Duke vs Syracuse Prediction: Enjoy the Fantastic Passing Games

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Sep 27, 2025 2:50 AM ET

You like lots and lots and lots and lots of passing yards? Here you go.

Duke and its new quarterback, Darian Mensah, are bombing away, cranking up over 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns in four games.

After ripping through NC State in the ACC opener, the Blue Devils have to get hot with three of the next four games on the road.

Syracuse lost quarterback Steve Angeli, but the style of offense cranks up the production no matter who's under center.

With four road games in the next six, the Orange can't afford to give this away.

Duke Blue Devils vs Syracuse Orange Preview

Duke vs Syracuse How To Watch

Saturday, September 27, 2025
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ACC Network
Location: JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY
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Why Duke Will Win

Steve Angeli was wonderful before suffering an awful season-ending injury in the win over Clemson. What happened when backup Rickie Collins came in?

He was 3-of-8 for 34 yards, but he threw a touchdown. Again, the Orange offense should work no matter what, but losing Angeli is a problem.

Mensah has been everything the Blue Devils hoped they were getting when picking him up from Tulane. He's been averaging well over 300 yards per game with multiple scoring passes in all four.

Syracuse has one of the nation's worst pass defenses, allowing close to 300 yards per game. So ...

Why Syracuse Will Win

Can the Orange keep running the ball?

Collins will be allowed to throw it well over 35 times, but it was Syracuse's ability to grind it out with the ground game controlling the tempo in the 34-21 shocker.

Duke's run defense has been shockingly mediocre. NC State rumbled well, Tulane ripped off four touchdowns, and the Orange - who doesn't seem to care about the time of possession battle - should be able to rip off yards in chunks.

The 1-2 rushing punch of Yasin Willis and Will Nixon should take the press off of Collins, but ...

Can the Orange Come Through Without Angeli?

Collins won't be bad, but the Orange can't win without running well. Duke will be ready for it.

Syracuse doesn't bring a pass rush, the offensive line has a problem in pass protection, and Duke's lines, which haven't been great so far, will take over.

Duke head coach Manny Diaz is a defensive head coach by nature. He's about to bring the heat.

Duke vs Syracuse Prediction, Betting Lines

Duke 34, Syracuse 26
Line: Duke -4.5, o/u: 59.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Must See Rating: 3.5

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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