It’s an early-season ACC matchup in Syracuse. Here is a prediction for Georgia Tech vs. Syracuse’s Week 2 matchup in upstate New York.
The Syracuse Orange begin the 2024 season with renewed optimism under new head coach Fran Brown. Following a rollercoaster 2023 campaign that ended with six wins, Syracuse opened the new season on a high note, securing a victory in Brown’s debut.
This Saturday, the Orange will face their first major test in ACC play as they host No. 23 Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets have started the season 2-0, highlighted by an impressive upset over then-No. 10 Florida State in Dublin and a solid home win against Georgia State. This matchup will be a key early-season challenge for both teams.
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Georgia Tech vs. Syracuse Betting Preview
- Spread
Georgia Tech -3
- Moneyline
Georgia Tech -140 / Syracuse +120
- Over/Under
61
- Game time
Noon ET
- Location
JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, New York
- How to Watch
ACC Network
Check out all betting lines for Week 2 of College Football!
Prediction for Georgia Tech vs. Syracuse
In their all-time series, Georgia Tech holds a 4-1 advantage over Syracuse, including a 31-22 victory last November in Atlanta.
The key to this matchup lies in the Yellow Jackets’ dominant ground game. Last season, Georgia Tech averaged 198 rushing yards per game, and they’ve increased that number to 208 yards per contest in their first two games of 2024.
This presents a significant challenge for Syracuse, whose rush defense ranked 67th nationally last year and struggled mightily last week, allowing 255 rushing yards to Ohio. Georgia Tech’s rushing duo of King and Haynes could exploit the Orange’s difficulties in containing the run, especially given Syracuse’s issues with tackling and preventing yards after contact.
If the Yellow Jackets can control the clock with long, sustained drives, it could limit Syracuse’s offensive possessions, putting pressure on the Orange to capitalize on every opportunity they get
. While McCord and the Syracuse offense were impressive last week, they now face a much-improved Georgia Tech defense that has performed well through two games, holding a high-powered Florida State offense to 291 total yards and allowing just 12 points to Georgia State.
Though both teams are improving from 2023, and the Orange will benefit from home-field advantage, Georgia Tech seems to have the edge in this matchup. Their defense looks more reliable, and Syracuse may struggle to contain their potent rushing attack, making it challenging to keep pace offensively.
The Prediction: Georgia Tech 31 – Syracuse 23
Best Bet: Georgia Tech +3
