Black Knights Team Facts

Army has lost each of its last five away matches when playing with a rest advantage.
Army has covered the spread in eight of its last nine games.
Army has lost the first half in each of its last three games against opponents from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Each of Army’s last five September games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Syracuse Orange 

Over on the Syracuse side, they didn’t have any issues whatsoever versus Colgate in their opener game, cruising to a 65-0 win with 677 total yards (406 passing) and 36 first downs. Game two against Western Michigan was another big blowout win 48-7. Syracuse got 496 total yards in that victory (343 passing) with 26 first downs and zero turnovers. 

Last weekend versus Purdue, the Orange were up 21-7 at the break. Syracuse posted 14 fourth-quarter points to preserve a 35-20 win. QB Garrett Shrader put up 184 yards with a pick, but also led the rush with 25 carries for 195 yards and four touchdowns. Damien Alford was the top rusher with 70 yards from four catches. 

Syracuse Orange Team Facts

Syracuse has won each of its last nine games in September.
Syracuse has covered the spread in each of its last seven matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.
Syracuse has won the first quarter in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents.
Syracuse has won the first half in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents.
Four of Syracuse’s last five games as a home favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Syracuse ranked T14th among FBS teams for Q4 win percentage last season (.615).
Syracuse ranked 30th among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (4.4).
Army was one of only 14 FBS teams to lose 3+ games when leading at HT last season.
Army was one of only 27 FBS teams to lose 2+ games when leading after Q3 last season.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to try Army here. The Black Knights were able to stave off a pesky UTSA team back on Friday, ultimately posting 442 total yards (254 rushing), 23 first downs, zero turnovers and a whopping 44:25 in time of possession. Army gave up 360 yards and 7.3 yards per play on the other side though, so the Roadrunners were able to stay in position most of the way. As for Syracuse, they gave up a lot of passing yards (323) but controlled the Boilermakers otherwise with four turnovers generated and 271 rushing yards of their own. This matchup is likely going to be a run-first, clock-control type game, and it’ll be interesting to see what happens. I think the Knights stay on a cover pace, but it should be close regardless.