Syracuse Orange at Washington State Cougars Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/27/2024 8:00 PM EST

We have your Syracuse Orange at Washington State Cougars prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Syracuse Orange hit the road to face the Washington State Cougars.

Syracuse Orange at Washington State Cougars Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Syracuse Orange -425 (ESPN BET) / Washington State Cougars +320 (ESPN BET)
Best Spread Odds: 7.5 - Syracuse Orange -108 (BetRivers) / 11.5 - Washington State Cougars -115 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 61.5 - Under -109 (BetRivers) / Over -112 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: 12/27/2024
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: Snapdragon Stadium (San Diego, CA)
TV: FOX

Syracuse Orange at Washington State Cougars Preview

The Syracuse Orange and Washington State Cougars are set to clash in what promises to be an intriguing matchup at Snapdragon Stadium. Both teams have had their share of ups and downs this season, but they come into this bowl game with a point to prove.

Syracuse, led by head coach Fran Brown, has had a season marked by resilience and standout performances. The Orange have been buoyed by the impressive play of former Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord, who threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns in their season-opening win over Ohio. This offensive prowess has been a hallmark of Syracuse's campaign, and they will look to leverage it against a Washington State defense that has shown vulnerability at times.

On the other side, Washington State has been navigating a season of transition. The Cougars, under the guidance of head coach Jake Dickert, have had a commendable year, finishing with an 8-4 record. However, they face a significant challenge with the departure of star quarterback John Mateer, who has entered the transfer portal. Mateer's dual-threat capabilities were a key component of the Cougars' offense, accounting for 44 total touchdowns and ranking fifth nationally in total offense. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, and the Cougars will need to find alternative ways to generate offense against a formidable Syracuse defense.

Despite the challenges, Washington State has shown resilience throughout the season, and their ability to adapt will be crucial in this matchup. The Cougars' defense, which has been a cornerstone of their success, will need to step up to contain Syracuse's dynamic offensive threats.

As both teams prepare for this bowl game, the stakes are high, and the outcome will hinge on which team can best execute their game plan and capitalize on their strengths. With Syracuse's potent offense and Washington State's defensive tenacity, this game is set to be a captivating contest under the San Diego lights.

Syracuse Orange at Washington State Cougars Pick: Syracuse Orange Against the Spread

In this intriguing matchup between the Syracuse Orange and the Washington State Cougars, the spread favors Syracuse by 7.5 points, and there are compelling reasons to back the Orange to cover this spread. Syracuse has demonstrated a potent offensive capability throughout the season, largely due to the impressive performances of quarterback Kyle McCord. McCord, a former Ohio State transfer, has been a standout player for the Orange, showcasing his ability to lead the offense with precision and flair. His season-opening performance against Ohio, where he threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns, set the tone for Syracuse's offensive prowess.

On the other hand, Washington State faces a significant challenge with the absence of their star quarterback John Mateer, who has entered the transfer portal. Mateer's dual-threat capabilities were a cornerstone of the Cougars' offense, accounting for 44 total touchdowns and ranking fifth nationally in total offense. His departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, especially against a Syracuse defense that has shown resilience and the ability to stifle opposing offenses.

Moreover, the Cougars' season has been marked by transition and adaptation under head coach Jake Dickert. While they have managed to secure an 8-4 record, the loss of Mateer is a substantial blow to their offensive strategy. The Cougars will need to rely heavily on their defense to contain Syracuse's dynamic offensive threats, but without their offensive leader, maintaining competitiveness against a high-scoring team like Syracuse could prove challenging.

Given these factors, Syracuse's offensive firepower, combined with Washington State's significant roster change, positions the Orange favorably to cover the spread. The game at Snapdragon Stadium promises to be a captivating contest, but the odds lean towards Syracuse extending their advantage and securing a decisive victory.

Syracuse Orange at Washington State Cougars Top Player Prop Picks

Kyle McCord Over 354.5 Passing Yards Passing Yards (-110) (BetRivers)

Kyle McCord has been a revelation for the Syracuse Orange this season, stepping into the quarterback role with aplomb after transferring from Ohio State. His standout performance in the season opener against Ohio, where he threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns, set the tone for his campaign. Given Washington State's recent struggles on defense, particularly with the absence of their star quarterback John Mateer, McCord is poised to exploit any vulnerabilities. The Cougars' defense will be under immense pressure to contain Syracuse's dynamic offense, and McCord's ability to dissect defenses with his precise passing makes the over on his passing yards an enticing proposition.

Washington State Under 44.5 Total Points (-115) (BetMGM)

With the departure of John Mateer, Washington State faces a significant challenge in maintaining their offensive output. Mateer's dual-threat capabilities were instrumental in the Cougars' success, accounting for 44 total touchdowns and ranking fifth nationally in total offense. His absence leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, especially against a Syracuse defense that has shown resilience throughout the season. The Cougars will need to rely heavily on their defense to keep the game competitive, but without their offensive leader, scoring against a well-prepared Syracuse team could prove challenging. This makes the under on Washington State's total points a compelling pick.

Syracuse Over 3.5 Total Touchdowns (-120) (BetRivers)

Syracuse's offensive prowess, led by Kyle McCord, has been a hallmark of their season. The Orange have consistently demonstrated their ability to find the end zone, and with McCord's impressive arm leading the charge, they are well-positioned to continue this trend against Washington State. The Cougars' defense, while commendable, will be tested without the offensive support that Mateer provided. Syracuse's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, combined with Washington State's transitional phase, suggests that the Orange will surpass the 3.5 total touchdowns mark, making this a strong prop bet.