Holy Cross (1-3) will head to the JMA Wireless Dome to square off against Syracuse (2-1) on Saturday, Sept. 28. The game kicks off at noon ET and can be seen live on ACC Extra and ESPN+. Currently, Syracuse is the favorite in the game by 28.5 points, with a total of 55.5.
Holy Cross vs Syracuse Prediction
- Holy Cross vs Syracuse Pick: Syracuse Team Total Over 41.5 (Play to 43.5)
Holy Cross vs Syracuse Odds
| Holy Cross Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+28.5 -110 | 56.5 -115o / -105u | +2200 |
| Syracuse Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-28.5 -110 | 56.5 -115o / -105u | -8000 |
- Holy Cross vs Syracuse Point Spread: Holy Cross +28.5 (-110) · Syracuse -28.5 (-110)
- Holy Cross vs Syracuse Total: Over/Under 56.5
- Holy Cross vs Syracuse Moneyline: Holy Cross +2200 · Syracuse -8000
Holy Cross vs Syracuse Preview
Holy Cross Crusaders Betting Preview: Tough Sledding in Worcester
Holy Cross has made a name for itself in recent years, most notably for upsets and near upsets of FBS teams. The Crusaders knocked off UConn in 2021 and defeated Buffalo in 2022. Last year, Holy Cross played Boston College and Army to three-point games.
Bob Chesney built a winning culture over his six years in Worcester, MA, and completely dominated Patriot League competition during his tenure. With Chesney off to James Madison and dual-threat quarterback Matthew Sluka no longer around, this Holy Cross team has found a tough go of it this season.
Holy Cross was defeated by Yale last weekend at home, 38-31. Ivy League schools just started their season last week and Yale was coming into this season having to replace six All-Ivy League performers from last year. They were also breaking in a new quarterback, replacing three-year starter and Ivy-League Offensive POY Nolan Grooms.
The Crusaders also have suffered close losses to Rhode Island and New Hampshire this season to go along with their one win of the season over Bryant.
Syracuse Orange Betting Preview: Comfortable at Home
Syracuse comes in 2-1 off a Friday night home loss against new league foe Stanford. The Cardinal controlled the game and led the majority of the way. Emmet Kenney kicked a game-winning 39-yard field goal as time expired with Stanford down by one to secure the victory. Second-half turnovers also plagued the Orange in the matchup.
This week's game against Holy Cross will be the fourth straight home game for the Orange before heading on the road for three consecutive road affairs next.
Holy Cross vs Syracuse
Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Holy Cross and Syracuse match up statistically:
Holy Cross Offense vs. Syracuse Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | — | 113 |  |
| Line Yards | — | 100 | |
| Pass Success | — | 81 | |
| Havoc | — | 79 | |
| Finishing Drives | — | 89 | |
| Quality Drives | — | 112 | |
Syracuse Offense vs. Holy Cross Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 108 | — | |
| Line Yards | 116 | — | |
| Pass Success | 19 | — | |
| Havoc | 24 | — | |
| Finishing Drives | 43 | — | |
| Quality Drives | 35 | — | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | — | 119 |
| PFF Coverage | — | 66 |
| Special Teams SP+ | — | 82 |
| Middle 8 | — | 63 |
| Seconds per Play | — | 26.9 (59) |
| Rush Rate | — | 38% (129) |
Holy Cross vs Syracuse Pick & Prediction
I would look to play the Syracuse team total over when it comes out. I suspect that number will be somewhere around 41.5.
Holy Cross is not the same offensive team we have seen in prior years. Losing Sluka and four offensive linemen has really inhibited the rushing attack that Holy Cross has committed to heavily this season. It runs the ball 62% of the time, but I have serious doubts about their ability to run the ball against this Syracuse 4-3 alignment. Texas A&M transfer Fadil Diggs has made an immediate impact on the defensive line for Syracuse and Derek McDonald has stepped in nicely, picking up the slack at linebacker with the injury to Marlowe Wax. While Syracuse has struggled to defend the run this season, Holy Cross certainly provides the weakest offensive line the Orange will have gone up against.
Holy Cross has been terrible on third down this year, converting 14-of-43 attempts against much weaker defenses. The Syracuse defense has only allowed 14-of-39 third downs to be converted against them. When Holy Cross faces third down in this one, I'm not confident their receivers will be able to get open and make plays downfield. It is going to be really difficult for the Crusaders to stay on the field and sustain drives.
Syracuse should be able to protect the quarterback against an undersized Holy Cross front seven. While Holy Cross does have nine sacks and 25 tackles for loss this year, the competition played has to be considered when evaluating the metrics. It will be hard for Holy Cross to get pressure on Kyle McCord. I would suspect he is throwing to wide open receivers all day in this matchup. Look for Trebor Pena and Oronde Gadsden II to have massive days in the receiving department.
In its last three games against FCS opponents, Syracuse has put up 65, 59, and 62 points in massive home wins. The Patriot League in general, including Holy Cross, is way down this year. The losses on defense are a real cause for concern in Holy Cross getting stops and holding Syracuse out of the end zone. The Crusaders are getting a lot of respect for who they were in prior years, but this is a much different team in 2024.
Syracuse will put up a big number here and I will be on their team total over.
Pick: Syracuse Team Total Over 41.5 (Play to 43.5)
How to Watch Holy Cross vs Syracuse Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 28 |
| Kickoff Time: | 12 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ACC Network Extra |
Holy Cross vs Syracuse Betting Trends
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Holy Cross vs Syracuse Weather
