Syracuse is getting the slight underdog treatment heading into Saturday’s conference opener against California, even after the Orange rolled to a 63-point win and the Golden Bears took a convincing home loss to UCLA late Saturday night.
FanDuel has opened Cal as a 1.5-point favorite, with the over/under sitting at 55.5. That number might feel a little backwards on first glance, especially with the game in Syracuse, but it also lines up with how these teams have been viewed lately. Still, the better side to me is Syracuse plus the points - and even the -108 moneyline - for the 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
A big reason for that lean is the uncertainty around Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. In the middle of the second half against UCLA, he appeared to come up a bit gimpy and seemed to be dealing with an ankle issue.
He remained in the game, but he didn’t look the same after that, throwing multiple interceptions and laboring through a rough fourth quarter. It’s hard not to wonder whether that played a role in the late collapse.
Syracuse, meanwhile, came out of Week 1 looking sharp. Yes, it was against New Hampshire, but Steve Angeli continues to look like a pro whenever he’s on the field.
Fran Brown clearly trusts him to handle the full offense, and that matters. The Orange also should get Justus Ross-Simmons back this week, and Umari Hatcher’s Week 1 showing made it look like he’s ready to be a real factor.
If Syracuse can get to 30 points or more, it’s tough to picture Cal leaving with a win.
The travel piece matters here too. California is making a cross-country trip, dealing with a three-hour time difference and the general grind that comes with playing far from home. For a roster built mostly around West Coast players, this is a different kind of setting than the one they’re used to.
And with Fran Brown, there’s always a chance for a wrinkle. He tends to keep everybody guessing, and this feels like the kind of game where he’ll be aggressive.
It may not be the biggest test on the schedule, but for a team trying to move past a 3-9 season, it has the feel of an early tone-setter. Don’t be surprised if Syracuse breaks out another surprise onside kick, a flea flicker or a double-pass, and if that happens, the Dome should be loud.
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Syracuse Showed One Encouraging Sign Fans Should Not Overlook
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Fran Brown also had some positive news on the injury front after the game, which matters just as much for a team trying to build momentum early in the season. Freshman wide receiver Calvin Russell III and defensive back Tedarius Hughes both drew optimistic updates, giving Syracuse at least a little reason to feel better about its depth as the schedule gets more demanding. [Read more 🡒]