Huskies vs Orange NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping
The Big East will be on center stage this Friday night when the Syracuse Orange host the UConn Huskies on ESPN at 8 pm eastern. UConn got off to a 3-2 start, but they’ve had two disappointing losses in a row.
UConn Huskies vs. Syracuse Orange
Carrier Dome
Friday October 19, 8:00 PM EST on ESPN
College Football Betting Odds from Bovada
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Syracuse -4 (-110) vs. UConn +4 (-110)
Over/Under: 43.5
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Syracuse is just 2-4 to start the season, but they have played a difficult schedule.
Who will come out on top here?
UConn
The Huskies are coached by former Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni. Pasqualoni has already gotten a ton of questions about this “homecoming” game for him at Syracuse, but he is trying to make sure his players realize it is all about the team. Still, it will be interesting to see what kind of response he gets at Syracuse this week.
The Huskies offense has been dreadful this year. UConn is only averaging 19 points per game, which is 111th in the nation. The Huskies haven’t scored more than 24 points in a game since their season opener. The running game has been uncharacteristically bad.
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The offensive line needs to start getting more of a push.
Star running back Lyle McCombs missed last week’s game due to disciplinary issues, and he is questionable for this one.
The Huskies defense has kept them in every game so far this year. This unit has only given up more than 21 points once all season. UConn ranks sixth in the nation in total defense. The front seven is the biggest strength for the Huskies. They are great at pressuring the opposing quarterback without bringing a big blitz.
They’ll need to get after Ryan Nassib in this matchup.
Syracuse
Ryan Nassib is the senior leader under center for Syracuse. Nassib is completing 64.7 percent of his passes this year, which is the best mark of his career. He has thrown 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Nassib is capable of making great plays, but he also makes some poor decisions with the football. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The Orange average 316 yards through the air so far this season.
Jerome Smith is the team’s leading rusher, but the running game is very inconsistent. Syracuse is putting up 22.8 points per game. This is a team that has moved the ball well this year, but they have had turnover problems.
They must start converting on their scoring opportunities.
The Syracuse defense is quite a bit better than they were last year. Overall, they are giving up just 335 yards per game. The secondary has been very solid in pass coverage so far this season. Syracuse has given up only 70 points in their last four games combined.
Can the defense lead the way in a tough Big East game this week?
I don’t expect either offense to get it going much in this one.
UConn’s defense has been more consistent this year, and I like taking the underdog here since I believe this game goes down to the wire.
Free College Football Pick: UConn +4
