Syracuse-Florida State betting line: Orange opens as underdog against winless Seminoles

Syracuse football head coach Dino Babers in second half action in the game between the Syracuse-Liberty at the Carrier Dome, Sept 24, 2021. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com
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Syracuse, N.Y. — Throw the records out the window when Syracuse and Florida State play — at least when it comes to the betting line this season.

The Orange opened as a 4.5-point road underdog against Florida State, according to VegasInsider.com, despite entering the game in a much better position than the Seminoles.

Syracuse (3-1) will travel to Florida fresh off a win over Liberty, which was unproven as it came to the Carrier Dome but entered the game sitting on the cusp of the AP Top 25. Florida State (0-4, 0-2 ACC) has lost all four of its games, including an embarrassing loss to an FCS opponent (Jacksonville State).

The Seminoles have been competitive against a pair of Power-Five teams. Florida State opened the year with a close loss against Notre Dame and did show some backbone against Louisville, losing by a touchdown after trailing by 24 points early in Saturday’s game.

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell, in just his second year coaching the team, has already received the dreaded vote of confidence. His team has hurt itself frequently, committing 11 turnovers in its four games, with at least one in every game.

Outside of being put in difficult spots by its offense, Florida State has been decent on defense, a potential concern for a Syracuse team that has been offensively challenged. The Seminoles have allowed just 3.1 yards per carry while the Orange has been heavily reliant on the running game, so much so that Sean Tucker currently ranks second in the country in rushing yards per game.

Syracuse has been an underdog in three of its four games this season, winning two of the three.

Contact Chris Carlson anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1639

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