Syracuse Vs Stanford Prediction

Syracuse vs. Stanford Prediction

Syracuse Orange vs. Stanford Cardinal

Syracuse finished 9-4 overall and 6-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2022. The Orange ended the season with a 35-26 victory over Minnesota in the Pinstripe Bowl. Stanford finished 3-9 overall and 1-8 in the Pac-12 Conference in 2022. The Cardinal ended the season with a 35-32 loss to BYU in the New Mexico Bowl. Syracuse is a 6.5-point favorite over Stanford in their season opener on Saturday, September 2, 2023. The game will be played at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York.

Betting Lines

• Spread: Syracuse -6.5
• Over/Under: 54
• Money Line: Syracuse -275, Stanford +220

Prediction

Syracuse is a slight favorite over Stanford in their season opener. The Orange have a more experienced team and are playing at home. Stanford has a new head coach in Troy Taylor and is looking to rebound from a disappointing season. The Cardinal have a talented roster, but they will need time to adjust to Taylor's system. Syracuse should be able to win this game if they can control the tempo and keep the ball out of Stanford's hands. The Orange have a strong running game led by Sean Tucker, and they should be able to move the ball against Stanford's defense. Stanford's offense is led by quarterback Tanner McKee, who is one of the best passers in the country. However, McKee will need to find a way to protect the ball against Syracuse's pass rush. The Orange are the better team in this matchup, and they should be able to win the game if they play to their potential.

Syracuse Team Preview

Syracuse is led by fifth-year head coach Dino Babers. Babers is 34-29 in his four seasons at Syracuse. The Orange have a talented roster led by quarterback Garrett Shrader, running back Sean Tucker, and wide receiver Taj Harris. Shrader is a dual-threat quarterback who passed for 2,487 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns. Tucker is one of the best running backs in the country. He rushed for 1,496 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Harris is a dynamic wide receiver who led the Orange in receiving yards (754) and touchdowns (9) last season. Syracuse has a strong defense led by linebacker Mikel Jones and defensive end Caleb Okechukwu. Jones led the Orange in tackles last season with 106. Okechukwu had 10 sacks last season.

Stanford Team Preview

Stanford is led by first-year head coach Troy Taylor. Taylor was previously the head coach at Sacramento State. The Cardinal have a talented roster led by quarterback Tanner McKee, running back E.J. Smith, and wide receiver Michael Wilson. McKee is a pro-style quarterback who passed for 3,329 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 287 yards and four touchdowns. Smith is a talented running back who rushed for 630 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Wilson is a big and physical wide receiver who caught 50 passes for 897 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Stanford has a solid defense led by linebacker Levani Damuni and defensive end David Bailey. Damuni led the Cardinal in tackles last season with 97. Bailey had 5.5 sacks last season.