Syracuse Orange vs #25 UNLV Rebels in Vegas
- When: Friday, October 4, 2024 at 9:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada
- TV: Fox Sports 1
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Sling (Regional restrictions may apply)
The spread for the Syracuse vs. UNLV game on Friday, October 4, 2024, has UNLV favored by 6.5 points. The total points over/under is set at 58.5.
The Syracuse Orange (3-1) face the No. 23 UNLV Rebels (4-0) this Friday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with kickoff at 9 p.m. on FS1.
This game is crucial for both teams as it could significantly impact their rankings and standings in the upcoming weeks.
The Syracuse Orange are heading to Las Vegas to face the No. 25 UNLV Rebels in a Friday night showdown under the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium.
Photo Courtesy Syracuse Athletic Department
Set for a 9 p.m. ET kickoff on FS1, this matchup features two contrasting styles that could determine the outcome in this intriguing clash.
Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, has been on fire, amassing 1,459 passing yards and 14 touchdowns this season.
Coming off a 385-yard, 4-touchdown performance in a 42-14 win over Holy Cross, McCord will aim to lead the Orange to their fourth victory.
However, his two interceptions in that game show he’s not immune to mistakes, and he’ll face a stiffer challenge against UNLV’s stout defense.
The Syracuse passing game is poised to be a game-changer in Friday night’s matchup with the Rebels.
Led by quarterback Kyle McCord, the Orange aerial attack has been one of the most potent in the nation, ranking near the top of multiple FBS categories.
McCord leads the country with 28.5 completions per game and 364.8 passing yards per game, ranking fourth with 14 passing touchdowns this season.
His ability to spread the ball and generate big plays has powered Syracuse’s offensive success this season.
However, the UNLV defense presents a formidable challenge, especially in the secondary.
Their ability to intercept the ball and disrupt the passing game could make this an intriguing battle between a top-tier passing offense and a turnover-generating defense.
The Rebels rank second nationally with nine interceptions this season in FBS football.
Defensive back Jalen Catalon leads the way with four picks, and Jonathan Baldwin has added two more.
Their ball-hawking ability could test McCord’s precision, making this an intriguing battle between a top-tier passing offense and a turnover-generating defense.
Having covered the Mountain West Conference this year, the Rebels are an excellent team with good balance on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
The Rebels, meanwhile, are riding a wave of momentum after their own impressive 59-14 victory over Fresno State.
The UNLV Rebels are the only undefeated team remaining in the Mountain West. No. 25/23 UNLV (4-0/1-0) looks very impressive each week.
They complete its non-conference slate by hosting a first-ever meeting with Syracuse (3-1/1-1) out of the ACC on Friday evening.
Photo Courtesy Las Vegas Sun Sports
UNLV’s new starting quarterback, Hajj-Malik Williams, shined in his first FBS start, throwing for 182 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for another 119 yards and a score.
Williams, a record-setting passer and runner in the FCS, took over the starting duties after the controversial exit of starting quarterback Matthew Sluka
Williams’s dual-threat ability could give Syracuse trouble, especially as UNLV has leaned heavily on its ground game with 197 rushing attempts compared to just 67 passes this season.
With the Rebels ranking No. 15 in the nation in rushing defense, allowing just 83.5 yards per game, Syracuse running back LeQuint Allen will be tested.
A versatile playmaker, Allen rushed for 81 yards and added 54 receiving yards in the Orange’s last game.
McCord and Allen will need to be at their best to overcome a UNLV defense that is allowing only 13.7 points per game.
UNLV’s defense has also been opportunistic, boasting a +8 turnover margin, tied for third nationally.
The Rebels have capitalized on those takeaways, converting them into 37 points while giving up none to opponents.
On the other side of the ball, the Orange defense will need to tighten up against the run, as they’re allowing 147.1 yards per game.
Slowing down UNLV’s relentless rushing attack will be critical if Syracuse hopes to pull off the upset and improve their record on a three-game road swing that includes matchups against NC State and Pittsburgh.
Both teams have something to prove, and with UNLV’s perfect 4-0 start on the line, Friday night promises to be a battle of wills.
The Rebels’ ground-and-pound approach clashes with Syracuse’s high-flying passing game—so which will win out?
This game should be very entertaining from a fan’s perspective.
UNLV dealt with roster shakeups after starting QB Matthew Sluka announced he’d redshirt and enter the transfer portal due to a NIL issue.
