What happens in Vegas? This time we want you to tell us
The Syracuse Orange (3-1, 1-1) are on the road for the first time in 2024, but they are staying indoors. The Orange will take on the #25 UNLV Rebels (4-0) of the Mountain West. It’s a 9:00 kick tonight on FS1 from Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.
Here’s what we think will happen tonight:
Kevin: Syracuse 31, UNLV 27
There’s a lot of buzz in Vegas about the Rebels because of what’s happening on and off the field. This is a team that feels they’ve arrived, but Syracuse has a veteran locker room that knows tonight’s game can turn a season around. Yes, this group is flawed, but I think we see Kyle McCord and Devin Grant make key plays in the fourth quarter to help the Orange leave Vegas with more than they brought.
Max: Syracuse 38, UNLV 34
These two teams are almost identical on paper, including overall power ranking and strength of schedule per PFF. The one metric with a staggering difference? SU’s pass-heavy offense against UNLV’s run-dominant offensive attack. McCord presents the biggest challenge for the Rebels’ D so far this year, and I think a few quick strikes give the Orange an early lead and help set the tone. It’ll be a high-scoring game, but Syracuse’s defensive front does just enough to stop the run in a tight win.
Mike: Syracuse 38, UNLV 31
While trends say this will be a high-scoring game, the Rebels’ ground heavy game could work against them by chewing off too much clock down the stretch. Their defense relies too much on takeaways in my eyes and is prone to giving up chunk passing plays. If the Orange offense can stay patient and take what’s given to them, they’ll come out on top in their first road test.
Dom: UNLV 30, Syracuse 27
Looks like I’m going to be the first (and possibly only) Disloyal Idiot for this week’s predictions. Like everyone, I think this will be a tight game where neither team wins by more than seven points. UNLV’s run-heavy scheme is going to be scary to stop, and even though the Orange’s run-defense is improved, it’s still a concern. Both offenses will hold up fine no matter what happens. During the record predictions in the preseason, I picked UNLV as a lean loss and that was without knowing the Rebels would get off to a perfect start. I’m riding and dying with that prediction in this contest.
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Now it’s your turn