Syracuse Football: Orange Open as 12-Point Underdogs at Louisville

After five straight losses for the Syracuse Orange, Vegas no longer believes they have a shot to win much. The Orange (3-5, 1-3) open as 12-point underdogs at the Louisville Cardinals (4-4, 3-2) this Saturday.

SU has now opened as an underdog in six straight games (every one from the LSU contest on). On the other hand, following a rough 0-3 start, Louisville has now won four of five, and appear to be in the driver's seat for third place in the ACC's Atlantic Division. While they have rebounded well, it should also be noted that the Cardinals' last three wins (NC State, Boston College, Wake Forest) all came by seven points or less. The Cardinals forced five turnovers last weekend against the Deacons (who the Orange beat handily earlier this season) to come away with a 20-19 victory.

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So is this a fair line? Not so sure. Or at least, I'm VERY sure those wagering should put it all on Syracuse. Louisville's probably the better team right now, but 12 points better? (and 9.5 points better on a neutral field?) Transitive property means nothing in sports, but you'd think the line might be a little closer at least when SU beat Wake by more earlier this year.

At any rate, the line doesn't matter much. If Syracuse wins, they get back on track and still maintain a shot at bowl eligibility. Lose, and well... say hello to Clemson the following weekend.