Photo Courtesy Las Vegas Sun Sports
RB Michael Allen also decided to transfer. Despite the changes, UNLV dominated Fresno State 59-14, quickly covering the 2.5-point spread. QB Hajj-Malik Williams stepped up, throwing for 182 yards and 3 TDs while rushing for 119 yards and a TD.
The fact that its starting quarterback (Matthew Sluka & running back Michael Allen) can transfer, and the Rebels don’t miss a beat the following game against Fresno State tells me volumes about the scheme they run.
It tells me it’s more about the offensive coordinator’s (Brennan Marion) scheme than the players in it, and that equates to success on the field.
Although the Rebels were undefeated at 3-0 with Matthew Sluka at quarterback, their offense lacked balance despite their success.
Sluka excelled as a runner, but his passing game left room for improvement. He completed just 43.8% of his passes, averaging a modest 106 yards per game through the air.
This one-dimensional attack limited UNLV’s ability to diversify their offense, even though Sluka’s ground game was effective.
His departure has opened the door for Hajj-Malik Williams, who has already shown a more versatile skill set. Bottom line, they are better now.
Syracuse rebounded from a narrow 26-24 loss to Stanford with a 42-14 victory over FCS Holy Cross.
Although the Orange failed to cover the 30.5-point spread, they hit the Under (59.5) for the third game in a row.
With UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka redshirting and entering the transfer portal, the Rebels have turned to Hajj-Malik Williams to step in as the starting quarterback.
Williams has already shown promise, leading UNLV to a 59-14 victory over Fresno State.
In that game, he threw for 182 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 119 yards and scoring another touchdown
His dual-threat ability allows UNLV to maintain a dynamic offense despite Sluka’s departure, making him a strong replacement moving forward.
Who has the edge?
Both Syracuse and UNLV have distinct strengths. Still, the edge might lean slightly toward UNLV, primarily because of its defensive prowess and dominant running game.
UNLV’s Advantages:
- Stifling Defense: UNLV ranks 11 nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 13.7 points per game. They’ve been solid against the run, giving up only 83.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks them 15th in the nation.
This could be the key in containing Syracuse running back LeQuint Allen,
Who has been effective but will face a much more formidable defense than Holy Cross could provide.
- Turnover Margin: UNLV has a remarkable +8 turnover margin, which makes it one of the best in the country.
Their ability to force and capitalize on turnovers (37 points scored off turnovers so far) can be a game-changing factor.
If Syracuse QB Kyle McCord, who threw two interceptions in his last game
makes similar mistakes, the Rebels could take full advantage.
- Run-Heavy Offense: UNLV’s ground game, led by QB Hajj-Malik Williams and a committee of runners, has been dominant.
- With 197 rushing attempts to only 67 pass attempts this season, they’ve built a physical, ball-control offense that could wear down Syracuse’s defense, which allows 147.1 rushing yards per game.
This mismatch could allow UNLV to control the clock and pace of the game.
Syracuse’s Advantages:
- Explosive Passing Attack: Syracuse has an edge in the passing game, led by Kyle McCord, who has thrown for 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns this season High-Scoring Offense averaging 33.8 points per game.
Ranked 18 in total offense at 475
High-Scoring Offense: Syracuse’s offense averages 33.8 points per game, ranked No. 18 in total offense at 475.3 yards per game.
If McCord can exploit UNLV’s secondary, which hasn’t been heavily tested due to their run-first opponents, Syracuse could score quickly.
Key Factor:
The battle between UNLV’s run-first offense and Syracuse’s vulnerability to the run gives UNLV the edge, especially if they can dictate the game’s pace.
However, if McCord gets hot and Syracuse can force UNLV into passing situations, the Orange could swing the momentum.
In short, UNLV’s defense and ground game gives them the edge, but Syracuse’s aerial attack can keep it close, especially if they can avoid turnovers.
Syracuse will face UNLV this Friday in Vegas. Fans can expect a hard-fought contest between two teams hungry for a win.
Syracuse will leverage its strong defense and balanced offense, while UNLV, fueled by home-field energy, will aim to showcase its speed and dynamic playmaking.
Expect intense matchups on both sides as each team fights to gain the upper hand and make a statement as the season heats up.
It should be a thrilling game under the bright lights of Las Vegas on a Friday night game.
