Syracuse Orange Football: Predictions and Poll vs. UNLV

The Syracuse Orange (3-1, 1-1) are on the road for the first time in 2024, but will remain indoors. The Orange will face the #25 UNLV Rebels (4-0) of the Mountain West. It’s tonight at 9pm on FS1 at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.

Here’s what we think will happen tonight:

Kevin: Syracuse 31, UNLV 27

There’s a lot of talk about the Rebels in Las Vegas because of everything that happens on and off the field. This is a team that feels like it has arrived, but Syracuse has an experienced locker room that knows tonight’s game can turn a season around. Yes, this group is flawed, but I think we see Kyle McCord and Devin Grant make key plays in the fourth quarter to help the Orange leave Vegas with more than they brought with them.

Maximum: Syracuse 38, UNLV 34

These two teams are nearly identical on paper, including overall strength rating and strength of schedule per PFF. The only metric with a stunning difference? SU’s pass-heavy attack against UNLV’s run-dominant offensive attack. McCord poses the biggest challenge for the Rebels’ D so far this year, and I think a few quick shots will give the Orange an early lead and set the tone. It will be a high-scoring game, but Syracuse’s defensive front is just enough to stop the run with a narrow win.

Microphone: Syracuse 38, UNLV 31

While trends suggest this will be a high-scoring game, the Rebels’ bottom-heavy game could be detrimental by wasting too much time down the stretch. Their defense, in my opinion, relies too much on takeaways and tends to give up big passing plays. If the Orange offense stays patient and accepts what is presented to them, they will emerge victorious in their first road test.

Cathedral: UNLV 30, Syracuse 27

It looks like I’ll be the first (and possibly only) disloyal idiot for this week’s predictions. Like everyone else, I think it will be a close game with neither team winning by more than seven points. Stopping UNLV’s run-heavy plan will be scary, and while the Orange’s run defense has improved, it’s still a concern. Both offenses will remain fine no matter what happens. In preseason record predictions, I pegged UNLV as a close loss, not knowing the Rebels would get off to a perfect start. I ride and die with this prediction in this competition.

**************************************************** **************************************************** *

Now it’s your turn