Dino Babers and Company are buzzing after a massive 31-7 season opening win over Louisville last weekend. The hype is starting to build around the Orange even after just one showing. SU received four votes in the AP Poll this week and is favored by three touchdowns over UCONN in Saturday’s clash. Now if your questioning if Syracuse can cover the 21 point spread, that’s fair it’s pretty hefty. However, history shows that SU is simply a covering machine. Here are some numbers to back up that claim.
Syracuse is 47-37-1 (56%) Against the Spread Since 2015
In 2018, Syracuse was 9-4 (69%) Against the Number
In 2020, Syracuse finished 1-10 but 6-5 (54%) Against the Spread
In 2021, Syracuse was 8-4 (67%) Against the Spread
Syracuse was 3-1 ATS in Non-Conference Games in 2021
This weekend is only the sixth time in the last seven years that Syracuse has been favored in a contest on the road. That’s another conversation for another time, but history shows that SU is successful as the underdog. What can SU do as the favorite? We’ll find out this weekend.
In the mean time, if you aren’t taking Syracuse to at least cover the spread whether it be as the favorite or the underdog, you’re leaving money on the table. SU hasn’t won many games under Babers since 2016 but the Orange have certainly been more competitive than the numbers would suggest.
The narrative of Syracuse Football for the majority of the 21st century has been that of the underdog. That perspective could change at least for this season. There’s a chance that the Orange could be favored or even in most of their games this season. How does the ‘Cuse handle the change in narration?
In any case, if you are late to the party you should join in on the fun.
