Two disappointing ACC teams get the weekend started when the Syracuse Orange (1-7, 1-6) visit the Louisville Cardinals (2-6, 1-6) on Friday, November 20, 2020. These two teams are in a four-way tie, with Duke and Florida State, at the bottom of the ACC standing. This game will air live on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Through eight games. The Syracuse offense is averaging just 18.3 points per game and 263.8 yards per game, 177.8 through the air and 86.0 on the ground. Sean Tucker leads the team with 414 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and Taj Harris has a team high 36 receptions for 507 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, the Orange are allowing 31.1 points and 464.3 yards, 240.87 passing and 223.5 rushing.
The Louisville offense is averaging 27.9 points per game and 440.6 yards per game, 239.0 through the air and 201.6 on the ground. Javian Hawkins leads the team with 822 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and Tutu Atwell has a team high 40 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, the Cardinals are allowing 29.8 points and 392.12 yards, 195.6 passing and 196.5 rushing.
Below is my pick for the Syracuse Orange at Louisville Cardinals. All odds are from BetMGM Sportsbook.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/louisville” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Syracuse Orange at Louisville Cardinals (-18.5): O/U 55.5 (-110/-110)
Last time out, Syracuse hosted the Boston College Eagles and suffered a 16-13 defeat. This game was not as close as the scoreboard indicates as Syracuse scored a touchdown with 22 seconds left to make it look like a one possession game. QB JaCobian Morgan went 19/30 for 118 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Sean Tucker led the team with 52 rushing yards and Taj Harris had a team high seven receptions for 61 yards. The Syracuse defense allowed 399 total yards and did not force a single turnover.
The Louisville Cardinals visited the Virginia Cavaliers and left with a 31-17 defeat. This game was close most of the way, as Virginia lead just 21-17 heading into the final quarter, but the Virginia defense shutout Louisville in the fourth quarter to clinch the win. QB Malik Cunningham went 13/21 for 161 yards, zero touchdowns, one interception, and exploded on the ground with 197 yards and two touchdowns. Louisville rushed for 317 yards on the day. The Cardinals defense allowed 368 total yards and forced two Virginia turnovers, one interception and one recovered fumble.
Series History: Louisville won the meeting last season and now holds an 11-7 all-time lead in the series.
Football Picks: This is a lot of points for two bad teams, but I am still going to take Louisville -18.5 Friday night.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 34-23