We're in for a good matchup this Friday night as the Syracuse Orange travel to Las Vegas to play the UNLV Rebels.
This will be the Orange's last non-conference matchup of the season and will undoubtedly be a tough test.
The Rebels squashed all the headlines about them last week after rolling Fresno State in a 59 -14 victory. New starting quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams had a career day and will look to carry that momentum into this matchup.
So, which side should you be on for this Friday night showdown?
Let's dive in and find out my Syracuse vs UNLV predictions and college football picks for Friday, Oct. 4.
Syracuse vs UNLV Prediction
My UNLV vs Syracuse best bet is on the Orange to cover the 6.5-point spread at bet365.
- Syracuse vs. UNLV Pick: Syracuse +6.5
Syracuse vs UNLV Odds
| Syracuse Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -110 | 58.5 -110o / -110u | +205 |
| UNLV Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -110 | 58.5 -110o / -110u | -250 |
- Syracuse vs UNLV Point Spread: UNLV -6.5
- Syracuse vs UNLV Over/Under: 58.5 Total Points
- Syracuse vs UNLV Moneyline: Syracuse +205 · UNLV -250
Syracuse vs UNLV Preview
Syracuse Orange Betting Preview: Uptempo Air Raid
They say that styles make matchups, and we know what we will get from both offenses.
For the Orange, they have become an uptempo Air Raid behind former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord.
McCord has shown that he can sling it in this offense, which ranks 30th in yards per completion and 22nd in completion percentage while having the third-highest pass-play rate in the country.
UNLV's secondary will be an exciting test, as the Rebels look good on paper. UNLV ranks 33rd in Pass Success Rate allowed and 41st in PFF's Coverage grades.
However, the Rebels have yet to face a high-octane passing attack, as just 56% of the plays run against them this season have been passing plays. That is one of the nation's lowest rates, ranking 121st.
So, while the Rebels initially appear to have the edge, the Syracuse offense could succeed against this unproven secondary.
UNLV Rebels Betting Preview: Run the Ball
On the other side of the ball, we know what to expect from the Rebels — they will run the ball effectively with multiple ball carriers.
Hajj-Malik Williams fit like a glove into this offense last week as he led the team in rushing against Fresno State. The newly anointed quarterback racked up 119 yards on 12 carries.
However, the backfield will feature two running backs, Kylin James and Greg Burrell, who have combined to average 6.3 yards per carry this season. It's safe to say this will be a tall task for a Syracuse defense that ranks 119th nationally in yards per carry allowed.
That ranking may be deceiving, as the Orange's rush defense metrics are much better than a team allowing 5.7 yards per carry. Syracuse ranks 65th in Rush Success Rate allowed and 64th in Defensive Line Yards.
While the Rebels outrank them in both those categories, the gap is not nearly as big as it appears. If the Orange can contain the run, they could give themselves an excellent opportunity to win this game.
UNLV vs Syracuse Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how UNLV and Syracuse match up statistically:
Syracuse Offense vs. UNLV Defense
 | Offense |  Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 85 | 21 | |
| Line Yards | 106 | 46 | |
| Pass Success | 20 | 33 | |
| Havoc | 55 | 10 | |
| Finishing Drives | 65 | 70 | |
| Quality Drives | 26 | 9 | |
UNLV Offense vs. Syracuse Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 59 | 65 | |
| Line Yards | 25 | 64 | |
| Pass Success | 65 | 68 |  |
| Havoc | 41 | 34 | |
| Finishing Drives | 41 | 98 | |
| Quality Drives | 40 | 73 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 85 | 81 |
| PFF Coverage | 60 | 41 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 92 | 26 |
| Middle 8 | 37 | 19 |
| Seconds per Play | 25.4 (30) | 28.5 (92) |
| Rush Rate | 39% (131) | 75% (4) |
Syracuse vs UNLV Pick & Prediction
This matchup is a complete contrast of styles, and it will come down to which offensive unit can be more efficient.
The Rebels are built to shorten the game on the ground, but the Orange can move the ball through the air with tempo.
Ultimately, Syracuse is the side to be on.
The Orange are a better run defense than their superficial stats imply and should be able to generate enough stops to get their offense back on the field.
Meanwhile, The Rebels' secondary is unproven, and the Orange are a dynamic test.
Pick: Syracuse +6.5 (-110 · bet365)
How to Watch Syracuse vs UNLV Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV |
| Date: | Friday, Oct. 4 |
| Kickoff Time: | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | FS1 |
Syracuse vs UNLV Betting Trends
- UNLV is 4-0 SU and ATS
- Syracuse is 3-1 SU but 1-3 ATS
- Syracuse games are 3-1 to the Under
Syracuse vs UNLV Weather
