Syracuse football listed as early underdog in three primetime games

The Syracuse Orange football season is still several months away, but that’s not stopping sportsbooks from starting to put some early betting lines out for select games. With SU in primetime at least three times in the first month and a half or so of the season, that list includes a few of their games.

Over on FanDuel (which isn’t yet accessible in every state), you’ll find some lines that are basically begging you to put money down on Syracuse:

• September 14: Syracuse (+22.5) vs. Clemson
• October 10: Syracuse (+10) at NC State
• October 18: Syracuse (+2) vs. Pittsburgh

If you’re viewing all there with a side-eye, you wouldn’t be the only one. I’m fine with Syracuse getting 22.5 against the Tigers, because Clemson could honestly be a juggernaut this season and even a good Orange team could wind up blown out. But with NC State replacing most of its offense (and hiring George McDonald as Co-OC), there’s no way there are 10 points between these teams. Pitt also replaces much of its own offense too — including the entire run game and O-line that gave SU fits last year.

Of course, these lines aren’t necessarily a view of exactly what’s going to happen in the games right now, but a way to encourage action on both sides. Many gamblers only know that Eric Dungey’s gone from Syracuse, and could likely be convinced of a 10-point Pack win as a result. The Clemson line’s large enough to encourage bettors that are skeptical of SU/high on the Tigers AND those who are big believers in Syracuse to both places bets.

The lines are likely to drift inward a bit as the games get closer. But if you’d like to get in ahead of that potential movement, go ahead.