College football today includes an intriguing ACC matchup as Louisville visits Syracuse on Saturday, October 17. The Cardinals are 3-3 but coming off a convincing 44-20 victory over Florida State, powered by a dominant rushing performance. Syracuse returns home after a difficult stretch on the road, with injuries at quarterback creating uncertainty for the Orange. Louisville enters as a 16-point favorite despite its uneven season. Our college football predictions examine whether the Cardinals can cover the large spread, along with other notable games and betting opportunities on the Week 7 schedule.
College Football Games Today
Saturday brings another full schedule of college football, with several ranked teams facing major tests. Louisville at Syracuse kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on ACC Network, as the Cardinals look to improve their conference record against an Orange team still searching for its first ACC win.
Who Plays Football Today?
If you're wondering who plays football today, these are five games worth following on Saturday. All times are Eastern.
| Matchup | Time (Eastern) | TV |
| No. 4 Ohio State at No. 5 Indiana | Noon | FOX |
| No. 6 Alabama at No. 14 Tennessee | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| No. 13 Missouri at No. 9 Ole Miss | 3:30 p.m. | SEC Network |
| Louisville at Syracuse | 7:30 p.m. | ACC Network |
| No. 2 Notre Dame at No. 8 BYU | 7:30 p.m. | ABC |
Top NCAAF Games on Today’s Schedule
The top-five showdown between Ohio State and Indiana leads the afternoon action, while Notre Dame and BYU meet in a battle of undefeated teams at night. Louisville and Syracuse offer another matchup to watch, especially with the Cardinals favored by more than two touchdowns on the road.
NCAAF Preview for Today’s Top Matchups
Louisville has scored at least 27 points in every game this season, averaging 39.5 per contest. The Cardinals have enough offensive talent to challenge Syracuse, but the Orange allow only 24 points per game. This NCAAF preview focuses on whether Louisville can continue its scoring success against a defense that has played reasonably well despite the team's losing record.
Ranked College Football Matchups
No. 4 Ohio State is favored by 3.5 points against No. 5 Indiana in their Big Ten championship rematch. No. 2 Notre Dame visits No. 8 BYU as a 10-point favorite, while No. 6 Alabama is favored by 8.5 at No. 14 Tennessee.
Conference Games to Watch
Louisville enters at 2-2 in ACC play, while Syracuse is 0-3. In the SEC, No. 13 Missouri faces No. 9 Ole Miss, with the Rebels favored by six points. No. 18 Oklahoma State also visits No. 20 Houston in a Big 12 matchup.
College Football Lines Today
Louisville enters Saturday as a 16-point road favorite, with the Cardinals priced at -735 on the moneyline and Syracuse at +559. That makes the college football point spread the more interesting decision for bettors expecting a Louisville victory. The Cardinals have covered four of six games, although they have yet to win a true road game this season.
Point Spreads and Moneylines
Louisville -16 (-107) is the featured spread, while Syracuse +16 is priced at -109. Louisville's large number stands out alongside several other ranked favorites, including No. 4 Ohio State -3.5 (-108) against No. 5 Indiana and No. 2 Notre Dame -10 (-108) at No. 8 BYU.
Backing Louisville on the spread requires a victory by at least 17 points, making the expected scoring margin central to this pick.
College Football Over/Under Lines
The Louisville-Syracuse total is 55, with both the Over and Under priced at -108. Louisville is 5-1 against posted totals, and all six of its games have finished with at least 57 combined points. Syracuse is 3-2 to the Over, including its 42-41 overtime victory at UConn. Both teams have shown they can be involved in high-scoring games.
College Football Predictions Today
Louisville's rushing attack could determine how Saturday unfolds. Isaac Brown ran for 235 yards and two touchdowns against Florida State, helping the Cardinals pull away for a 44-20 victory. Syracuse allows 144.4 rushing yards per game, and stopping Brown will be a priority for the Orange. Louisville also has the offensive balance to keep moving the ball when opponents concentrate on its running game.
Predictions for Today’s Biggest Games
Predicted score: Louisville 41, Syracuse 20.
Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz has thrown for 1,534 yards, while Brown leads the team with 557 rushing yards. The Cardinals have scored 41 or more points in three games this season.
Syracuse averages 32.8 points, although its scoring has been less consistent against ACC opponents. We expect Louisville's offense to create enough separation for a comfortable victory.
Potential Upsets to Watch
Syracuse defeated Louisville 31-7 in their most recent meeting in 2022. The Orange also return to the JMA Wireless Dome for the first time since September 12, giving them an opportunity to regroup at home.
Elsewhere, No. 8 BYU could challenge No. 2 Notre Dame. The Cougars are undefeated and have covered all five games entering Saturday.
