Syracuse football is coming down the home stretch of its 2024 regular season, with two games at the JMA Wireless Dome remaining on the docket.
This past Saturday, the Orange played quite well in beating California on the road by eight points. The 'Cuse, which has already clinched post-season bowl eligibility for the third straight year, will host non-conference foe and former Big East rival UConn this Saturday before hosting top-15 Miami in the Orange's regular-season finale on November 30.
Currently, Syracuse football is in a tie for the No. 4 spot within the Atlantic Coast Conference standings. If first-year head coach Fran Brown, his top-flight staff and their talented roster can take care of business against the Huskies and then the Hurricanes, I think we'd all feel quite happy about a 9-3 regular season, a likely top-25 national ranking, and an invite to a high-quality bowl game.
But first things first. The Orange welcomes UConn to the Hill this Saturday afternoon, and the Huskies have proven a pleasant surprise to date in the 2024 campaign. The 'Cuse roster can't take UConn lightly and must be locked in for this non-conference affair.
Syracuse football vs. UConn odds, spread and total
When I wrote this article, FanDuel had the Orange as a 10.5-point betting favorite at home against the Huskies, with the over/under set at 54.5 points.
Syracuse football vs. UConn how to watch
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
Game Time: 12:00 pm EST
Venue: JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, N.Y.
TV/Streaming: ACC Network and fuboTV
UConn's record: 7-3
Syracuse's record: 7-3, 4-3 in the ACC
Syracuse’s full 2024 schedule: Click here
Syracuse football vs. UConn prediction and pick
Saturday's contest completes the Orange's non-conference calendar, as the 'Cuse looks to go 4-0 outside of ACC clashes. In their all-time series together, per SU Athletics, Syracuse football and UConn are tied at 6-6, although the Orange has won the past four encounters.
There are some special things that will transpire this Saturday. A pregame ceremony will honor the 'Cuse senior class. At halftime, former legendary Syracuse football head coach Dick MacPherson will be inducted into the SU Athletics Ring of Honor.
MacPherson, who passed away in 2017, had a 66-46-4 overall mark as the Orange's head coach. He was the national coach of the year in 1987, when the 'Cuse went 11-0-1 and was ranked No. 4 around the country.
UConn, an FBS independent in football, has wins over Merrimack, Florida Atlantic, Buffalo, Temple, Rice, Georgia State and UAB this season. On the flip side, the Huskies have lost to Maryland, Duke and Wake Forest.
A key facet in Saturday's game will be the rushing department. When I wrote this article, UConn was No. 21 nationwide in rushing yards per contest, at 200.3. Syracuse football is giving up 156.6 rushing yards per affair, which is No. 15 in the ACC.
The Orange, last weekend, was clicking on all cylinders at Cal. The Huskies have put forth a solid 2024 season to date, but the 'Cuse is the better team. On Saturday, I project that Syracuse football will beat UConn at home, 37-21.