Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Syracuse Orange Prediction, Pick and Preview, September 11 (9/11): NCAAF

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Syracuse Orange Prediction, Pick and Preview, September 11 (9/11): NCAAF

Credit: photo by Chris Bedota-USA TODAY Sports

 
Odds
Time 2:00 p.m. EST
Scarlet Knights money line -120
Scarlet Knights spread -2 (-110)
Orange money line +100
Orange spread +2 (-110)
Over / under  

 

Preview

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Syracuse Orange will meet this Saturday at the Carrier Dome. The two former Big East schools met for 32 straight seasons, and Syracuse leads the all-time series 29-12-1.

Offensive matchup
Rutgers
Senior quarterback Noah Vedral had a solid tune up last weekend. He went 15-27 for 138 passing yards and a touchdown, and he ran for 58 yards on eight carries. Vedral's ability to extend plays and make things happen on the ground will factor into the outcome of this one. 
Isaih Pacheco is approaching the 2,000-yard mark for his career, but he struggled to find room against the Owls. The junior back only gained 48 yards on 15 carries, but he did score. Freshman back Kyle Monangai scored twice in the opener, and so did backup QB Johnny Langan. Senior wideout Bo Melton looks set to lead the team in receiving for a third straight season after catching six passes for 59 yards and a touchdown in the opener.
Syracuse

Tommy DeVito returned to the lineup after an impressive 2019 season, and managed the opener pretty well. Cuse leaned on their ground game, but DeVito went 11-17 for 92 yards, and he added 49 yards on seven carries and a rushing score.

Sean Tucker had a big day against the Bobcats. The second-year back ran for a career-high 181 yards on 25 carries and a rushing touchdown. He will likely be a huge part of their gameplan against Rutgers this weekend. DeVito only completed eleven passes, and leading returning receiver Taj Harris caught six of them.

Defensive matchup

The Rutgers defense held Temple under 300 yards, and forced five turnovers. Senior leader and linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi led the team with 9 tackles, and he had a pair of sacks.

Syracuse only gave up nine points on the road last week, and they really locked in during the second half, and they sealed the game with an interception. Freshman Darian Chestnut has a great game last week, making eight tackles and ending the Bobcats' rally with a pick.

Prediction

Syracuse may be different team from last season, but most of the remaining pieces for a 1-10 roster do remain. DeVito's presence is huge, and they handled a solid MAC school in Ohio, but Rutgers has been building something special in New Brunswick.

The Scarlet Knights looked impressive in the opener, and we feel comfortable trusting them in what could be a hostile environment this weekend. Bet on Rutgers to cover the minimal spread this weekend with a win.

PICK: Rutgers Scarlet Knights -2

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