Syracuse football opens as 8.5-point favorites over Middle Tennessee

The Syracuse Orange open the week as 8.5-point favorites over the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders, according to Las Vegas sports books.

As you know, SU began the season 1-0 after a 50-7 victory over Central Connecticut. MTSU, on the other hand, dropped a 28-6 contest to Vanderbilt. Despite returning starting quarterback Brent Stockstill and leading receiver Richie James, the Blue Raiders’ offense appeared listless for most of Saturday’s effort. Middle Tennessee amassed just 215 yards of offense. They averaged 518 per game last year.

Given all of that, you’d almost think the line would be a bit higher in favor of the Orange. Sure, Friday’s win was against an FCS opponent. But it did indicate a continuation of last year’s offensive success. Middle Tennessee’s effort, even against better competition, created doubts on both sides of the ball.

Syracuse and Middle Tennessee will kick off at the Carrier Dome at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 9. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra, aka Watch ESPN.