Syracuse vs. Washington State: Holiday Bowl 2024 Preview

As college football fans gear up for the exciting Holiday Bowl matchup between the Syracuse Orange and Washington State Cougars, set against the stunning backdrop of San Diego, California, anticipation builds. This showdown not only marks the culmination of an eventful season for both teams but also showcases two programs that have defied expectations.

Season Highlights and Context

No. 21 Syracuse, under the helm of Fran Brown, concluded their regular season with a thrilling 42-38 victory over Miami, effectively knocking the Hurricanes out of the ACC race and the College Football Playoff picture. Meanwhile, Washington State faced a rollercoaster season, highlighted by early triumphs over Power Four rivals like Texas Tech and their fierce rival Washington, only to stumble later and miss out on a Pac-12 title following three consecutive defeats.

Interestingly, this match-up is only the second encounter between these teams, with Syracuse winning the previous meeting decisively at 52-25 way back in 1979.

Syracuse's Drive for Glory

Syracuse has an opportunity to achieve their seventh 10-win season, a milestone that has historically eluded the program. The last time they reached ten wins was in 2018, a notable comeback after nearly a decade-long wait from 2001 to 2018. Notably, Kyle McCord's performance has been a bright spot for Syracuse, as he threw for 4,326 yards and 29 touchdowns this season, reversing the narrative of his time at Ohio State and showing resilience in his new role.

Washington State's Challenges

Conversely, Washington State finds itself grappling with significant challenges. Key players including coach Jake Dickert and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle have departed, exacerbated by multiple transfers, such as quarterback John Mateer moving to Oklahoma. The Cougars enter the Holiday Bowl on a three-game losing streak, further complicating their ability to compete against a resilient Syracuse team that is expected to come into this game nearly at full strength.

Where to Watch and How to Bet

Kickoff for the Holiday Bowl is set for 8:00 PM ET on Friday, December 27th at Snapdragon Stadium. Viewers can catch the action live on Fox or through streaming services like FuboTV, which offers a free trial for new users.

• Date: December 27, 2024
• Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
• TV: Fox
• Live Stream: FuboTV (Try for free)

Betting Insights and Predictions

Currently, the betting lines favor Syracuse significantly, with odds showing Syracuse at -9.5. The Dimers prediction gives Syracuse an 81% win probability, a clear indication of the bookmakers’ confidence in their performance. Key aspects to note:

• Syracuse enters the game with substantial momentum and morale.
• Washington State has been struggling without key staff and players, making this matchup challenging for them.

Expect this contest to be competitive; however, Syracuse's season dynamics and Washington State's recent struggles make Syracuse the strong contender to cover the spread.

Conclusion

With both teams eager to cap off their seasons with a win, the Holiday Bowl is set to provide an engaging spectacle. Will Syracuse claim victory and achieve a historic 10-win season, or will Washington State rise from the ashes of their late-season struggles? Only time will tell, and fans are poised for what promises to be a thrilling college football experience!

Stay tuned for more updates and analyses as game day approaches!