This line may puzzle you.
The Syracuse Orange open the week as 10-point favorites over the Central Michigan Chippewas, according to Las Vegas sports books. Forgive me (and you) for being at least a little surprised by the line, given the vastly differing performances from the teams in week two.
You’re aware that Syracuse was upset by Middle Tennessee, 30-23. While Central Michigan actually trounced Kansas on the road, 45-27. Michigan transfer quarterback Shane Morris threw for 467 yards and five touchdowns against the Jayhawks on Saturday.
What’s likely factoring in a little bit is what happened for both teams in week one too, however. Syracuse won its FCS opener in dominant fashion, 50-7. However, CMU was taken to triple overtime by Rhode Island (and came out with a three-point win).
Still, that does seem a little on the high end. Perhaps they’re factoring in a slight score to settle on the Orange’s end? As you’ll recall, the Chippewas knocked Eric Dungey out of the third game of the season back in 2015.
Syracuse and Central Michigan will kick off at the Carrier Dome at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 16. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra, aka Watch ESPN. With luck, SU can make Vegas look smart and get us all back to positive thoughts.
