The Syracuse Orange and Washington State Cougars have crossed paths just once before, with Syracuse dominating in a 52-25 victory back in 1979. Will their 2024 bowl showdown bring a similar outcome?
Our Syracuse vs. Washington State prediction dives into everything you need to know—from the latest betting odds to what’s on the line for both teams in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl.
Syracuse vs. Washington State Holiday Bowl Betting Preview
All Syracuse vs. Washington State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Syracuse -11.5 - Spread
Syracuse -18 - Moneyline
Syracuse -950, Washington State +625 - Over/Under
58.5 points - Game Time
8:00 p.m. ET, Friday, Dec. 27 - Location
Snapdragon Stadium | San Diego, Calif. - Predicted Weather at Kick
TBD - How To Watch
Fox
Syracuse has struggled as a favorite in recent outings, going 1-5 against the spread in its last six, with the under hitting in seven of the last 10.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
It’s not like Washington State has been much better. It’s 2-5 straight up in its last seven games as an underdog and 0-5 ATS in its past five contests played in December.
Syracuse’s Winning Probability
Syracuse has only reached double-digit wins twice since 2000, but they have a chance to make it three in the Holiday Bowl. Fran Brown, in his debut season, guided the Orange to a 9-3 regular-season record and now looks to cap off a successful campaign with a statement win over Washington State.
- at Washington State: 80.2%
Washington State’s Winning Probability
The Cougars posted an 8-4 record in 2024, their best season in six years. However, they’re now in the midst of yet another coaching transition—Jake Dickert left to take the helm at Wake Forest, marking Washington State’s fourth head coach since 2019. With the turnover, the FPM gives the Cougars less than a 20% chance to upset Syracuse in the Holiday Bowl.
- vs. Syracuse: 19.8%
Prediction for Syracuse vs. Washington State
Syracuse heads into the Holiday Bowl riding a wave of momentum after taking down the Miami Hurricanes. QB Kyle McCord has been on fire, avoiding interceptions over his last four games while completing 75.4% of his passes for 850 yards in just the past two outings.
Even more crucially, the Orange have managed to avoid significant losses to the transfer portal, maintaining their core playmakers and entering this matchup with strong team cohesion.
MORE: 2024 College Football Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker
Washington State, however, is in disarray. The Cougars have been decimated by the transfer portal and coaching departures, losing their head coach, offensive coordinator, and QBs coach. To make matters worse, starting QB John Mateer—who led all of college football with 44 total touchdowns—entered the portal less than 10 days before kickoff.
The Cougars are set to be without Mateer and Kris Hutson at WR as well as four starting linemen, their best linebacker, and four starting defensive backs against Syracuse.
While underdogs have historically thrived in the Holiday Bowl (9-1 ATS over the last 10), Washington State’s depleted roster and Syracuse’s stability make the Orange the clear choice in this one.
Prediction: Syracuse 38, Washington State 20
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