College Football Picks for Today
Louisville has the offensive advantage, and the current college football lines reflect that difference. The Cardinals have scored consistently, while Syracuse has struggled to put together complete performances in conference play. Our projected 41-20 final supports Louisville against the spread, although a 16-point road line leaves little room for an unexpected change in momentum.
Against-the-Spread Picks
Pick: Louisville -16 (-107).
The Cardinals have covered four of six games, including their 24-point victory over Florida State. Syracuse is 2-3 against the spread and has lost three of its last four games.
Louisville's scoring ability gives it a path to covering, particularly if the Orange struggle to match that production. The projected 21-point margin puts the Cardinals five points beyond the spread.
Moneyline Picks
Pick: Louisville -735.
The Cardinals are our choice to win outright, but the -735 price makes this less appealing than the spread or total. Syracuse would need a major turnaround to pull off the upset, especially given Louisville's recent performance.
For bettors backing the Cardinals, the point spread offers a better potential return than the heavily favored moneyline.
College Football Best Bets
Louisville's games have produced plenty of points regardless of the final result. Four of its six opponents have scored at least 30, which has helped push totals higher even when the Cardinals have lost. That makes the Over particularly appealing in this matchup. Among our NCAAF expert picks, the total stands ahead of the spread because Louisville has demonstrated consistent scoring throughout the season.
Best Bet of the Day
Over 55 (-108) is our top selection.
Every Louisville game this season has finished above 55 combined points. Even the 27-30 loss to Wake Forest, which went Under its closing total of 57.5, finished with 57 points.
The Cardinals have scored at least 27 in each game, and their opponents have frequently contributed to high totals. Our 41-20 prediction produces 61 points, six above Saturday's number.
Best Value Betting Opportunities
Louisville -16 (-107) is our secondary play. The Cardinals have enough scoring ability to build a lead, especially if Brown continues to produce on the ground.
Syracuse's defense offers some resistance, allowing 312.6 total yards per game, but the Orange have struggled to turn competitive stretches into ACC victories. Louisville's offense gives the favorite an advantage in both the projected winner and final margin.
Key Factors Behind Today’s College Football Predictions
The matchup between Louisville's running game and Syracuse's defense is worth watching closely. The Cardinals have been able to move the ball against a variety of opponents, while the Orange allow 168.2 passing yards and 144.4 rushing yards per game. Syracuse's ability to limit big plays could determine whether this stays competitive into the second half.
Quarterbacks, Injuries and Team News
Kienholz leads Louisville's passing attack, with Tre Richardson contributing 445 receiving yards. Several Cardinals, including multiple receivers, appeared on the October 10 injury report.
Syracuse has more pressing quarterback concerns. Amari Odom missed the Virginia game, Malachi Nelson reportedly suffered a collarbone injury, and Steve Angeli continues to deal with an Achilles injury. Danny Lauter could be needed if those players remain unavailable. The quarterback situation will be a major factor in Syracuse's offensive outlook.
Recent Form and Home-Field Advantage
Louisville responded to losses against Wake Forest and NC State by beating Florida State 44-20. Syracuse nearly upset Virginia last Saturday, leading 17-7 at halftime before falling 28-25.
The Orange have played away from home for more than a month, and their return to Syracuse could provide a lift. Louisville, meanwhile, will be looking for its first true road victory of the season.
Final College Football Picks and Predictions Today
The ACC matchup between Louisville and Syracuse offers two college football picks worth considering. Over 55 (-108) leads our selections, with Louisville -16 (-107) another appealing option. A projected 41-20 Cardinals victory supports both wagers. Syracuse's return home could make the matchup more competitive, but Louisville has the scoring ability to take control. Those evaluating college football best bets should watch the final quarterback updates and compare the available odds before kickoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Plays College Football Today?
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Louisville travels to Syracuse on Saturday, October 17, for a 7:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff on ACC Network. The Week 7 schedule also features No. 4 Ohio State at No. 5 Indiana and No. 2 Notre Dame at No. 8 BYU.
Where Can I Find College Football Lines Today?
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Louisville is favored by 16 points at -107, with Syracuse +16 at -109. The moneylines are Louisville -735 and Syracuse +559, while the total is 55. These prices can move as Saturday approaches, so review the latest sportsbook numbers.
What Are the Best College Football Picks Today?
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For Louisville at Syracuse, Over 55 (-108) offers our preferred betting angle. Louisville -16 (-107) is the accompanying spread selection, with the Cardinals projected to win 41-20.
How Are College Football Predictions Made?
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Each matchup requires looking beyond team records. Louisville's scoring consistency is an advantage here, while Syracuse's recent ACC results and quarterback availability help explain the projected margin.
What Should I Look for in NCAAF Expert Picks?
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The strongest picks explain why a team can cover a particular number, not simply why it should win. For Louisville -16, that means weighing the Cardinals' scoring potential against Syracuse's defense and its ability to keep the game close.
