Following finishing the regular season with a College Football Betting record of 8-4, the Washington State Cougars will face the #21 Syracuse Orange in the 2024 DIRECTV Holiday Bowl. This contest will mark Washington State’s first matchup with Syracuse since 1979. Syracuse won that game in Buffalo, NY, by a score of 52-25. Previously, Washington State has already won inside Snapdragon Stadium once this year. Specifically, Wazzu earned a 29-26 win over San Diego State on October 26. The Cougs have made four previous appearances in the Holiday Bowl: 2017, 2016, 2003, and 1981.
Holiday Bowl Syracuse Orange vs. Washington State Cougars Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Friday, December 27, 2024, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse | -8½ -111 | 61½ -110 | -310 |  |
| Washington State | +8½ -109 | 61½ -110 | +255 | |
| ||||
Holiday Bowl Overview
The Holiday Bowl began in 1978. Specifically, the matchup currently features schools from the Pac-12 and ACC. Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, has been the host of this game since 2022. The payout is $6.5 million in the Holiday Bowl.
No. 15 Louisville concluded their 2023 campaign on a three-game losing streak. Also, they dropped their regular season finale vs. Kentucky and the ACC Championship Game against Florida State. Conversely, USC snapped a four-game losing streak to end year two under head coach Lincoln Riley.
As is the case with most bowls in college football today, it was a matchup in which both teams were shorthanded. The rosters had limited capacities due to opt-outs. At kickoff, there were a combined 32 transfer portal entries and NFL Draft declarations between Louisville and USC. Including 21 from the Trojans.
Despite the majority of the opt-outs and transfer portal entries coming from USC, Louisville did nothing but take advantage of it. Facing a Trojans defense that had averaged 34.9 points and 438.8 yards allowed per game during the regular season, the Cardinals could only muster 361 total yards of offense.
Syracuse Orange Team Overview
Last game, the Syracuse Orange won 42-38 against the Miami Hurricanes as 12-point home dogs. The game went over the sportsbook total of 67.5. Syracuse has a record of 9-3 straight up, 6-6 against the spread, and 6-5-1 over/under the total. Syracuse ranks 10th for total offense, 1st for passing, 127th for rushing, and 33rd for scoring. Defensively, they rank 68th overall, 65th against the pass, 74th against the rush, and 94th for points allowed. Also, Syracuse ranks 44th for fewest turnovers lost and 79th for takeaways.
Washington State Cougars Team Overview
Last game, the Washington State Cougars lost 15-14 against the Wyoming Cowboys as 18-point home favorites. The game went under the College Football Betting total of 55.5. Wash State has a record of 8-4 straight up, 6-6 against the spread, and 6-6 over/under the total. Wazzu ranks 22nd for total offense, 23rd for passing, 56th for rushing, and 11th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 116th overall, 118th against the pass, 98th against the rush, and 90th for points allowed. Also, Washington State ranks 22nd for fewest turnovers lost and 20th for takeaways.
Holiday Bowl SBG Free Picks
Overall, Washington State is 1-3 in the Holiday Bowl. Their only win came against Texas in 2003. Washington State’s last bowl win came in the 2018 Alamo Bowl under the late Mike Leach. In this situation, Syracuse is a talented and well-coached team that continues to be underestimated.
Holiday Bowl SBG Best Bet: Syracuse Orange.