Syracuse is the better team, and they have the better coach. This line has moved 4 points or so since opening, and it's because of Maryland's 79-0 thrashing of Howard, and the fact that Syracuse has Clemson on deck, but I'm siding with Syracuse whose strength really translates on the road. Syracuse defense was elite against LIberty, who has players, and they got the running game going as well. To me we have value because their QB did not play well, but I expect he will play a lot better this week. Syracuse since Dino Babers has come aboard is 9-3 ATS As an away dog, and I think this is another opportunity where they are getting disrespected going from a favorite to a dog.

The line of scrimmage favors Syracuse. Maryland had just 18 sacks a season ago which ranked them 114th. They had 8 sacks in the first game, but that was against Howard, and Syracuse also had 8 sacks, but they are clearly more proven. Syracuse ranked 21st in pass rush last year while Maryland ranked 126th protecting the QB, and that was against a very poor pass rushing units, on average they faced 71.5 ranked pass rush.

I also think Syracuse is in better shape, and it's going to be in the 80s on Saturday. MIke Locksley had to stop practice to give his guys a break this week because of the heat, and he did not sound like a confident coach. Additionally we have seen this before with Maryland getting off to a fast start, and hype around their talent level, but it never comes to fruition. I don't see anything changing under Locksley, who does not have a good history as a head coach. If you still think the Howard win is impressive, Kent State beat Howard last year 79-0.