Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Syracuse Orange: Betting Guide
Surprising Wake Forest vies for its sixth consecutive win when it visits Syracuse on Saturday afternoon. Quarterback Sam Hartman has been another surprise for the Demon Deacons, but playing on the road is a different beast.
The ACC rivals embark on what should be another classic contest.
Game: Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-0) at Syracuse Orange (3-2) Location: Carrier Dome Time: 3:30 p.m. ET Television: ESPN2 |
Betting Lines
Team | Point Spread | Over/Under |
Wake Forest Demon Deacons | +6½ | 57 |
Syracuse Orange | -6½ | 57 |
Head-to-Head
Wake Forest and Syracuse have played in each of the last 10 seasons. The advantage is 6-4 to Syracuse, but the most recent meeting in 2020 went to Wake Forest 38-14.
Sam Hartman went 19 of 33 for 250 yards and one touchdown in that game. Most of the Demon Deacons’ output came from the running backs, who combined for 188 yards and three touchdowns.
It’s a relatively new look for Syracuse, which doesn’t have either quarterback option from 2020 playing this season.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Next game: vs Army Black Knights
Last Game
Wake Forest was expected to take care of Louisville, and although it only won with a last-gasp field goal, the win extended the streak to five straight.
The Demon Deacons failed to cover the -7 spread, but bettors had to be impressed with what they saw. They had 501 total yards despite having almost 10 minutes less time with the ball than Louisville.
We expect to go the distance with almost every team we play,” receiver Taylor Morin told ESPN. “I think that mentality and that type of preparation pays off.”
Career day for @taylormorin20 💪
6⃣ catches
1⃣2⃣2⃣ yards
1⃣ touchdown pic.twitter.com/xiUcGWjIGF
Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) October 3, 2021
Hartman was a touch inaccurate, going 23 of 40 for two touchdowns and one interception. However, he connected with receiver Jaquarii Roberson for six receptions and 136 yards.
The sportsbook was wary of a dangerous Louisville outfit, but Wake Forest turned up to play and cashed for moneyline bettors.
The total was set at 65 points, so it went over in the high-scoring contest.
Injury Report
It’s a long list of injuries for Wake Forest, which could be without four more defensive players.
Chase Monroe and Je’Vionte Nash are out for the season and they could be joined by the likes of Miles Fox, Tyriq Hardimon, Evan Slocum and Nasir Greer.
Offensive lineman CJ Elmonus is a game-time decision.
Syracuse Orange
Next game: vs Clemson Tigers
Last Game
Syracuse might have lost to Florida State last week, but it covered another spread for bettors.
The Orange were +5½ underdogs in the 33-30 loss, so despite losing the game as time expired, bettors were happy with the result. College football odds factored in Syracuse’s ability to cover spreads, which now sits at 4-1.
It was a close game throughout, as Florida State took a 3-0 first quarter lead, which ended up making the difference.
Syracuse Football is defending the Dome against a ranked Wake Forest this Saturday at 3:30 PM! Are you going to help protect the Loud House⁉️ https://t.co/gG58db01xl pic.twitter.com/f07WSoCQdU
‘Cuse Promos (@CusePromos) October 4, 2021
Syracuse took a 13-9 lead on a Garrett Shrader run, but Florida State hit straight back. Shrader was impressive on his feet, rushing for 137 yards and three touchdowns. He had four touchdowns overall, but he was more dynamic in the running game.
Injury Report
Darius Tisdale, Like Benson and wide receiver Taj Harris could miss Saturday’s action.
Betting on the Game
Point Spread
The Orange have been covering spreads and with home-field advantage, it’s tough to overlook their chances.
It’s never easy to cover spreads on the road, and despite Wake Forest being the better outfit, this could be a big letdown spot.
Syracuse has covered all but one spread and with Clemson on the horizon, playing well against Wake Forest is a must.
College football spreads are typically in favor of the home side, so getting 6½ points to play with is generous. The Orange covered a similar line on the road last week against Florida State and we don’t think there will be much difference in this game.
Bettors could see the number and jump on Wake Forest, but this game has all the makings of a contest that comes down to the final few plays.
Moneyline
Syracuse opens as the +200 home underdog, which we think represents value. The Orange showed solid defense when holding Albany and Liberty to less than 25 points, so they can limit Wake Forest.
It’s only the second road game for the Demon Deacons. The first was an impressive 37-17 win over Virginia, but with the injury list growing, there isn’t much value with the -240 line.
Bettors should see value in betting online markets for Syracuse at the current odds.
Over/Under
Wake Forest and Syracuse are teams that can air it out, but we think it will be a low-scoring affair.
Rushing offense should be used primarily, which takes time off the clock. We are also expecting an offensive lull for both teams, which could result in plenty of punts.
The line is 57 points, and we see it going safely under.