How and what to watch for Syracuse vs. No. 2 Notre Dame

Saturday’s matchup of the Syracuse Orange and the No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish features two programs moving in opposite directions.

Syracuse, which has generated some optimism during a 10-3 campaign two years ago, has seen that enthusiasm trail off in the time since. Head coach Dino Babers has not managed to consistently recreate the offense that made him arguably the best coach in the MAC during his run with Bowling Green. It doesn’t help his cause that the Orange expects to play with less than 60 scholarship players this week.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame pulled off the biggest regular-season win in recent program history when it toppled the Clemson Tigers in double overtime. Now 9-0 and preparing for a rematch in the ACC title game, the Irish need to simply take care of business and avoid injuries during Saturday’s game.

Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming

You can watch Syracuse versus No. 2 Notre Dame on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC, or you can stream it via this link with a cable or streaming service login.

Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends

Point spread: Syracuse vs. Notre Dame (-33)
Point Total: 51.5
Money line: Syracuse vs. Notre Dame (N/A)

• Since 2015, Syracuse owns a 17-13-0 road record against the spread (14-11-0 as the road underdog).
• Also during that stretch, the Orange has an over record of 14-16-0 on the road (11-14-0 as the road underdog).
• Meanwhile, Notre Dame has a 21-16-0 home record against the spread since 2015 (18-16-0 as the home favorite).
• Also during that time, the Irish own an over record of 18-19-0 at home (17-17-0 as the home favorite).

Betting splits

Syracuse: (47% of handle, 46% percent of bets)
Notre Dame: (53% of handle, 54% percent of bets)

The Best Bet

Notre Dame has the offensive firepower to demolish Syracuse’s defense. That alone might prove enough to cover the total.

Pick: Over 51.5

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.