Syracuse football opens as 8.5-point underdog at Louisville

Coming off a 49-6 win over the Duke Blue Devils, the Syracuse Orange football team could be building some momentum toward a thrilling finish to the season — or they may not be, as is also an understandable opinion. Sportsbooks are torn about it too, which is why SU opened as an 8.5-point underdog at the Louisville Cardinals, according to VegasInsider.

Though Syracuse did easily cover the spread last week, the Orange are just 3-7 against the spread this year, and have only covered once in ACC play (Saturday vs. Duke). Louisville’s 6-4 record ATS matches its on-field mark, and the Cardinals have looked consistently capable on offense, which is something SU can’t say. The Cards are also at home, which provides a bit of a boost as well.

Syracuse won the last game in this series, a 54-23 romp in 2018 after U of L had already completely quit on the season. But before that, the Cardinals had taken four straight against ‘Cuse. The Orange are 7-10 all-time against Louisville, but have also won just two of the last nine games.

Betting this one at all? The 63.5.-point over/under also provides some solid intrigue, whether you believe in the Orange offense or not.