Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech odds, props, predictions: Reeling Orange look to get out of ACC basement in Blacksburg
Cue up Metallica's Enter Sandman, because we've got an ACC battle between Syracuse and Virginia Tech on Thursday night at Lane Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The Orange (4-3 SU, 3-3-1 ATS) are following a similar script from last year by going undefeated out of the gate only to regress entering the meat of their conference schedule. The Hokies (3-4 SU, 3-4 ATS) are coming off a 30-13 win against Wake Forest.
Now, let's get to Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech odds, props and predictions.
Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech odds: Point spread, moneyline, total
Here are live odds for Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech at top-rated sportsbooks:
The Hokies are a short home favorite here (). Syracuse has failed to cover as an underdog of three or more points, going 0-3 in that role this season.
Syracuse betting news: Orange searching for first ACC win of the season
Syracuse resides at the very bottom of the ACC standings in the conference's first season of play without divisions. The Orange started the season 4-0 with some soft non-conference games, but here's what Syracuse has done since in ACC play.
- Clemson 31 Syracuse 14
- North Carolina 40 Syracuse 7
- Florida State 41 Syracuse 3
It's deja vu all over again after Syracuse started last season 6-0 only to finish 7-6. Syracuse is coming off a much needed bye week, and it needs QB Garrett Shrader to be at full strength on Thursday night. Shrader reportedly dealt with the effects of food poisoning in Syracuse's 41-3 blowout loss at Florida State in CFB Week 7.
His numbers have gotten progressively worse since Syracuse stepped up in competition in conference play. Shrader threw for 99, 124, and 176 yards, respectively, in his last three games. He had no TD passes against North Carolina and Florida State.
Making matters worse, he's been sacked 17 times due to a suspect offensive line. Shrader, who's forced to run fairly often, has amassed six rushing TDs this season.
RB Lequint Allen keys the ground game for Syracuse with 511 yards rushing and a team-high eight total TDs. Despite their overall struggles, the Orange rank in the top half of the conference in scoring defense. Syracuse gives up 22.1 points per game.
Those numbers are a bit skewed with non-conference wins against Colgate, Western Michigan, and Army. Those three foes scored a combined 23 points against the Orange.
Virginia Tech betting news: Dual-threat QB Drones has Hokies on offensive upswing
The Syracuse defense would be advised to keep a spy on Va. Tech quarterback Kyron Drones. He's rushed for 59+ yards in four of his last five games. Drones "only" ran for 41 yards against Pitt, but he scored two rushing TDs in the 38-21 victory.
In last week's 30-13 win over Wake Forest, Drones did it through the air with 321 passing yards and two TDs. He'll have a chance to replicate those numbers against a Syracuse defense that gives up the most passing yards per game (255.7) in the ACC. Conversely, Virginia Tech gives up the least amount of yards against the pass (169.4).
The Hokies do have trouble stopping the run, though, giving up 172.1 yards per game and 12 touchdowns. Syracuse should be able to eat on the ground with Allen and Shrader doing the most damage.
The Hokies and Orange have one common opponent in non-conference play this season in Purdue, which beat Virginia Tech 21-14 in Blacksburg. Syracuse traveled to Purdue and beat the Boilermakers handily, 35-20.
Both Va. Tech and Syracuse got clowned by Florida State in conference with double-digit losses. This game features two evenly matched and middling ACC teams, and it should be an entertaining watch on the primetime national broadcast.
Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech first-drive prop parlays at FanDuel
Sportsbooks offer endless ways to have action on CFB games. Want to sweat right from the jump? FanDuel is offering quick bets on first-drive parlays for Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech.
- Va. Tech punt/Syracuse punt (+250)
- Va. Tech offensive TD/Syracuse punt (+700)
- Va. Tech punt/ Syracuse offensive touchdown (+800)
- Va. Tech FG attempt/Syracuse punt (+1100)
No matter what you're betting on when it comes to CFB, be sure to shop around the industry for the best odds on all your wagers.
Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech prediction
This pick is predicated on Syracuse showing up hungry to get its first ACC win of the season. Virginia Tech represents a step down in class after the Orange lost to ACC heavyweights Clemson, North Carolina, and Florida State.
As mentioned, the Hokies are vulnerable on the ground. Expect a close ACC encounter here and consider taking the visitors and the points.
