This is all about line value here and me liking what I saw from Syracuse in their game against Louisville last week. Letâs be honest Louisville got off to a rocket 21-0 score, but Syracuse and that up tempo offense hung around as it was a 14 point game in the 4th quarter, before they rattled off 20 straight points. The final score looks worse than it actually was and this offense will only get better especially the way Eric Dungey looked. Louisville very stout up front with their size and athleticism and they are one of the best at stopping the run. It was something missing from this Syracuse offense that I think we see this week. South Florida allowing 155 yards per game rushing and allowed 4.6 ypc on the road a year ago. South Florida loses 4 of their front 7 and brings in a new defensive coordinator for the third year in a row.
I honestly can see Syracuse pulling the upset and the oddsmakers are giving South Florida the same type of respect as a top 10 Louisville. Itâs important to note that USFâs offense also struggled when they left the state of Florida a year ago never eclipsing 30 points. I get they have some talented guys, but they are not the same dynamic offense as Louisville nor do they have the big play threat. South Florida also looking ahead to their game against Florida State next week while Syracuse has had an extra day to prepare. This is screaming at me to take the money line, but I will pass this time around, but I donât see how Syracuse does not cover in this situation. Syracuse defense can limit the big plays they are still capable of stopping opponents in the red zone and on third down. They even stopped Louisville on 11 of their 16 third down attempts which Iâm sure not many would predict looking at the final box score.
