Miami vs Syracuse Predictions, Picks, Odds for College Football Week 14

Scimia's best bet: Expect a high-scoring shootout inside the JMA Wireless Dome with the Hurricanes and Orange having no trouble moving the ball this year.

Ed Scimia - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Ed Scimia • Betting Analyst
Nov 30, 2024 • 12:34 ET • 4 min read
Information icon

This article contains predictions for an old game!

Latest NCAAF Picks
Damien Martinez Miami Hurricanes NCAAF
Photo By - Imagn Images. Pictured: Miami Hurricanes running back Damien Martinez runs with the football.

The Miami Hurricanes will look to book their spot in the ACC Championship as they visit the Syracuse Orange this afternoon. 

If we know one thing about both teams, it’s that they can score points, and that’s why my Miami vs. Syracuse predictions are taking the Over.

Take a look below to see my full analysis of this conference matchup in my free college football picks for November 30.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 pm EST from JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, with the game airing on ESPN. 

Miami vs Syracuse prediction and best bet

Who will win Miami vs Syracuse?

Miami has been a far less consistent team than its 9-1 record suggests. However, the same can be said for Syracuse, which has sometimes looked like a fringe playoff contender, only to spend other games playing like a team that shouldn’t make a bowl game. 

Overall, Miami has too much talent to lose this matchup, even on the road. I’m taking the Hurricanes to win this one outright.

My best bet
Over 67.5 (-105 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.

My analysis

The Syracuse Orange have scored at least 31 points in each of their last four games, and have allowed at least 24 in each of their last five outings. Meanwhile, the Miami Hurricanes have scored at least 36 points in nine of their last 10 games, but have also allowed at least 28 points in five of their last seven contests.

These teams can both score, and they both have trouble stopping opponents from firing back.

The Miami offense is the most impressive unit coming into this game. The Hurricanes lead the country in yards per play, picking up 7.6 yards each time they snap the ball. They are extremely proficient in the passing game, with Heisman candidate Cam Ward throwing for 34 touchdowns and 3,774 yards on the season.

However, it’s the running game where I think Miami will give Syracuse the most trouble. The Orange have had difficulty even containing opposing rushers all season, allowing 5.1 yards per attempt on the ground. Damien Martinez and company should have no trouble picking up first downs, which will open up even more opportunities for Ward in the passing game.

That might make it sound like I think this is an easy win for Miami, but that's not the case. Orange quarterback Kyle McCord throws the ball more than any quarterback in the country, with Syracuse leading the nation in both passing attempts (48.0) and yards (361.5) per game. Miami’s been adequate against the passing game this year, but outside of one disastrous performance against Pittsburgh, McCord hasn’t had trouble moving the ball this year. 

While I expect Miami to win, I’m not sure what the margin will be for the Hurricanes, as Syracuse could do a good job of keeping up with them at home on the turf of the JMA Wireless Dome. The smart play here is the Over, as this game could easily be decided by which team gets deeper into the 40s on the scoreboard.

Miami vs Syracuse same-game parlay (SGP)

Over 67.5

Syracuse +10.5

Damien Martinez anytime touchdown

I’m expecting a relatively close, high-scoring affair on Saturday, and that makes it simple to put together a promising same-game parlay. I’m pairing the Over with Syracuse on the spread.

I fully expect Miami to find a way to win this game, but the Orange should – like many teams have this year – keep it close with the Hurricanes, especially as both teams have enough talent on offense to score regularly in this one. I like this bet as long as we stay above the key number of 10. 

With this much scoring, I also wanted to find a touchdown scorer to include in my parlay, and I’ve settled on Miami running back Damien Martinez, who has already scored eight times this year. His usage remains high, and he should find plenty of success against a Syracuse defense that has been torched on the ground. 

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Best Miami vs Syracuse bonus

Up to $1,500 in bonus bet insurance at BetMGM

Make your football plays at BetMGM, which is offering new users up to $1,500 in bonus bets (if your first bet doesn't win)!

Sign up now to join the King of Sportsbooks, or learn more with our comprehensive BetMGM sportsbook review.

Eligible U.S. locations only. Also, see our full list of BetMGM bonus codes.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.


More college football picks and odds from Covers


Miami vs Syracuse odds

Miami vs Syracuse live odds

Miami vs Syracuse opening odds

  • Miami vs. Syracuse spread: Syracuse +10.5
  • Miami vs. Syracuse moneyline: Miami +500, Syracuse +375
  • Miami vs. Syracuse Over/Under: 67.5

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Miami vs Syracuse spread and Over/Under analysis

  • Miami has gone 6-5 against the spread this season, with Syracuse putting up a 5-6 ATS record for bettors.
  • The Hurricanes are 8-2 outright in their last 10 meetings with the Orange, though Syracuse covered in the most recent game, a 27-19 Miami win in 2017.
  • The Over holds a 7-3-1 advantage when Miami plays this season, while Syracuse is an even 5-5-1 against the total.
  • The Hurricanes are playing to an average total of 67.0 ppg, while the Orange are averaging a total of 59.5 points.
  • 62% of Covers Consensus users are backing Syracuse on the spread, while 57% are taking the Over.

Miami vs Syracuse betting trend to know

The Over is 3-0-1 in Syracuse’s last four games. Find more college football betting trends for Miami vs Syracuse.

Miami vs Syracuse game info

Location: JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY
Date: Saturday, 11-30, 2024
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN

Miami vs Syracuse latest injuries

Miami vs Syracuse weather

Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

Pages related to this topic

Ed Scimia - Covers.com
Betting Analyst

Ed Scimia has been writing about the gaming industry for over 15 years. He graduated from Syracuse University with degrees in Magazine Journalism and Political Science in 2003, and has covered major gambling events like the World Series of Poker in his career. Since joining Covers in 2022, Ed has offered his sports betting analysis primarily on MLB, NFL, college football, and college basketball games, but is willing to take on any sport.

His betting strategy focuses more on finding line value based on deviations from the market rather than traditional handicapping, primarily shopping between DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics in his home state of Connecticut, though he’s not afraid to do deep game analysis to find profitable bets at any book.

Outside of gambling, Ed is an avid curler who competes in mixed doubles on the World Curling Tour and runs a popular curling YouTube channel, Chess on Ice. That experience has come in handy during the Olympics, when he has proven to be a successful curling bettor as well. 

Ed's advice to new bettors is to always open multiple sportsbook accounts and check the odds at each before placing any bet. Successful sports betting is about consistently beating the closing line value, which requires finding spots where one book is offering odds far better than the rest of the market and jumping on those opportunities.

Popular Content

Legal Canadian sports betting

Best Canadian betting sites Ontario sports betting
Covers is verified safe by: Evalon Logo GPWA Logo GDPR Logo GeoTrust Logo Evalon Logo