Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Prediction, Picks & Odds: Week 9

The undefeated Pittsburgh Panthers host the Syracuse Orange in a key ACC matchup on Thursday night. As quarterbacks Kyle McCord and Eli Holstein prepare to battle, we make our best Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh prediction.

McCord has been a machine this season, throwing for 2,160 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. In a favorable matchup, will he have another huge game? Despite its 5-1 record, Syracuse is a decided outsider by the ACC Championship odds. 

While his numbers aren’t as good, Holstein has been great for the Panthers. He has 1,697 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He's also set up for a favorable matchup.

I asked myself one simple question when betting on this spread: Which defense will make more stops? The below picks are part of our college football Week 9 predictions. 

Best Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh picks

College football picks based on the odds from our best college football betting sites. Odds subject to change.

• Against the spread pick: Syracuse +5.5 () vs. Pittsburgh ⭐⭐⭐
• My best bet: Kyle McCord Over 320.5 passing yards () ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh against the spread prediction: Week 9

Syracuse to cover the spread: +5.5 (-104) ⭐⭐⭐

Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh opening odds:

• Syracuse: +6 ()
• Pittsburgh: -5.5 ()

Orange win the battle of quarterbacks

McCord and Holstein have each put up huge numbers this season. McCord has thrown for at least 339 passing yards in every game, accumulating the seventh-most passing yards in the nation.

Holstein has also been solid for the Panthers.

While Holstein's numbers aren’t as good, he’s thrown for at least 300 yards in four of his six starts. However, he had his first truly bad game of the season last week against the California Golden Bears, completing just 50% of his passes and throwing no touchdowns and two interceptions.

Neither of these pass defenses is good, but the Panthers are worse, allowing 246.0 passing yards per game, which ranks 95th in the nation.

There are factors at play. The Panthers have a slight advantage in the rushing attack, and they’re playing at home. But whoever throws the ball better will win this game, and the Orange undoubtedly has the advantage.

The spread sits at either 5.5 or 6 at our best college football betting sites. You could consider +6 for -110, but this is a game that the Orange can win, and the Panthers have been involved in three close games. Take the slightly worse number for the better price.

Best odds: -104 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 50.98%

Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh best bet

Our NEW college football player prop odds tool can help you find the best odds on any market across legal sportsbooks in your area!

Kyle McCord Over 320.5 passing yards (-115) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m sure this prop will come as no surprise to anyone.

McCord has been phenomenal throwing the ball all season, and he’s in another great matchup. He’s never thrown for fewer than 339 yards in a game, so why would he suddenly set a season-low against the 95th-ranked pass defense in the nation?

The only thing preventing this from being a five-star play is that McCord’s ceiling isn’t insanely high. His season-high is 385 yards, which isn’t much better than his floor. And while night games in Pittsburgh this time of year can be problematic, the weather looks like it will be perfect.

Both bet365 and Caesars set the total at 320.5. Caesars is asking -132, a fair price for this number but nowhere near as valuable as the -115 at bet365.

FanDuel has the number set at 323.5, but the price of -114 isn’t good enough to play. A winning $10 bet will yield an $8.70 profit. 

Best odds: -115 via bet365 | Implied probability: 53.49%

Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh odds

See all of this week's college football odds and NCAAF scores.

Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh game info

• When: Thursday, Oct. 24
• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh)
• How to watch: ESPN
• Weather: 48 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, wind 3 mph N
• Favorite: Pittsburgh -5.5 (-110 via BetMGM)

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