Syracuse Orange vs
California Golden BearsPredictions & Preview

California Golden Bears Favored to Win Against Syracuse Orange in Saturday Matchup at 3:00 PM Eastern Time

The upcoming college football matchup between the Cal Golden Bears and the Syracuse Orange will take place on Saturday at 3:00 PM Eastern time. Syracuse will be looking to bounce back from a recent loss to Boston College, while Cal hopes to build on their victory over Wake Forest. California is favored to win, with the current betting line opening at -7 and now standing at California -8.5. Stay tuned for the outcome of this anticipated game between these two competitive teams.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Orange +270 | Golden Bears -330
• Spread: Orange +8.5 (-110) | Golden Bears -8.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 56.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that California will win straight-up is 77%.

Syracuse vs California Stats

Syracuse Orange

The Syracuse Orange offense has found success in the passing game, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and key target Oronde Gadsden II. Running back LeQuint Allen provides balance with his rushing ability, though the team averages a modest 89 yards on the ground per game. Their passing efficiency has contributed to a high points-per-game average of 31.67. Defensively, Syracuse employs a 4-2-5 scheme that prioritizes covering passing-heavy offenses. Linebacker Marlowe Wax and defensive linemen Fadil Diggs and Denis Jaquez Jr. are key playmakers who contribute to the team's success. The secondary, led by Justin Barron, focuses on creating turnovers. Despite their effectiveness in forcing turnovers, Syracuse has struggled with run defense, allowing an average of 155 yards per game. Currently, Syracuse is ranked 47th in offense, 84th in defense, and has a season record of 6-2 (4-4 ATS).

California Golden Bears Analysis

The California Golden Bears offense, led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, demonstrates effectiveness in both the passing and rushing game. With key targets in wide receivers Nyziah Hunter and Jonathan Brady, as well as running back Jaydn Ott, the team maintains a balanced offensive approach, averaging 397.6 total yards and 28.7 points per game. On the defensive side, the Golden Bears employ a multiple 4-2-5 scheme, led by standout players like linebacker Xavier Carlton and defensive tackle Ricky Correia. While the defense excels at stopping the run and generating turnovers, there is room for improvement in pass coverage. Currently ranked 25th in the power rankings, the team faces challenges against top ACC offenses. In their last three matchups, Syracuse has struggled against California, with the Golden Bears holding superior offensive and defensive statistics.

McCord's Passing Game and Offensive Strategy Make Syracuse a Strong Bet to Cover the Spread against Cal

Syracuse's quarterback, McCord, leads a highly effective passing game that will likely enable the team to remain competitive in the upcoming matchup. McCord's impressive completion rate of 64% and the presence of reliable receivers such as Gadsden II and Pena indicate that Syracuse is well-equipped to maintain possession of the ball and exploit defensive weaknesses on Cal's part. In addition, the team benefits from a versatile running back, Allen, who contributes to a well-rounded offensive strategy that facilitates consistent yardage gains. Given Cal's documented struggles with defensive stability, particularly in high-pressure situations, Syracuse has a strong possibility of not only staying within point-spread limits but also potentially securing a victory in a tightly contested game. Syracuse is a solid choice to cover the spread in this competitive matchup.

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