South Florida vs. Syracuse NCAAF – As the NCAAF season reaches its most critical stages, the Boca Raton Bowl presents an intriguing matchup between two equally matched teams: South Florida Bulls and Syracuse Orange. Both sides currently stand at 6-6 and set to battle it out on Thursday; bettors looking for NCAAF bowl betting picks should watch this bowl game closely as an opportunity to identify profitable bets could prove crucial for their betting futures.
South Florida Bulls vs. Syracuse Orange
Date & Time: Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET
Location: FAU Stadium
TV: ESPN
South Florida vs. Syracuse NCAAF Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| South Florida | +120 | +2.5 (-105) | 61.5 over (-107) |
| Syracuse | -140 | -2.5 (-115) | 61.5 under (-113) |
South Florida Bulls Analysis
The South Florida Bulls offense is led by quarterback Byrum Brown, who has passed for 3078 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Brown completes over 64% of his passes and averages 7.7 yards per attempt. He has shown the ability to push the ball downfield with big play potential. Running back Nay’Quan Wright adds 757 rushing yards on 4.5 yards per carry with 7 touchdowns. Wright brings balance to the Bulls attack. Top receiver Sean Atkins has hauled in 86 catches for 961 receiving yards, good for over 11 yards per reception. Atkins has found the end zone 5 times and proven to be Brown’s go-to target. Tight end Holden Willis is also a threat with 4 touchdown grabs on the year. The Bulls offense has firepower at multiple positions, but will need to cut down on turnovers to maximize scoring.
Defensively, the Bulls allow opponents to gain over 400 total yards per game. South Florida’s run defense ranks 50th nationally, holding teams under 150 rush yards per contest. But the weakness is in the secondary, which ranks bottom 25 in FBS against the pass. Opponents throw for nearly 260 yards per game through the air against the Bulls. For South Florida to compete, the secondary must avoid giving up big plays downfield and generate some turnovers. Interceptions could be key in a close contest.
Syracuse Orange Analysis
Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader guides a balanced Orange offense with 1686 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 6 picks while completing 62.6% of throws. Shrader has added mobility as well, rushing for over 500 yards and 6 scores. Running back LeQuint Allen powers the ground game with 225 carries, 1062 rush yards and 9 touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. Wideout Damien Alford averages an impressive 18.2 yards per catch as Shrader’s top deep threat. With balance across run and pass, the Orange can attack teams both on the ground and through the air utilizing multiple weapons.
The strength of Syracuse is on the defensive side. The Orange have held opponents to just 21.5 points per contest this season. Star linebacker Mikel Jones leads the charge with 83 tackles and 3 forced fumbles. In the secondary, Syracuse has 10 interceptions on the year from defensive backs like Duce Chestnut. That ball-hawking unit could force South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown into drive-killing mistakes. Syracuse also touts a top 35 run defense, allowing under 150 rushing yards per game with size up front. For the win, the Orange defense must contain South Florida’s offensive playmakers with tight coverage and gap control.
South Florida Bulls vs. Syracuse Orange Against the Spread
South Florida is 1-5 straight up in its last 6 games against ACC opponents. However, the Bulls have gone over the total in 5 of their last 7 contests versus Syracuse. South Florida is just 1-6 against the spread (ATS) in its previous 7 December games.
Syracuse has failed to cover in 6 of its last 8 overall. But the Orange are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games. The total has gone over in 4 of Syracuse’s previous 5 outings.
South Florida Bulls vs. Syracuse Orange Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Syracuse Orange (-140). Despite the Bulls’ competitive edge, Syracuse’s overall performance and higher consistency make them the safer bet.
Spread: South Florida Bulls +2.5 (-105). Given the close nature of this matchup and the Bulls’ potential to keep the game tight, they are a good pick against the spread.
Total: Over 61.5 (-107). Considering both teams’ offensive capabilities and recent trends favoring high-scoring games, the over seems like a viable option.
Predicted Score: Syracuse Orange 33, South Florida Bulls 30
In conclusion, this Boca Raton Bowl presents a tight and potentially high-scoring affair. While the Syracuse Orange seems to be a slightly safer bet on the moneyline, the South Florida Bulls hold value against the spread. For those looking to place bets, considering these aspects along with the recent trends and key players’ performance is crucial. Remember, for bettors looking for a reliable betting experience, choosing the best sportsbook in Canada is as important as the bets you place. Happy betting, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
