Syracuse vs California Prediction College Football Picks 11/16/24

California (5-4) vs Syracuse (6-3)

Game Info: Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 3:00 pm (California Memorial Stadium)

Betting Odds: California -8.5 / Syracuse +8.5 --- Over/Under: 55.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

Where to Watch: CW

In this article, we will formulate a Syracuse vs California prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, November 16th at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 12 matchup. 

Syracuse Orange Betting Preview

The Syracuse Orange are 6-3 (3-3) this season after they lost to Boston College by a score of 37-31 in their last game. Syracuse led 21-14 in the third quarter, but they allowed the next 16 points and never got the lead back in the game. The Orange outgained BC by a total of 431-378, tied the turnover battle at one, and went 5-12 on third down in the game. Kyle McCord threw for 392 yards and two touchdowns, while LeQuint Allen rushed for 50 yards and two scores. 

Prior to that game, the Orange defeated Virginia Tech by a score of 38-31 but lost to Pittsburgh by a score of 41-13 before that. The Syracuse offense has scored 31.7 points per game with 353.8 passing yards and 89 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 28.6 points per game this season. Kyle McCord has completed 64.1% of his passes for 3,153 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, while LeQuint Allen has rushed for 652 yards and nine scores. 

California Golden Bears Betting Preview

The California Golden Bears are 5-4 (1-4) this year after they defeated Wake Forest by a score of 46-36 in their last game. California led 29-14 at halftime and was able to hang on in the fourth quarter for the win. The Golden Bears outgained Wake by a total of 500-386, won the turnover battle 4-1, and went 5-14 on third down in the game. Fernando Mendoza threw for 385 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while also rushing for 51 yards and one score. 

Prior to that game, the Golden Bears defeated Oregon State by a score of 44-7 but did lose the four games before that. The Cal offense has scored 28.9 points per game with 279.2 passing yards and 118.3 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 19.3 points per game this season. Fernando Mendoza has completed 69% of his passes for 2,480 yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions, while Jaivian Thomas has rushed for 503 yards and six scores. 

Why California will cover

  • Syracuse has lost eight of its last nine road games in November.
  • California has won each of its last five November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
  • Syracuse has failed to cover the spread in each of its last eight November road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
  • California has covered the spread in eight of its last nine November games at California Memorial Stadium.
  • Syracuse has lost the first half in 14 of its last 18 games against conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

  • Each of California's last seven November games as a home favorite has gone OVER the total points line.
  • Seven of Syracuse's last eight games in November have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

  • California ranks 6th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (3.8).
  • California ranks 11th among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (100.4).
  • Syracuse ranks 129th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (89.0).
  • Syracuse ranks 8th among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (233).

Syracuse vs California Prediction 

Cal comes into this matchup with plenty of momentum after getting their second straight win last week, and they will be at home for this matchup. The Golden Bears have lost quite a few games by one possession, so they are better than their record would suggest. Syracuse has lost two of their last three games and turnovers have been an issue for McCord. Syracuse has allowed 37, 31, and 41 points in their last three games, and I think this Cal offense is going to move the ball up and down the field all night. Take the Golden Bears to cover at home. 

David’s Pick California -8.5

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The pick in this article is the opinion of the writer, not a PickDawgz site consensus.

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