We have an exciting nonconference matchup on Friday night at Allegiant Stadium as the Syracuse Orange are on the road to take on the No. 25 UNLV Rebels. Both teams have had an outstanding start to the season, and this game will be one to measure their resumes when the season ends.
The Orange (3-1) get back into the win column as they are coming off Saturday's 42-14 dominant home victory over the Holy Cross Crusaders. Senior quarterback Kyle McCord played well as he completed 28 of 50 passes for 385 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Rebels (4-0) have looked incredible and are coming off an outstanding 59-14 home win on Saturday over the Fresno State Bulldogs. Senior quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams became the starter and excelled by completing 13-of-16 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns. He rushed for 119 yards (9.9 yards per carry) and a touchdown.
Syracuse vs. UNLV prediction
The Syracuse Orange have been one of the most improved teams this season in the Power Five. Even though UNLV is ranked and Syracuse is not, there is a distinctive difference in the quarterbacks.
Kyle McCord has looked incredible after transferring from Ohio State before the season but has a 14:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Starting quarterback Matthew Sluka is no longer part of the Rebels after a dispute regarding his NIL, and even though Hajj-Malik Williams looked spectacular in his starting debut for the team, the Orange now have tape on him.
Syracuse averages 45.2 passing attempts per game, while the UNLV defense allows a 62.5% completion rate, indicating the Orange offense is well-positioned to continue playing to its strengths. There is a reason why Syracuse is averaging 33.8 points per game and UNLV will not be able to answer those drives.
UNLV simply does not have much of a running game to fall back on and that is a bit concerning as they cannot chew clock enough if they are up late in a close game. It will take more than one strong week from Williams under center before we can trust him to dominate consistently. Expect there to be a lot of points, but the Syracuse Orange to pull out the win on the road as well.
Syracuse vs. UNLV betting tips
Tip 1: Syracuse Orange +6.5 (-112)
Tip 2: Syracuse Orange Moneyline (+205)
Tip 3: Over 59.5 Points (-110)
Syracuse vs. UNLV head-to-head
The Syracuse Orange and the UNLV Rebels will face each other for the first time on Friday.
How to watch Syracuse vs. UNLV
This game will be airing live on linear television and streaming services. For linear television, this game will be on FS1. Streaming will be available on the Fox Sports App, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo TV, Sling TV and Hulu + Live Sports.
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