Connecticut Huskies vs. Syracuse Orange Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 23rd 2024

Preview and Prediction

Less than a month ago, Syracuse's quarterback Kyle McCord threw five interceptions in a lopsided defeat against Pittsburgh.

McCord and the Orange seem to have regained their footing, but they will face a challenging test on Saturday when they host Connecticut for a nonconference showdown.

In their October 24th loss to Pitt, McCord threw three pick-sixes in the first half alone. He failed to score a touchdown against the Panthers, but since then he has thrown five touchdowns and only one interception, while the Orange (7-3) have won two out of their last three games.

According to Syracuse coach Fran Brown, "I'm biased, but Kyle McCord is one of the top five quarterbacks in the country. He doesn't let it get to him, he doesn't complain, he just moves on to the next thing. Without him, our program wouldn't be where it is today."

In their last game against Cal, McCord threw for 323 yards and one touchdown, helping the Orange secure a 33-25 victory. Running back LeQuint Allen also had a strong performance, rushing for 109 yards and two touchdowns, while the Orange defense intercepted the ball twice, leading to a 27-7 halftime lead.

Brown expressed his pride in the team's performance, saying, "I'm proud that they came together and played as a cohesive unit in our last game - playing complementary football."

The Huskies (7-3) are also coming off a strong game, rallying with 21 points in the fourth quarter to defeat UAB 31-23. Running back Cam Edwards' 48-yard touchdown run with 2:39 left in the game proved to be the game-winning score, as UConn secured their sixth win in seven games.

However, the Huskies had a bye week last weekend, so head coach Jim Mora Jr. does not expect the team to carry much momentum from their win over UAB.

Mora stated, "That game was 12 days ago, so it's not at the forefront of our minds. But the team is confident because they had a good practice today. That's how we approach it...that's where we're at."

These former Big East Conference rivals have faced each other 12 times in the past. Most recently, Syracuse dominated with a 48-14 victory over UConn on September 10th, 2022.

PREDICTION

Connecticut Huskies

Syracuse Orange