No. 23 Georgia Tech at Syracuse
Date: Saturday, September 7
Time: Noon ET
TV: ACC Network
The pick — Syracuse +3 (-115, BetMGM)
As a graduate of the country’s best journalism school at Indiana University, it pains me to back a lesser journalism school, but here we are.
There’s no doubt Georgia Tech is having its time in the sun. Beating Florida State in Ireland in front of a national TV audience elevated its brand value significantly to start the season. Then it took down Georgia State and covered the 22-point spread. The Yellow Jackets have been buzzing, if you will.
But now comes their first true road test.
Georgia Tech has to pack up again and head north to Syracuse to play in front of a truly hostile crowd for the first time. On top of that, FSU’s recent train wreck of a performance last Saturday in a 28-13 loss to Boston College somewhat diminished GT’s supposed “strong” win in Week 0.
Now, if you just watched Syracuse’s first quarter against Ohio, you would think I’m crazy for liking the Orange. However, they eventually found their level, dominating the last three quarters in a 38-22 victory. Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord hit all the right chords in his debut, throwing for 354 yards and four touchdowns. It seems a little bit of that Buckeyes success has rubbed off on him.
The Syracuse defense also had a strong season opener, allowing Ohio to convert on third down only two out of 11 times. The Orange had some penalty issues with six flags for 47 yards, but I expect that to be cleaned up this weekend.
The Yellow Jackets have had success, but this will be their first real road game. Also, their FSU win looks less impressive and they’re a three-point road favorite. I have to take the home dog in this one.
Season record: 3-1-1, +1.85 units