Don’t Miss Stanford vs. Syracuse Week 4 CFB Clash

As the college football season heats up, one of the most anticipated matchups in Week 4 is the clash between the Stanford Cardinal and the Syracuse Orange. This exciting game will take place on September 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET at the JMA Dome in Syracuse, New York. With the Orange entering as 8.5-point home favorites, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how this showdown unfolds.

Stanford vs. Syracuse Odds

Current Betting Lines

As of September 18, the odds reflect Syracuse’s strong position as they look to capitalize on their home-field advantage. The total points for the game are set at 57.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.

Can Kyle McCord Keep Up His Hot Start?

One of the most compelling storylines heading into this game is the performance of Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord. The former Ohio State Buckeye has made a significant impact in his first two games with the Orange. McCord has completed 59 of 85 passes (69.4%) for an impressive 735 yards, with eight touchdowns and only one interception. His standout performance against #23 Georgia Tech last week, where he threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns, showcased his potential as a future NFL quarterback.

McCord’s success can be attributed to his poise in the pocket and his ability to read defenses effectively. His arm strength allows him to make throws all over the field, making him a dual threat for opposing defenses. As noted by CBS Sports College Football analyst Rick Neuheisel, “Fran Brown has unlocked him,” highlighting the coaching staff’s role in McCord’s development.

Moreover, Syracuse’s defense has been a solid complement to their offense, allowing opponents to convert on just 36% of third downs this season. This balance has contributed to the Orange’s recent success, and they have a strong track record at home, going 6-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last eight home games.

Stanford Aims to Build Momentum

On the other side of the field, the Stanford Cardinal are looking to turn their season around after a rocky start. The Cardinal’s defense has struggled, giving up 457 total yards to TCU in Week 0, where they allowed quarterback Josh Hoover to throw for 353 yards and two touchdowns. Stanford’s inability to stop third-down conversions—surrendering 8 of 15 attempts—was a critical factor in their loss.

While Stanford managed a convincing 41-7 victory over Cal Poly in Week 2, the win felt hollow given the opponent’s stature. Quarterback Ashton Daniels has shown flashes of promise, but he faces a daunting challenge against a Syracuse defense that has been effective at limiting big plays. Daniels has attempted just 389 passes in his three years at Stanford, which is significantly less than McCord’s output last season at Ohio State.

The Cardinal’s defensive struggles are further highlighted by their PFF coverage grade of 64.6, raising concerns about their ability to contain Syracuse’s high-flying passing attack. Historically, Stanford has not fared well on the road, going 1-4 ATS in their last five games and 4-10 ATS in their last 14 road contests.

Stanford vs. Syracuse Prediction

Analyzing the matchup, Syracuse’s elite offensive passing grade of 86.8 suggests they will likely dominate against a Stanford defense that has allowed nearly 280 passing yards per game. Given the current form of both teams, it’s reasonable to expect Syracuse to cover the spread as 8.5-point favorites.

Pick: Syracuse -8.5 (-110)

With the stakes high and both teams eager to prove themselves, this Week 4 clash promises to be an exciting encounter for college football fans. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, the Stanford vs. Syracuse game is one you won’t want to miss.