In Week 3 of the 2025 Regular Season, the Colgate Raiders will meet the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY. This Friday night game, scheduled for 7:00 PM, will be broadcast on ACCN. The Raiders, coming from a 0-1 record last season, will face a challenging opponent in Syracuse, who holds a 1-1 record this season.
Syracuse returns home after a victory against the Connecticut Huskies, where they secured a 27-20 win. Their offensive strength was evident with 417 passing yards, a statistic they will aim to replicate against Colgate. Meanwhile, the Raiders are looking to bounce back from their last season’s 31-20 loss to Akron, where they struggled to keep up with their opponent’s offensive drives.
Betting odds heavily favor Syracuse with a moneyline of -100000 compared to Colgate’s +8250. The spread has Syracuse favored by 37.5 points, indicating the expectations of a strong performance. Both teams will be eager to leave a mark in this early-season encounter under the dome’s lights.
Syracuse vs Colgate At a Glance
- Game Location: JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY
- Broadcast Channel: ACCN
- Game Time: Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- Syracuse Record 2025: 1-1 overall, 1-1 at home
- Colgate Record 2025: 0-1 overall, 0-1 on the road
- Odds: Syracuse favored at -37.5 spread, total points set at 66.5
Syracuse Orange: Analyzing the Upcoming Battle
Quarterback Spotlight
Leading the charge for the Syracuse Orange is quarterback Steve Angeli, who has put up impressive numbers early in the season. With 691 passing yards, Angeli ranks 6th nationally, showcasing his ability to move the ball through the air effectively. However, his three passing touchdowns are not as high, placing him 56th, indicating room for improvement in red zone efficiency.
Angeli’s two interceptions rank him 100th, suggesting he needs to focus on ball security to maximize the offense’s potential. Despite this, his leadership and passing prowess have been vital for Syracuse’s offensive output.
Running Back Performance
Yasin Willis has been a bright spot for Syracuse in the running game, with 139 rushing yards placing him 86th nationally. His four rushing touchdowns rank him 3rd, highlighting his capability to convert opportunities near the goal line. This dual threat makes him a key component of Syracuse’s offensive strategy.
Will Nixon complements Willis with 63 rushing yards and eight receptions, showcasing his versatility. Nixon’s ability to contribute in both the running and passing games provides Syracuse with a dynamic option out of the backfield.
Wide Receiver Contributions
Justus Ross-Simmons leads the receiving corps with 133 receiving yards, ranking him 97th. His two receiving touchdowns place him 26th, indicating a strong ability to make impactful plays. Johntay Cook adds depth with 85 receiving yards and one touchdown, contributing to Syracuse’s aerial attack.
Darrell Gill Jr. and Tyshawn Russell have also made their presence felt, combining for 194 receiving yards. Their involvement provides Angeli with multiple targets, spreading the field and keeping defenses on their toes.
Defensive Challenges
Syracuse’s defense has allowed 65 points this season, ranking them 53rd nationally. The defense has managed only one sack and has yet to record any interceptions or fumble recoveries, signaling areas for improvement. Enhancing pressure on opposing quarterbacks and creating turnovers will be crucial for Syracuse’s success.
The defensive unit needs to step up to support the offense and provide more opportunities through turnovers and strategic plays. A stronger defensive performance can significantly impact Syracuse’s overall game strategy.
Syracuse Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U as Underdog: 1-0 (100.0%)
Colgate Raiders: Searching for Success on the Road
Offensive Overview
In the 2024 season, the Colgate Raiders’ offensive statistics reveal some challenges. They are averaging 20 points per game, ranking 125th in the nation. Their passing game has struggled, with only 159 yards per game, placing them 176th overall.
The Raiders’ rushing attack hasn’t fared much better, averaging 88 yards per game and ranking 184th. This lack of offensive firepower has been a concern as they continue to seek improvement in the upcoming games.
Defensive Insights
On the defensive side, Colgate allows an average of 31 points per game, a stat that ranks them 7th worst in the nation. Despite these struggles, their ability to generate turnovers has been a bright spot. They have recorded 1 interception, placing them 2nd in the league.
The Raiders have also recovered 1 fumble, ranking 15th, showing their knack for creating opportunities. However, their pass rush has been moderate, with only 2 sacks, which ranks them 44th.
Recent Game Performance
The Raiders recently played against the Akron Zips and were defeated 31-20. During this contest, Colgate managed 13 first downs compared to Akron’s 24. Their passing game produced 159 yards, while the rushing game contributed 88 yards.
Turnovers were even, with each team recording 1 interception and Colgate recovering 1 fumble. Despite these efforts, Akron’s offense was able to capitalize on their opportunities more effectively.
Key Players to Watch
Jake Stearney has been a focal point in the Raiders’ offense, recording 64 passing yards in one game. Treyvhon Saunders is a standout receiver with 7 receptions and 82 receiving yards, alongside 1 touchdown.
On the ground, Marco Maldonado has been a key contributor with 9 rushing yards. These players will need to elevate their performances to help the Raiders secure victories.
Team Betting Trends
- Colgate Raiders are 0-1 against the spread in their recent games.
- Games involving the Raiders have gone over the total in 100% of the time.
- The Raiders have yet to win a game as an away underdog this season.
Syracuse vs Colgate Prediction: Over 66.5
As Syracuse prepares to host Colgate, the game is set to take place under the controlled environment of the JMA Wireless Dome. Syracuse’s offensive capabilities have been highlighted this season, evidenced by their 53 points per game average. Given Colgate’s defensive struggles, allowing an average of 31 points last season, this could become a high-scoring affair.
Historically, Syracuse has demonstrated the ability to score prolifically against Colgate, as seen in their 65-0 victory in 2023. This trend, combined with Syracuse’s current offensive form, suggests they can put up substantial points again. Colgate’s lack of a conference and limited success against higher-tier teams adds to the likelihood of Syracuse exploiting defensive weaknesses.
With Syracuse showing strong offensive statistics, particularly in passing yards where they rank 12th nationally, they are poised to dominate through the air. Colgate, struggling on both sides of the ball, may find it challenging to keep pace, but even a few successful drives could help push the total over. The consensus total is set at 66.5, a number Syracuse can surpass with their offensive rhythm.
Given the factors at play, including Syracuse’s offensive firepower and Colgate’s defensive vulnerabilities, the pick for this game is the over on the 66.5 total. Expect Syracuse to maintain their scoring average, resulting in a projected scoreline that exceeds the total points threshold.
- Syracuse vs Colgate Prediction: Over 66.5
- Syracuse vs Colgate Score: Syracuse 55 – Colgate 14
