South Florida vs. Syracuse December 21, 2023 – As the college football season reaches its climax, the Boca Raton Bowl presents a tantalizing matchup with the South Florida Bulls squaring off against the Syracuse Orange, both holding an even 6-6 record. This game, set for Thursday, December 21, 2023, is not just a battle for bowl supremacy but also a showcase of raw talent and strategic prowess. Fans and bettors alike are keenly looking for NCAAF bowl picks that could tip the scales in this evenly matched contest.
South Florida vs. Syracuse December 21, 2023 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | FAU Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Byrum Brown QB vs. Garrett Shrader QB
Byrum Brown has put together a solid 2023 campaign for South Florida, completing 257 of his 400 pass attempts for 3,078 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while taking 36 sacks for -215 yards. The senior quarterback has shown impressively accuracy with a 64.3 completion percentage and big-play ability by averaging 7.7 yards per pass attempt. However, he has struggled with turnovers at times. His composure and decision-making against Syracuse’s pressure defense could determine the outcome of this game.
On the other side, Garrett Shrader has been steady if unspectacular for Syracuse this season. He has completed 62.6% of his throws for 1,686 yards with 13 touchdowns and 6 picks through the air while adding 25 sacks taken. Shrader doesn’t push the ball downfield often, averaging just 7.9 yards per attempt, but he has shown he can efficiently operate the Orange offense. His legs are also a weapon, so South Florida’s ability to contain him in the pocket and limit scrambles will be key.
Explosive South Florida Offense Looks to Exploit Syracuse Defense
Led by the three-headed monster of Brown, running back Nay’Quan Wright and top receiver Sean Atkins, South Florida boasts an offense capable of lighting up the scoreboard. Wright brings shiftiness and vision as a runner while Atkins is a home run threat at receiver. If the Bulls offensive line can fend off Syracuse’s aggressive pass rush, this unit has the skill talent to expose holes in the Orange defense.
Syracuse Offense Anchored by Strong Ground Game
The Syracuse offense flows through its punishing ground game, powered by workhorse tailback LeQuint Allen. Allen has churned out over 1,000 yards on the ground this year, bringing physicality and tackle-breaking ability between the tackles. If quarterback Garrett Shrader can make some plays as a distributor and keep the South Florida defense honest, holes could open up for Allen to control the tempo of this game.
NCAAF Betting Odds: Syracuse Orange -140, Over/Under: 61.5
The betting odds favor Syracuse slightly, with their moneyline at -140 compared to South Florida’s +120. The over/under for the game is set at 61.5, a reflection of the expected offensive output from both teams.
South Florida Bulls Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 7 of South Florida’s last 9 games.
South Florida are 6-14 SU in their last 20 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Florida’s last 7 games against Syracuse.
South Florida are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games against an opponent in the Atlantic Coast conference.
South Florida are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games played in December.
The South Florida are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games played on a Thursday.
Syracuse Orange Betting Trends
Syracuse are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Syracuse’s last 5 games.
Syracuse are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games.
Syracuse are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games against South Florida.
Orange are 2-8 SU in their last 10 games against South Florida.
Syracuse are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games against an opponent in the American Athletic Conference conference.
South Florida Bulls vs. Syracuse Orange Betting Picks
In analyzing both teams, South Florida appears to have a high-risk, high-reward style of play, largely influenced by Brown’s quarterbacking. Their offensive firepower, especially through Wright and Atkins, could surprise Syracuse. On the other hand, Syracuse, led by the more consistent Shrader, might rely on a more balanced approach, with Allen and Alford providing steady offensive contributions.
Considering these dynamics and betting trends, this matchup seems poised for a close finish. The key will be in the quarterbacks’ performance under pressure and the ability of each team’s defense to contain the opposing offenses. For those looking into legal betting sites for some action on this game, the slightly safer bet might be on Syracuse, given their more consistent performance throughout the season.
Receiving Yards Prop: Syracuse 34, South Florida 30.
