2024 Holiday Bowl Preview: Syracuse vs. Washington State Showdown

The highly anticipated 2024 Holiday Bowl is set to take place on December 27, featuring the No. 21 Syracuse Orange against the Washington State Cougars at Snapdragon Stadium in beautiful San Diego, California. This matchup serves as a highlight for both teams, who have had remarkable seasons. Below, we explore the details surrounding this matchup, predictions, and how to watch the game.

Game Overview

Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
TV: Fox | Live Stream: FuboTV (Free Trial Available)
Odds:

• Syracuse is favored by 17.5 points.
• Over/Under is set at 59.5 points (per SportsLine consensus).

Team Performance

Syracuse Orange (9-3)

Syracuse has had an impressive season under first-year head coach Fran Brown, culminating in a thrilling 42-38 victory over Miami in their last game, which squashed the Hurricanes' hopes for ACC contention and the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Kyle McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, has starred this season, leading the ACC with 4,326 passing yards and 29 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. His standout performance in the upset over Miami included going 26-for-36 with 380 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his capability as a dominant player.

Syracuse's performance has been impressive, particularly as underdogs, with a record of 5-1 in such roles this season. They enter this bowl game with strong morale and a healthy roster, making them a formidable opponent.

Washington State Cougars (8-4)

Washington State's season has been more turbulent, especially after significant coaching changes. Jake Dickert, the former head coach, departed to take the lead at Wake Forest, leaving Pete Kalgis as interim head coach. Compounding their struggles, 27 players have entered the transfer portal, including star quarterback John Mateer, who was responsible for nearly 4,000 yards of offense and 44 touchdowns this season.

Despite a promising start, including victories over formidable teams like Texas Tech and Washington, the Cougars lost their last three games, including an early exit from the Pac-12 title race. The loss of key players has left the squad scrambling to field a competitive lineup, contributing to their disarray entering this bowl game.

Betting Predictions and Insights

With the dynamics at play, predictions heavily favor Syracuse. SportsLine's computer model, which has successfully simulated the matchup 10,000 times, supports the Orange with a win margin projected around 17 points. Analysts predict that the Orange would likely cover the spread and also lean towards betting the over on total points based on Washington State's defensive vulnerabilities.

Notable Stats

• Syracuse vs. Washington State Spread: Syracuse -17.5
• Moneyline: Syracuse -901, Washington State +601
• Projected Total Points (Over/Under): 59.5 points

Syracuse has historically struggled to exceed 10 wins, a milestone they haven't hit frequently. This season could mark the seventh 10-win season in the program's history, a significant achievement for Coach Brown's inaugural year.

How to Watch

Make sure not to miss this exciting matchup! Here’s how to tune in:

• Date: Friday, December 27
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Where to Watch: Live on Fox or stream via FuboTV.

Conclusion

As the 2024 Holiday Bowl approaches, fans are eager to witness whether Syracuse can capitalize on their solid season and significant momentum against an undermanned Washington State team. With both teams representing the resilience of college football, this matchup promises to provide memorable moments. Be sure to check the betting lines and insights before placing any wagers!

Stay tuned for live updates and detailed coverage leading up to the big game.