Army vs Syracuse Odds, Prediction: Expect Black Knights to Struggle
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Army vs Syracuse Odds
| Army Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+13.5 -115 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | +375 |
| Syracuse Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-13.5 -105 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | -500 |
One of the first games of the weekend is a clash in upstate New York, as Army travels three and a half hours north from West Point to Syracuse.
Both of these teams boast winning records, with the Orange coming into this game undefeated and the Black Knights owning just a single loss.
So, how should you bet the clash of New York (unless you're actually in New York of course, stupidest law in the country)? Read on!
The most interesting part of this game is Army's new offense, masterminded by new offensive coordinator Drew Thatcher. Thatcher is moving Army away from their traditional triple option, instead installing an offense he developed at the Division II level.
The general idea is that every play looks the same, both simplifying the game plan for the offense and confusing the defense.
However don't get confused, this Army team still moves the ball on the ground. The Black Knights run the ball second-most in the country, however, they haven't been particularly successful.
Despite the high volume, the Black Knights haven't been particularly efficient, ranking 69th and 70th in Rushing Success Rate and PPA/play respectively. They also only rank 101st in Explosiveness.
Ironically, Army has one of the most efficient passing attacks in the country. It ranks second in passing PPA/play, 23rd in Passing Success Rate and third in Passing Explosiveness.
I honestly expect this Army team to have a much different looking offense at the end of the season as it gets more and more comfortable with the scheme.
I think Army will struggle to move the ball on Syracuse.
In fact, let's take a look at this matchup:
So far this season, Syracuse has had an elite defense. While the Orange haven't been going up against the likes of Michigan, Georgia and Texas, Western Michigan and Purdue are at least decent teams.
The Orange rank in the top five in Success Rate, Havoc and points per opportunity allowed.
Statistically, this is one of, if not the, best defense in the country so far.
I love this matchup for them as well, getting the opportunity to jump on a newer offense that's still getting its feet wet.
I think the Orange will absolutely shut down the Black Knights' offense in this game.
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Army and Syracuse match up statistically:
Army Offense vs. Syracuse Defense
 | Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 68 | 5 | |
| Line Yards | 62 | 20 | |
| Pass Success | 23 | 2 | |
| Havoc | 37 | 23 | |
| Finishing Drives | 63 | 13 | |
| Quality Drives | 16 | 1 |
Syracuse Offense vs. Army Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 63 | 78 | |
| Line Yards | 99 | 50 | |
| Pass Success | 49 | 32 | |
| Havoc | 81 | 90 | |
| Finishing Drives | 33 | 3 | |
| Quality Drives | 9 | 31 |
Pace of Play / Other
| ||
| PFF Tackling | 32 | 4 |
| PFF Coverage | 8 | 3 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 85 | 65 |
| Middle 8 | 13 | 4 |
| Seconds per Play | 31.4 (128) | 22.6 (7) |
| Rush Rate | 77.8% (2) | 56.1% (43) |
Army vs Syracuse
Betting Pick & Prediction
I really like the Syracuse defense in this one, and I also would love to fade Army's offense.
To me, that leaves an obvious choice: a team total under.
Pick: Army Under 18.5 Points (-115)
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