Duke Blue Devils vs. Syracuse Orange Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 27, 2025
Use Code WWWC A pair of ACC programs take to the field looking to pick up a win in the Empire State when the Duke Blue Devils travel to face the Syracuse Orange Saturday afternoon and we have you covered with our Duke vs. Syracuse prediction. Duke dropped NC State 45-33 at home last Saturday, covering the line as a three-point favorite in their previous contest. Syracuse upended Clemson 34-21 on the road last Saturday, winning outright as a 17.5-point underdog in their previous contest. In the all-time series between the teams, the Blue Devils own a 4-1 advantage, including a 38-24 home win in the most recent meeting on October 10, 2020. Read more about this Duke vs. Syracuse prediction! Don’t get penalized! Increase your bankroll with our NCAAF Betting Picks!
Duke Looking to Climb Above .500
Duke snapped a two-game slide as they outgunned NC State at home last week and look to build some momentum as they head on the road here. The Blue Devils improved to 2-2 overall and stand 1-0 in ACC play on the season. Against NC State, Duke was in a shootout as they were even at seven after the opening quarter, led 21-20 at the half before outscoring the Wolfpack 24-13 in the second half to earn the win. The Blue Devils were outgained 535-418 in total offense, gave up 26 first downs while picking up 22 and lost time of possession by a 32:29 to 27:31 margin. Duke made hay in the turnover department, forcing four turnovers while not committing any, and blocked a field goal in the contest.
On the year, the Blue Devils are 10th in the nation in passing offense with 331.8 yards per game and 99th in rushing offense as they grind out 132.3 yards per contest on the ground. Duke is 52nd in the FBS in scoring offense as they put up an average of 34 points per contest, while the team is 117th in scoring defense by allowing 32.2 points per game. Darian Mensah is 99 of 147 passing for 1,305 yards with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions on the year. Henry Belin IV (two of five, 22 yards, 15 rush yards) is the backup. Anderson Castle leads the ground game with 22 carries for 193 yards plus three scores. Nate Sheppard (29 carries, 188 yards) and Jaquez Moore (27 carries, 114 yards, TD) are also involved in the mix. Cooper Barkate leads the team with 17 catches for 337 yards and a score on the season. Que’Sean Brown (16 catches, 232 yards), Sahmir Hagans (12 catches, 179 yards, four TD), Andrel Anthony (10 grabs, 126 yards, three TD) and Chase Tyler (three receptions, 108 yards) are all over the century mark on the year. Todd Pelino is 14 of 14 on extra points and six of nine on field goal attempts with a long of 47 this season.
Linebackers Nick Morris Jr. and Kendall Johnson are out here. Also missing for the Blue Devils’ defense is safety Terry Moore, who is still recovering from a torn ACL.
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Orange Try to Maintain Momentum After Major Injury
Syracuse picked up a third straight win as they went on the road to stun Clemson in Death Valley as a prohibitive underdog last week. The Orange improved to 3-1 overall and are 1-0 in ACC play this year. Against Clemson, Syracuse stunned Clemson out of the gates as they took the opening kickoff and drove for a touchdown. Syracuse then recovered an onside kick and kicked a field goal for a 10-0 advantage midway through the opening quarter. The Orange never let the Tigers closer than three the rest of the way. Syracuse was outgained 503-435 in total offense, gave up 29 first downs while picking up 24 but owned a 30:40 to 29:20 edge in first downs. The Orange forced a pair of turnovers in the game while not committing any in the game.
The Orange is 4th in the nation in passing offense as they pick up 354 yards per game through the air while ranking 107th in rushing offense by picking up 118.8 yards per game. Syracuse is 33rd in the FBS in scoring offense as they put up 38.3 points per contest, while the team is 99th in scoring defense by allowing 27.5 points per contest. Steve Angeli is 98 of 156 passing for 1,317 yards with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions on the year. Rickie Collins Jr. (seven of 14, 99 yards, two TD, INT, 11 rush yards) is the backup. Yasin Willis leads the team with 52 carries for 233 yards and four scores on the year. Will Nixon (40 carries, 175 yards, two TD) is the second back in the system. Dan Villari leads the team with 20 receptions for 240 yards on the season. Darrell Gill Jr. (14 catches, 310 yards, three TD), Johntay Cook (18 grabs, 234 yards, TD), Justus Ross-Simmons (14 catches, 212 yards, five TD), and Nixon (12 receptions, 111 yards) are all over the century mark in receiving yards. Tripp Woody is 16 of 16 on extra point attempts and five of six on field goal attempts with a long of 49.
Angeli (Achilles) was injured against Clemson and is done for the year.
Duke vs. Syracuse Prediction
Spread Pick for Duke vs. Syracuse
- Duke -4.5 (4 units)
Syracuse has won three straight, and they are at home, but you have to be concerned about them here. Losing Angeli is a huge blow for the Orange, who now turn to Johnson Jr., who is making his first career start here. Syracuse has struggled defensively, giving up 296.3 yards per game and nine scores through the air on the season. Duke is an explosive offensive team and Mensah can do plenty of damage with his arm. We saw the Blue Devils force NC State into miscues last week, and facing an inexperienced QB here allows them to repeat that performance. Take the Blue Devils on the road here as they earn a second straight win.
Over/Under Pick for Duke vs. Syracuse
- Over 60 (4 units)
We’ve got a pair of teams that have excellent offensive firepower. While Syracuse may be missing Angeli, getting a chance to take their swings at a Duke defense that has struggled to slow teams down allows them to put points on the board. Duke has gone over the number in all four games this season, posting totals of 62, 64, 61 and 78 points in those contests. Syracuse has seen the over hit In three of their four games on this year. The Orange have posted totals of 71, 47, 90 and 55 points in their first four games. With both teams struggling defensively, this one is a track meet. Take the over here.
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