Two teams coming off highly successful seasons for their respective programs will face off on Saturday afternoon as the Syracuse Orange take on the Tennessee Volunteers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Orange may not be able to rely on the same explosive offense that carried them in 2024, and that’s why I’m taking the Volunteers to cover in my Syracuse vs. Tennessee predictions.
Let’s break down this Week 1 opener in my free college football picks for August 30.
Syracuse vs Tennessee prediction
Syracuse vs Tennessee Best bet: Tennessee -13.5 (-115)
Fran Brown has done an incredible job at Syracuse, changing the culture and acting as an elite recruiter for the Orange.
However, there are a couple of question marks that have me backing Tennessee to cover on Saturday.
It’s highly unlikely Syracuse can repeat last year’s outstanding offensive performance, which saw the Orange score 34.1 points per game with Kyle McCord behind center. Steve Angeli comes in with the pedigree of being on the Notre Dame roster, but he hasn’t proven much at the NCAA level just yet.
Tennessee was even better on offense last year (35.7 ppg), and averaged 5.03 yards per rush, while Syracuse allowed 5.02 yards per play on the ground. Nothing is suggesting a sudden step up for the Orange on defense, which leads me to believe the Volunteers will have their way in the trenches on Saturday.
Maybe Angeli keeps the Orange as explosive as ever, and maybe Tennessee struggles with Joey Aguilar at quarterback.
But that’s a lot of maybes.
I’m taking the Volunteers to cover.
Syracuse vs Tennessee same-game parlay
I expect plenty of scoring in this game. Syracuse likes to push the pace, and the Volunteers will see success on offense.
Let's wrap up this SGP by backing wide receiver Chris Brazzell and running back DeSean Bishop to find the endzone, as they'll be at the forefront of the Volunteers' red-zone game plan.
Our deep-ball SGP: Dixieland Delight
- The Volunteers will control the line of scrimmage on offense, allowing Bishop to hit the Over on his rushing yardage total.
- Aguilar will want to test the Syracuse secondary, which could lead to turnovers — but should also result in a couple of scores.
Syracuse vs Tennessee odds
- Syracuse vs. Tennessee spread: Tennessee -14.5
- Syracuse vs. Tennessee moneyline: Syracuse +450, Tennessee -600
- Syracuse vs. Tennessee Over/Under: 56.5
Syracuse vs Tennessee betting trend to know
Tennessee went 3-0 against the spread in its non-conference regular season schedule last season. Find more college football betting trends for Syracuse vs Tennessee.
How to watch Syracuse vs Tennessee
| Location | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| Date | Saturday, August 30, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
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