Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Prediction: Week 3 Odds, Picks & Best Bet

My best Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh prediction focuses on Pittsburgh's offense against an untested Syracuse defense. While Pittsburgh managed just 12 points last week, weather played a major factor in that final score, and I expect Mason Heintschel and his teammates to score plenty against a defense that was among the worst in the nation last year.

Pittsburgh is favored by 10.5 points ahead of Thursday's 7:30 p.m. ET game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The contest will air on ESPN and stream on ESPN Unlimited.

🏈 Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh picks & predictions

See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 3 based on the latest college football odds.

Total wagered: 3.5 units | Max profit: 3.25 units

💰 Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh prediction & best bet

Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.

Over 51.5 (-110 via FanDuel)

Last week, Syracuse scored just 18 points, thanks in large part to three interceptions and two missed field goals, but still put up 436 yards. On another positive note, quarterback Steve Angeli has now thrown for at least 263 yards in both of his starts this season.

While Pittsburgh allowed just 206 yards last week to UCF, the defense is not as good as those numbers suggest. Pittsburgh and UCF were forced to play in downpour conditions that thwarted both offenses. 

The total for this game opened at 59.5, but it has dropped to 51.5. To me, this feels like a massive overreaction after Pittsburgh's 12-7 win over UCF. In Week 1, Pittsburgh scored 59 points, and against an untested defense that allowed 34.9 points per game last year, I expect an explosive outing from the Panthers.

Heintschel to carve up Syracuse defense

Despite last week's horrible conditions, Pittsburgh managed 315 yards, with Heintschel throwing for 212. Since last season's 30-13 win over Syracuse, Heintschel has thrown for at least 256 yards against four of the last five unranked opponents he's faced, tossing 14 touchdowns during that stretch.  

Syracuse's secondary hasn't been tested this season, facing New Hampshire and Cal, but finished 122nd against the pass last season, giving up 252.8 yards per game.

Score prediction: Pittsburgh 38 Syracuse 21

📊 Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh odds

See the latest college football odds for every Week 3 matchup.

Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh opening odds

• Moneyline: Syracuse +330 | Pittsburgh -425
• Spread: Syracuse +10.5 (-110) | Pittsburgh -10.5 (-110)
• Over/Under: Over 59.5 (-110) | Under 59.5 (-110)

📺 How to watch Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh: Week 3

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 17
• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh)
• TV: ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN Unlimited