Syracuse vs #24 Tennessee NCAAF Pick: An Orange Battle in Atlanta (Aug 30)

• Syracuse finished 10-3 last year and ranked #20, after winning the Holiday Bowl.
• Tennessee was eliminated in the CFP’s first round, after losing 42-17 to Ohio State.
• These two teams last met on September 1, 2001, in a game that Tennessee won 33-9.

Syracuse and Tennessee meet in their opener in a battle of orange-colored teams. The Volunteers narrowly stayed inside the Top 25 and will aim to prove themselves against a Syracuse team that may be underrated.

Syracuse Looking to Stun Tennessee

Syracuse saw some major improvements in their first season under head coach Fran Brown. They reached 10 wins for only the second time since 2002, capping it off with a triumphant Holiday Bowl win over Washington State. Unfortunately, the Orange were hit with quite a bit of roster turnover. The most eyes will be on transfer QB Steve Angeli, who is expected to replace Kyle McCord. This game will be a good first test.

Volunteers Enter as Wide Favorites

Tennessee earned a spot in the first-ever 12-team CFP last season, but was bounced from the first round. They are narrowly inside the AP Top 25 to start this season, primarily because of a massive amount of roster turnover. The Volunteers will have a completely new-look offense, led by transfer QB Joey Aguilar, who will be tasked with filling the shoes of Nico Iamaleava. Tennessee will lean on their overall advantage here.

Syracuse vs Tennessee NCAAF Pick

This early in the season, games often result with surprising outcomes as the new players on each team get adjusted. With major roster turnover and new QBs for both teams, don’t be surprised to see it become a low-scoring affair. Because of that, it’s hard to see Tennessee winning by 15+. Take Syracuse to cover here.