Syracuse vs Washington State Picks: Cougars to Cover Big Spread December 27

The Syracuse Orange and Washington State Cougars battle for the DirecTV Holdiday Bowl at Snapdragon Stadium on Friday, where college football odds have Syracuse at -16½.

Holiday Bowl Game Information

• Game: Syracuse (9-3) at Washington State (8-4)
• Date/Time: Dec. 27, 8:00 ET
• Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA
• Syracuse vs Washington Live Stream: FuboTV

Check updated Syracuse vs Washington State injuries before placing your bets.

2 Top Syracuse vs Washington State Picks

1. Washington State ATS +16½

Syracuse is the better team, especially with a ranking next to its name. However, giving Washington State a +16½ start is generous with college football lines.

Per Syracuse vs Washington State stats, the Cougars enter the bowl game with three consecutive losses to New Mexico, Oregon State and Wyoming. They haven’t been playing the best teams in the country, but all three games were decided by a field goal or less.

If they get some luck on their side, they could have posted an 11-4 record, which could have been good enough to see them end the year ranked. However, as it stands, they’re now despised outsiders against the Orange.

Meet the Washington State Cougars!

📸: WSUCougarFB pic.twitter.com/XOhpW79cJK

— DIRECTV Holiday Bowl (@holidaybowl) December 11, 2024

Syracuse comes off wins over California, UConn and Miami, so the form checks out. However, there is a difference between winning outright, and cashing a -700 line and covering a hefty -16½ spread.

If this was a pure head-to-head matchup, we would have Syracuse in our NCAAF picks, but we’re more interested in ATS markets. Washington State is good enough to keep it close in San Diego, despite losing dynamic quarterback John Mateer, who signed with Oklahoma and will not play against Syracuse.

It’s a big loss in college football news, especially with Mateer scoring 44 touchdowns in 2024, but the Cougars will attempt to use their running game to keep the game close. Getting such a big start is too good to overlook so while Syracuse should win, it could be by 14 points.

Bet Washington State+16½ (-110)

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2. Syracuse vs Washington State Over 59

Our college football predictions today expect plenty of points in DirecTV Holiday Bowl as the offenses should throw caution to the wind.

Washington State might have scored only 14 points against Wyoming, but the Cougars are capable of producing points and Syracuse should fancy itself of scoring around 36 points.

Having scored 42 points against Miami, the Orange offense is running hot. Per NCAAF betting trends, they have scored 31 points or more in their five games, and a similar number could be enough to see the over 59 total hit.

Syracuse Kyle McCord is a big reason why their offense is firing, which adds weight to backing the over.

“I want to be the one who brought (Syracuse football) back to what it once was,” said McCord, who transferred from Ohio State after starting for the Buckeyeslast season. “That’s a testament to this team. This win shows that Syracuse is for real and being part of that team that turned things around, that’s going to last forever.”

Include over 59 in our college football picks and expect a back-and-forth contest.

Bet on Syracuse vs Washington State Over 59

Questions of the Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.