Syracuse vs California Picks and Prediction – 11/16/2024

This Saturday, Kyle McCord and the Syracuse Orange will travel to California Memorial Stadium to face Fernando Mendoza and the California Golden Bears. Get our free NCAAF Picks all season long! The Orange enter this matchup with a 6-3 record, looking to bounce back after a close 37-31 loss to Boston College. McCord has been a solid presence for Syracuse this season, guiding a potent offense as they aim to rebound and strengthen their postseason positioning.

Syracuse’s offense has been productive, with McCord connecting effectively with his receivers and orchestrating scoring drives. However, their defense has shown some vulnerabilities, especially in recent matchups, which they’ll need to address against California’s offense. McCord will look to lead the Orange to a road victory, aiming to keep them competitive in the standings.

On the other side, the California Golden Bears enter the game with a 5-4 record, boosted by a 46-36 win against Wake Forest on Saturday. Mendoza has been central to California’s offense, showcasing his ability to move the ball downfield and create scoring opportunities. With the Bears playing at home, they’ll look to capitalize on their recent win and push for a higher position in their conference.

For California, Mendoza’s leadership and offensive consistency will be crucial, particularly if they can exploit Syracuse’s defensive lapses. The Golden Bears’ defense, in turn, will focus on containing McCord and forcing Syracuse into difficult situations, aiming to control the tempo and secure another home win.

This game shapes up as a competitive battle between two high-scoring offenses. While Syracuse seeks to recover from their last loss, California’s recent momentum and home-field advantage may give them a slight edge. Take the California Golden Bears to win the game and to cover the spread. Final Score Prediction, California Golden Bears win 34-24