Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech odds, spread, line: 2023 college football picks, Week 9 predictions by proven model

The Virginia Tech Hokies will try to get rolling again when they host the Syracuse Orange in an ACC game on Thursday night. The Hokies (3-4, 2-1) come into the Week 9 matchup off a bye and have two victories in their past three games. The most recent was a 30-13 home triumph against Wake Forest. The Orange (4-3, 0-3) have lost three straight conference games and were outscored 80-10 in losing to ranked Florida State and North Carolina teams in their past two. However, the Orange have had success against the Hokies, winning four of the last five meetings. 

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The latest Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech odds from the SportsLine consensus list the Hokies as 3-point favorites, while the over/under for total points scored is 47.5. Before making any Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse picks, be sure to check out the college football predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Since its inception, it has generated a stunning profit of well over $2,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech and just revealed its picks and predictions. You can visit SportsLine to see the model's CFB picks. Here are several college football odds and trends for Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse: 

• Syracuse vs. Virginia. Tech spread: Hokies -3
• Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech over/under: 47.5 points
• Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech money line: Orange +127, Hokies -151
• SYR: Is 10-10 ATS as a road underdog under Dino Babers (since 2016). 
• VT: Is 11-4 ATS as a favorite (8-3 ATS at home) since the 2019 season.
• Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech picks: See picks at SportsLine
• Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech live stream: fubo (try for free)

Why Virginia Tech can cover

The Hokies have won three of their four home games and are 3-0 against the spread in their ACC matchups. Quarterback Kyron Drones appears to be making steady progress, and the sophomore threw for 321 yards in his last outing against Wake Forest. His running ability will present a challenge for Syracuse. He has 344 rushing yards and 1,042 through the air, accounting for 10 total touchdowns. His only interception came in his first start in Week 3, a 35-16 loss to Rutgers. 

Running back Bhayshul Tuten also is a versatile player, with 360 rushing yards, 206 as a receiver and five total TDs. Receiver Jaylin Lane is averaging 16.2 yards per catch and had 102 yards in the victory against Wake. The Hokies defense has 22 sacks, tied for sixth in FBS, and Antwaun Powell-Ryland has seven (tied for fifth). He also has forced three fumbles. The pass rush is one reason Virginia Tech has the best passing defense in the ACC (169 yards per game). See which team to pick here.

Why Syracuse can cover

The Orange won the most recent meeting in Blacksburg, led by current quarterback Garrett Shrader. The senior threw for 236 yards and rushed for 174 in the 41-36 victory in 2021, accounting for five touchdowns. Shrader has 1,371 passing yards and 358 yards this season, accounting for 16 TDs. He and running back LeQuint Allen (511 yards, seven TDs) should exploit one of the ACC's worst run defenses. Virginia Tech allows 172.1 rushing yards per game.

Syracuse also can make things happen in the passing game. Receivers Umari Hatcher (16.5 yards per catch) and Damien Alford (15.9) are both dangerous downfield and have the size to create mismatches. The offense is converting on 46% of its third-down attempts, third-best in the ACC. The Hokies are last at 30.9%. Syracuse doesn't have great defensive numbers, but the front can create trouble. The Orange have 51 tackles for loss (T-14 in FBS) and 20 sacks. See which team to pick here.

How to make Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 42 points. The model also says one side of the spread is the better value. You can only see the model's pick at SportsLine.