Matchup: Syracuse Orange vs Tennessee Volunteers
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Betting Odds: Volunteers favored by 14.0 points
Over/Under: 51.5
The Syracuse Orange, coming off a solid 10-3 record last season, are gearing up to clash with the Tennessee Volunteers, who also finished their previous campaign at 10-3. The Volunteers are opening as 14-point favorites, with an over/under total set at 51.5.
Concluding their last season with a victory over the Washington State Cougars, where the Orange triumphed 52-35, Syracuse showcased an impressive offense. They conceded 109 rushing yards on 31 carries, averaging 3.5 yards per rush. Through the air, they allowed 363 yards on 31 completions from 43 attempts, marking a 72.1% completion rate. Altogether, the Orange executed 60 plays to net 606 total yards, with 153 of those yards gained from 26 rushing attempts, averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
In terms of scoring, the Syracuse Orange averaged 34.1 points per game, but their ground game struggled, ranking 126th in the nation with 97.6 rushing yards per game. Overall, they totaled 6,079 yards last season, netting 34 touchdowns through the air and 22 on the ground. Syracuse also achieved 338 first downs and incurred 92 penalties totaling 770 yards, with 16 turnovers.
On the defensive side, the Orange allowed 2,955 passing yards, ranking 86th nationally. They surrendered 227.3 yards per game and a completion percentage of 65.7%. With an average of 377.5 total yards allowed per game, they ranked 78th in Division 1, giving up 22 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns. Overall, 1,953 rushing yards were surrendered over 13 games, allowing an average of 150.2 rushing yards per game. Syracuse’s defense ranked 96th in opponent scoring, giving up 29.2 points per game.
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The Tennessee Volunteers ended their last season with a 10-3 record. Their final game saw them face the Ohio State Buckeyes, ending in a 42-17 loss. Tennessee’s running game averaged 3.9 yards per carry, totaling 152 yards on 39 attempts. In their game, the Volunteers generated 256 yards from 70 plays, averaging 3.7 yards per play. Their pass defense allowed 80.6% completion, yielding 317 yards on 25 completions from 31 attempts, and they ceded 156 rushing yards on 33 carries (4.7 yards per rush).
The Tennessee Volunteers ranked 15th in college football with an average of 447.0 yards per game. They faced 105 penalties, accumulating 868 yards, placing them 6th in Division 1 for penalties committed. On the ground, they averaged 225.8 rushing yards, totaling 2,935 yards for the season. Tennessee recorded 7 interceptions and allowed 8 fumbles, while obtaining 304 first downs. Scoring-wise, they ranked 14th in Division 1 with an average of 35.7 points per game, alongside 2,876 passing yards and 221.2 passing yards per game, positioning them 77th nationally.
On the defense, the Volunteers conceded 1,351 rushing yards (103.9 yards/game) and allowed 13 touchdowns on the ground. They also permitted 10 passing touchdowns, allowing an average of 189.3 yards per game, ranking them 29th in Division 1. Last season, the Volunteers’ defense recovered 9 fumbles and made 12 interceptions, being on the field for 836 plays, ranking 58th in college football. They held opponents to 16.1 points per game, which placed them 7th in Division 1, surrendering a total of 209 points the entire season.
Who will prevail in tonight’s college football showdown between the Orange and the Volunteers?
Tony’s Prediction: Bet on the Volunteers -14.0
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