Game Overview

The Syracuse Orange (9-3) face off against the Washington State Cougars (8-4) in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl on December 27, 2024, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. Syracuse enters as a significant 18-point favorite, seeking their 10th win of the season under first-year head coach Fran Brown. Meanwhile, Washington State looks to finish their season on a high note despite a challenging end to the year.

Betting Odds

Syracuse’s high-powered passing game, led by quarterback Kyle McCord, will be a key factor in this matchup. The Cougars’ struggles on defense, especially in recent games, have made the Orange the heavy favorites.

Team Analysis

Syracuse Orange

The Orange have had a strong season, finishing 9-3 and securing fourth place in the ACC. Their offense has been prolific, averaging 38 points per game in their last three outings. Quarterback Kyle McCord leads the charge with 4,326 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, while running back LeQuint Allen has added balance with 901 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

Defensively, Syracuse has been vulnerable at times, allowing an average of 28 points per game in their last five contests. However, they’ve consistently been able to outscore opponents thanks to their potent offense.

Washington State Cougars

Washington State has endured a tough end to their season, losing three of their last four games, including a one-point loss to Wyoming in their regular-season finale. Quarterback John Mateer has been a dual threat, throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns while adding 826 rushing yards and 15 scores. Wide receiver Kyle Williams has been his primary target, tallying 1,026 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Defensively, the Cougars have struggled mightily, allowing over 35 points per game in their last four contests. This defensive inconsistency could be a major liability against Syracuse’s high-octane offense.

Recent Performance

Syracuse Orange

Syracuse finished the season strong with three consecutive wins, including a thrilling 42-38 victory over Miami. Their offense averaged 35 points per game during this stretch, while the defense allowed 29 points per contest. Despite the defensive lapses, the Orange have shown the ability to outscore opponents in high-scoring games.

Washington State Cougars

The Cougars limped to the finish line, going 1-3 in their last four games. Their defense allowed 38 points per game during this stretch, while the offense averaged 34 points. Turnovers and defensive breakdowns have been the main culprits in their recent struggles.

Head-to-Head Matchup

This is the first meeting between Syracuse and Washington State in recent history. Both teams rely heavily on their quarterbacks to produce offense, but Syracuse’s balanced attack and superior defensive talent give them a clear edge in this matchup.

Betting Trends

• The total has gone over in five of Syracuse’s last six games.
• Washington State has allowed 30+ points in four straight games.
• Syracuse is 4-2 ATS in their last six games.
• The total has gone over in four of Washington State’s last five games.

Prediction