No. 18 Miami (6-2) vs. Syracuse (3-6), Saturday, 3:30, ESPN
Latest line: Miami is favored by 28 1/2 points
Adam Lichtenstein, Miami Hurricanes Writer: Miami 35, Syracuse 7
The Hurricanes are scuffling after their disappointing loss to SMU last week, but now they face one of the worst teams on their schedule. The Orange, who took down Miami last year, have lost five straight games after losing starting quarterback Steve Angeli in their win against Clemson. Since then, the offense has struggled mightily as Syracuse has searched for a new starting quarterback. Miami should hold the undermanned Orange down and pick up a win. Fortunately for UM, there is still hope it can sneak into the playoffs, but the outlook is grim.
Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel Sports Columnist: Hurricanes 40, Syracuse 20
Bill Belichick’s struggling North Carolina squad beat hapless Syracuse by 17 points (27-10) last week. The win snapped a four-game losing streak for the Tar Heels, while the reeling Orange lost for the fifth consecutive time. That’s all you need to know about Miami in this game. The Hurricanes have a lot of cleaning up to do and this is a game to do it. They have way too much talent to lose at home to Syracuse.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Hurricanes 37, Syracuse 10
While Miami is only 4-11 under Mario Cristobal in November and bowl games, 14-14 in the ACC and just 7-5 in its last 12 games overall, the Hurricanes have far superior talent against overmatched Syracuse. The Orange have a walk-on quarterback and a dysfunctional offense. Despite UM’s six losses as double-digit favorites under Cristobal, Miami will be hard-pressed not to cover the 28 1/2-point spread. The Hurricanes must win their final four games to have any shot of making the playoffs. After facing Syracuse, they host N.C. State before traveling to Virginia Tech and No. 24 Pittsburgh to end the season.
