The South Florida Bulls (6-6) are set to clash with the Syracuse Orange (6-6) in an evenly matched Boca Raton Bowl. Both teams are looking to cap off their seasons with a winning record, making this game a crucial finale. Let’s run through our USF vs. Syracuse predictions below.
USF vs. Syracuse Odds
- Moneyline: South Florida +135 (PointsBet) / Syracuse -160 (PointsBet)
- Spread: Syracuse -3.5 (BetRivers)
- Total: 56.5 / Over -110 (PointsBet) / Under -110 (PointsBet)
Game Info
- Date: Thursday, Dec. 21
- Time: 08:00 PM ET
- Location: FAU Stadium – Boca Raton, FL
- TV: ESPN
South Florida Bulls Betting Trends
- On the road, South Florida Bulls are 2 and 4 this season.
- Against the spread this season, South Florida Bulls are 6 and 6.
- Against the spread on the road, South Florida Bulls are 3 and 3.
Syracuse Orange Betting Trends
- At home, Syracuse Orange are 4 and 2 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Syracuse Orange are 4 and 6.
- Against the spread at home, Syracuse Orange are 3 and 2.
USF vs. Syracuse Predictions
As the South Florida Bulls prepare to face the Syracuse Orange, both teams enter the game with identical records and a chance to finish their season above .500. The Bulls, coming off a strong performance with a victory in their last game, are looking to leverage their balanced offensive attack led by freshman quarterback Byrum Brown. Brown’s dual-threat capabilities have been a highlight, with impressive passing yards and rushing touchdowns to his name. Syracuse, on the other hand, will miss quarterback Garrett Shrader due to shoulder surgery, putting pressure on their ground game and sophomore running back LeQuint Allen to carry the offensive load.
Defensively, both teams have had their struggles throughout the season. South Florida has shown that when their defense steps up, holding opponents to 30 points or less, they are tough to beat. Syracuse’s magic number appears to be 22, as their victories have come when they score beyond that threshold. The game will likely hinge on which defense can effectively contain the opposing offense, making for a potentially tight contest.
Key player matchups to watch include South Florida’s Brown against Syracuse’s defensive line, which will need to contain his mobility and passing threat. Additionally, Allen’s performance on the ground for Syracuse could be decisive if he can replicate his regular-season success. With both teams eager to secure a winning season, the Boca Raton Bowl is set to be a competitive and compelling matchup.
USF vs. Syracuse Pick
The South Florida Bulls are entering this matchup with the momentum of a recent victory and a quarterback in Byrum Brown who has proven to be a dynamic force on the field. Despite the Syracuse Orange having the home-field advantage, the absence of their starting quarterback Garrett Shrader could significantly impact their offensive efficiency. The Bulls’ ability to perform well when their defense holds opponents under 30 points, combined with Syracuse’s reliance on scoring more than 22 points for a win, suggests that if South Florida’s defense can apply pressure and contain Syracuse’s run game, they have a strong chance of covering the spread. Additionally, the Bulls’ ATS record is evenly split at 6-6, showing a resilience that could come into play in this evenly-matched game.
Historically, South Florida has a favorable record against Syracuse, which could play a psychological role in the upcoming bowl game. While past performances are not always indicative of future outcomes, the Bulls’ balanced offense and the Orange’s quarterback situation present a unique opportunity for South Florida to cover the spread. Considering the odds and recent trends, including the Bulls’ ability to cover the spread on the road and Syracuse’s struggles against the spread this season, the South Florida Bulls against the spread is the prudent pick for this game.
The Pick: South Florida Bulls +3.5 (BetRivers)
