Trying to incorporate as much analysis as I'm allowed.
Miami to Rock Emotional Syracuse Like a Hurricane
Coming off an upset win vs #2 Clemson, Syracuse (4-3) travels to #8 Miami (5-0) this Saturday at 3:30 PM ET. The Hurricanes opened as 14 point favorites, but that number has been bet up to 17.
Syracuse's offense revolves around dual-threat quarterback Eric Dungey, who is responsible for about 65% of Syracuse's offensive plays. He leads the Orange in passing and rushing yards.
Miami's defense is well-equipped to deal with a Syracuse offense that is constructed to give its quarterback pretty numbers by favoring tempo and quick passes out of the shotgun to a spread-out group of wide receivers. Miami's rush defense will allow them to focus on playing extensive pass coverage.
In their last 10 games, Miami is 4-0 ATS when allowing less than 100 rushing yards. Miami's defense ranks 50th in allowing 4.1 yards per carry, a number that is inflated by just having faced Georgia Tech. Last year, they ranked 22nd in the same category and allowed just 3.2 yards per carry at home. This year, they return almost their entire front 7 on defense and thus continue to create havoc in opposing backfields.
Their speed on defense allows them to halt up-tempo offenses such as that of Duke. Miami's defensive ends can remain well-rested because there are four of them who are capable of starting, but also because they played two fewer games than Syracuse. They are big and physical and work inside. But, with their quick reaction off the snap, they also ably help their linebackers in sideline-to-sideline pursuit. Miami's defense can excel against the quick sideline pass, but also the power run up the middle.
Going on the road against a highly-ranked pass defense is a tall order for Dungey. Dating back to last season, he has thrown 3 interceptions to 2 touchdowns against teams ranked in the top 50 of average opposing quarterback passer rating. Miami ranks 32nd in the category. Miami's front 7 should play a decisive role. Miami is 4th in sacks per game and should achieve plenty of sacks against a Syracuse team that is 124th in sacks allowed per game. The Orange, when they enter into longer passing downs, will need big passing plays against a Miami secondary that is 17th in pass yards allowed per attempt.
Offensively, Miami has the advantage of having a balanced attack, where Syracuse fails to develop one. Travis Homer impressed in his debut as Miami's starting running back with 170 yards against Georgia Tech's strongly-ranked rush defense. Quarterback Malik Rosier also proved that he can have an efficient game against a high-quality, experienced secondary, by achieving a 62% completion against the Yellow Jackets.
The power-5 opponents that Syracuse has faced, LSU and NC State, but also Middle Tennessee State, achieved the TT over against Syracuse by rushing more than 30 times. These teams did not fall behind, but instead kept pace with Syracuse, such that they were able to do what they want offensively. Malik Rosier provides a dual-threat element, with his mobility, that Syracuse, who struggled against Middle Tennessee State's Brent Stockstill, hasn't shown to be able to stop. Between Rosier's running, his improvement in pass accuracy, and the speedy Homer, Miami can boast a dangerously balanced offensive attack that features a strong running game.
The Verdict
This season, teams that face Clemson are 1-4 ATS in the following week. Expect a well-balanced Miami offense to control the game, while Dungey will struggle to regain momentum against the physicality, speed, and depth of Miami's defense. Syracuse, coming off a huge upset win, will run out of gas against Miami.
NCAAF Pick: Miami -16
Miami to Rock Emotional Syracuse Like a Hurricane
Coming off an upset win vs #2 Clemson, Syracuse (4-3) travels to #8 Miami (5-0) this Saturday at 3:30 PM ET. The Hurricanes opened as 14 point favorites, but that number has been bet up to 17.
Syracuse's offense revolves around dual-threat quarterback Eric Dungey, who is responsible for about 65% of Syracuse's offensive plays. He leads the Orange in passing and rushing yards.
Miami's defense is well-equipped to deal with a Syracuse offense that is constructed to give its quarterback pretty numbers by favoring tempo and quick passes out of the shotgun to a spread-out group of wide receivers. Miami's rush defense will allow them to focus on playing extensive pass coverage.
In their last 10 games, Miami is 4-0 ATS when allowing less than 100 rushing yards. Miami's defense ranks 50th in allowing 4.1 yards per carry, a number that is inflated by just having faced Georgia Tech. Last year, they ranked 22nd in the same category and allowed just 3.2 yards per carry at home. This year, they return almost their entire front 7 on defense and thus continue to create havoc in opposing backfields.
Their speed on defense allows them to halt up-tempo offenses such as that of Duke. Miami's defensive ends can remain well-rested because there are four of them who are capable of starting, but also because they played two fewer games than Syracuse. They are big and physical and work inside. But, with their quick reaction off the snap, they also ably help their linebackers in sideline-to-sideline pursuit. Miami's defense can excel against the quick sideline pass, but also the power run up the middle.
Going on the road against a highly-ranked pass defense is a tall order for Dungey. Dating back to last season, he has thrown 3 interceptions to 2 touchdowns against teams ranked in the top 50 of average opposing quarterback passer rating. Miami ranks 32nd in the category. Miami's front 7 should play a decisive role. Miami is 4th in sacks per game and should achieve plenty of sacks against a Syracuse team that is 124th in sacks allowed per game. The Orange, when they enter into longer passing downs, will need big passing plays against a Miami secondary that is 17th in pass yards allowed per attempt.
Offensively, Miami has the advantage of having a balanced attack, where Syracuse fails to develop one. Travis Homer impressed in his debut as Miami's starting running back with 170 yards against Georgia Tech's strongly-ranked rush defense. Quarterback Malik Rosier also proved that he can have an efficient game against a high-quality, experienced secondary, by achieving a 62% completion against the Yellow Jackets.
The power-5 opponents that Syracuse has faced, LSU and NC State, but also Middle Tennessee State, achieved the TT over against Syracuse by rushing more than 30 times. These teams did not fall behind, but instead kept pace with Syracuse, such that they were able to do what they want offensively. Malik Rosier provides a dual-threat element, with his mobility, that Syracuse, who struggled against Middle Tennessee State's Brent Stockstill, hasn't shown to be able to stop. Between Rosier's running, his improvement in pass accuracy, and the speedy Homer, Miami can boast a dangerously balanced offensive attack that features a strong running game.
The Verdict
This season, teams that face Clemson are 1-4 ATS in the following week. Expect a well-balanced Miami offense to control the game, while Dungey will struggle to regain momentum against the physicality, speed, and depth of Miami's defense. Syracuse, coming off a huge upset win, will run out of gas against Miami.
NCAAF Pick: Miami -16
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