Boston College at Syracuse: Preview & Final Prediction
Boston College (5-3, 2-2 ACC) will be traveling on a short week to play Syracuse (4-4, 0-4 ACC) this Friday night, looking to win their fifth game in a row for the first time since 2010. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. ET from JMA Wireless Dome (Syracuse, NY) and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.
Boston College is coming into this game on a four-game winning streak, the most recent being a 21-14 victory over UConn. The Eagles dominated most of the game out-gaining Connecticut 433-222 on the day and possessing the ball for 40:44. They also ran 83 plays compared to the Huskies’ 43, and gained 30 first downs while also converting 10 third-down attempts.
The only reason the score remained so close was because of the costly turnovers and a missed field goal by Boston College. We said last week in our preview that the only way the Eagles do not blowout UConn is if they turn the ball over. They managed to do just that but still found a way to pull off their fourth win in a row.
This Friday, Boston College will not have the luxury of playing the same type of carefree football. The Eagles now face a familiar conference opponent, who are desperate to get their first ACC win of the season. Syracuse is coming into this game on a four-game losing streak (losing to Clemson, UNC, FSU, and VT).
Boston College is playing with a lot of confidence right now and BC Football fans have followed suit with a title wave of hype over the past few weeks. There has been a phenomenon going viral among BC fans called, "The Path" in which fans have come together to embrace the very real possibility that Boston College makes it to the ACC Championship game in Charlotte, NC.
"We know we can go 9-3, or 10-3 with a bowl game. Right now, we’re not getting too complacent, too comfortable, or anything like that." - Thomas Castellanos
This game on Saturday has major ramifications for "The Path" and for the season, since Boston College can become bowl-eligible with a win on Friday. The season is trending upward for the Eagles and their loyal fans. Another win this week would be a huge step in proving that this program is ready to compete in the ACC and possibly for championships.
Current Line: BC +2.5 (O/U 51.0)
Chance Of Winning: 24.9%
According to ESPN Analytics BC has a 24.9% chance of winning this game. The spread for this game is currently 2.5 points in favor of Syracuse, with the over/under at 51 points.
Does BC Cover The Spread?
Boston College will cover the spread. The confidence level is medium, but we do think there is value in taking the ML with BC.
The over/under looks a little high. You should stay away from this bet, but we are leaning towards the under.
(If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Final Score: 31-17 (Boston College Wins)
The confidence level for this Boston College team going into game nine is extremely high, but the matchup on the road warrants some caution. There is so much momentum for the Eagles, but this team needs to focus on the task at hand and not get ahead of themselves. This game will be in front of a hostile crowd at Syracuse that is looking forward to having their biggest crowd of the season.
The keys to victory will be about starting fast and executing a complete game similar to their victory against Georgia Tech two weeks ago. Being that it is a short week this is somewhat concerning since BC has had issues with starting slow and getting behind early. The other major focus for the Eagles will be securing the football. They will need to make sure that they don't lose the turnover battle to pull off this win.
Boston College has the opportunity to win five games in a row, something that BC Football fans have not witnessed in well over a decade. The Eagles also have the opportunity to become bowl-eligible and remain in the mix for the ACC Championship (#ThePath). There is a lot of good on the line for Boston College this Friday night.
Depth Chart:
How To Watch The Game:
Friday’s game will be broadcast nationally at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Anish Shroff (play-by-play) and Andre Ware (analyst) are in the booth with Paul Calcaterra (reporter) on the sidelines.
Coverage on the Boston College Sports Network begins 30 minutes prior to kickoff on WEEI 850 AM. Jon Meterparel (play-by-play) is joined on the call by former BC linebacker Pete Cronan in the booth and quarterback Scott Mutryn on the sideline.
Boston College Football Fans (BCFF) will be covering this game live on Twitter/X (@BCFootballFans).
Comments