Every so often it’s worth glancing through Vegas’ college football intel to glean some factoids about Syracuse and its opponents. While gambling sharks are weighing home records on grass vs. road losses on turf, and we just care about W’s, there’s still some juicy nuggets to grab.
Did you know Orange Nation? “SU was a dynamo away from the Carrier Dome in 2010, posting a 6-1 ATS road record, including wins against the number in two games when favored.” Basically, the Orange was in beast mode on the road (something we knew already by its win/loss record). ATS is Against The Spread, meaning whatever the oddsmakers thought was a fair line that day, SU was better than it. The Orange success away from CNY last year was the major reason it went to a bowl game. Doug Marrone’s ability to get this team focused and motivated in hostile environs is exemplary.
Did you know Orange Nation? “If Syracuse happens to drop back-to-back games at some point this season, Marrone is 5-0 ATS in the following game.” This is a pretty interesting insight into The Dougie’s ability to rally the troops when things go south. Five times in his tenure SU has lost back-to-back games, and all five times the Orange played well the following Saturday. This underscores an incredible ability to avoid long losing streaks and season-crushing momentum.
Did you know Orange Nation? “Playing South Florida has been a major disappointment for Syracuse backers, as the team is 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings, including an 0-3 ATS mark when hosting.” Yeah, USF has been a thorn in every SU fan’s side, but that one win ATS was last season’s huge road victory in Tampa. It set the Orange up to compete for the conference crown late into the season and was a true “Marrone has this thing turned around” moment.
Did you know Orange Nation? “Syracuse in 2010 was 5-8 O/U.” That means in the over/under (combined points predicted), the Orange didn’t fare well. Why? SU played keep away because its offense was stagnant and were in the middle of a lot of low scoring affairs. It didn’t win style points, but it worked.
And finally, did you know Orange Nation? “Rutgers was one of the worst teams in the country against the spread last year going 2-9-1 including 1-6 at home and 1-3-1 on the road.” Ah, Crazy Eyes Schiano is picked to finish dead last in the conference. All is right with the world.
*All betting stats courtesy of Maddux Sports
Posted: D.A.
