| MATCHUP | SMU Mustangs | Syracuse Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 6-1 | 3-4 |
| Spread | -10.5 -105 | +10.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | -380 | +300 |
| Total | Over 57.5 (-112) | Under 57.5 (-108) |
| Where | JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY | |
| When | Saturday, October 31, 2026 | |
| Time | 12:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN2 | |
The SMU Mustangs and the Syracuse Orange meet Saturday in college football action from JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse. Here’s an SMU vs Syracuse prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best SMU vs Syracuse pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
SMU Mustangs Betting Preview
The Mustangs have been doing quite well this year; they’ve only got one blemish on the card so far, which was a 41-31 loss to Louisville. Outside of that, SMU has beaten Florida State, UC Davis, Missouri State, Boston College, Virginia and California in succession. Over seven games this year that gives the Mustangs a cool 6-1 record in the books.
In their game versus Cal last weekend the Mustangs scored touchdowns in both the first and second quarters but still trailed at the half 20-17. SMU really got it going after the break though, holding California scoreless on the way to a 59-20 victory. QB Kevin Jennings was 16-of-23 for 223 yards and three scores. Kendrick Raphael carried 22 times for 104 yards and two TDs.
Syracuse Orange Betting Preview
Over on the Syracuse side, they haven’t had anywhere near that level of success this season. The Orange started out at 2-2 with wins over New Hampshire and UConn around losses to Cal and Pittsburgh. Since then it’s been losses to Virginia and Louisville ahead of a win versus North Carolina. Over seven games Syracuse is 3-4 on the season.
Matched up against North Carolina last weekend the Orange managed a TD and a field goal in the second quarter but still trailed at the break 13-10. Syracuse scored twice in the fourth quarter to force overtime, and eventually came out on top 31-30. QB Steve Angeli was 20-of-34 for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Ahmad Miller rushed 30 times for 125 yards and a score.
SMU Mustangs @ Syracuse Orange Betting Trends: Week 9
Syracuse Orange Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 9, Umari Hatcher ranks 4th amongst FBS players for receiving yards (887) this season.
SMU Mustangs Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 9, Kevin Jennings ranks 6th amongst qualified players for passer rating (177.4) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Syracuse has had a higher time of possession than its opponents in each of its last nine games – longest active streak in the FBS.
- Syracuse ranks 5th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (14.3).
- SMU is one of only nine FBS teams undefeated in home games this season (5-0).
- SMU ranks T10th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (10.1).
SMU vs Syracuse Prediction
I’ll stick with SMU. The Mustangs took a while to get going in their latest win over Cal, but eventually gathered 31 first downs, 492 total yards and 256 rush yards. The third-down conversion rate (2-of-9) wasn’t great, but that’s about the only thing to complain about offensively. On D the Mustangs held Cal to 16 first downs and 5-of-16 on third-down tries. SMU has scored 23 or more points in every game this year so they should be able to post a good total here.
As for Syracuse, they posted 23 first downs and 455 total yards in their one-point overtime win versus a pretty decent North Carolina team. The Orange gave up 20 first downs and 372 yards on the other side. Syracuse has given up 21 or more points in six of seven games so far this year, which doesn’t bode well for their chances in this matchup.