Louisville vs Syracuse Prediction 10/17/2026 Today’s College Football Picks
Chris Ruffolo
Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lincoln Kienholz (3) celebrates his first down in the first half against Florida State during ACC college football at L&N Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. Oct. 9, 2026.
MATCHUP
Louisville Cardinals
Syracuse Orange
Team Records
3-3
2-3
Spread
-14.5 -112
+14.5 -108
Moneyline
-650
+470
Total
Over 55.5 (-112)
Under 55.5 (-108)
Where
JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY
When
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time
07:30 PM EDT
TV
ACC Network
The Louisville Cardinals and the Syracuse Orange meet in week 7 college football action from the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Louisville Cardinals vs. Syracuse Orange Prediction.
Louisville Cardinals Recap
The Louisville Cardinals come into this game looking to add on to their 44-20 win over Florida State last time out to sit at 3-3 this season. After this game, Louisville will head home for a game against Stanford.
Cardinals Snap Two-Game Slide
Lincoln Kienholz has thrown for 1,534 yards, 9 touchdowns and 1 interception on 69.5% passing while Isaac Brown leads Louisville in rushing with 557 yards and 4 touchdowns. Keyjuan Brown sits behind Brown on the ground with 367 yards and 3 touchdowns. Tre Richardson leads the Cardinals in receiving with 445 yards and 29 catches along with 2 touchdowns, while Lawayne McCoy trails with 420 yards and 20 catches along with 4 touchdowns. On defense, T.J. Capers has a team-high 48 tackles while Louisville’s defense as a whole has combined for 12 sacks and 5 interceptions.
Syracuse Orange Recap
The Syracuse Orange come into this game looking to bounce back from their 28-25 loss at the hands of Virginia last time out to sit at 2-3 this season. After this game, Syracuse will head on the road for a matchup against the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Orange Looking To Rebound
Steve Angeli has thrown for 731 yards, 4 touchdowns and 5 interceptions on 54.8% passing while Tylik Hill leads Syracuse in rushing with 405 yards and a touchdown. Shavane Anderson Jr. sits behind Hill on the ground with 146 yards and 3 touchdowns. Umari Hatcher leads the Orange in receiving with 560 yards and 37 catches along with 6 touchdowns, while Daunte Bacheyie trails with 217 yards and 11 catches along with 4 touchdowns. On defense, Chris D’Appolonia has a team-high 30 tackles while Syracuse’s defense as a whole has combined for 12 sacks and 2 interceptions.
The home team has won each of the last six games between Louisville and Syracuse.
Louisville has lost six of its last eight October games as a road favorite.
Louisville has failed to cover the spread in each of its last 11 October games as a road favorite.
The home team has covered the spread in each of the last six games between Louisville and Syracuse.
The home team has won the first quarter in each of the last six games between Louisville and Syracuse.
The home team has won the first half in each of the last six games between Louisville and Syracuse.
Why the Louisville Cardinals will win
Syracuse has lost each of its last 10 games against conference opponents.
Louisville has won four of its last five October games against non-AP-ranked teams.
The favorite has covered the spread in eight of the last nine games between Louisville and Syracuse.
Syracuse has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five home games against conference opponents.
Louisville has won the first quarter in six of its last eight games.
Syracuse has lost the first half in 13 of its last 14 October games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
Each of Syracuse’s last five home games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Each of Louisville’s last four October games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Syracuse Orange Player Prop Facts
Heading into Week 7, Umari Hatcher/Malachi Toney lead the Atlantic Coast Conference for receiving touchdowns (6) this season.
Louisville Cardinals Player Prop Facts
Heading into Week 7, Kaleb Beasley ranks T2nd amongst FBS players for interceptions (4) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
Three of Syracuse’s five games this season have been decided by a margin of three points or less – equal-most amongst FBS teams.
Syracuse ranks 6th among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (34:06).
Louisville ranks 1st among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (13.3).
Louisville ranks 1st among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (24.0).
Louisville Cardinals vs. Syracuse Orange Prediction
I’m on Louisville here. It’s a big number and Brian Brohm hasn’t been great as a favorite as the head coach at Louisville. However, the Cardinals are still the better team here and while Syracuse was competitive last time out, I feel like I still need to see it with Syracuse before I believe it. Louisville’s proven with a tremendous ground attack and I think the Cardinals get a big W on the road here. Give me Louisville.