Syracuse vs. Pitt CFB Odds, Picks & Best Bets for Thursday, September 17

Pitt is a heavy favorite at home based on Polymarket‘s odds.

Syracuse vs. Pitt Odds at Polymarket

Based on this pricing, Polymarket traders expect a Pitt victory in a game that goes OVER. The only tight market involves the spread.

Best Bet Syracuse vs. Pitt: Against the Spread

Syracuse +10.5 (-104)

Syracuse came up short against Cal, 21-18, in its ACC opener last Saturday. The game was at home in the dome, and the Orange were favored by 4.5 points. Quarterback Steve Angeli struggled, and his three interceptions proved to be the difference.

The loss overshadowed a solid performance by the Syracuse defense, which held Cal to 249 total yards and 14 points. One of Angeli’s turnovers produced a pick-six in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the Orange failed to produce any turnovers. The -3 turnover differential was too much to overcome.

Pitt is coming off a tough 12-7 win over UCF after routing Miami of Ohio in its opener. Quarterback Mason Heintschel went crazy in the season opener, throwing for 453 yards and seven touchdowns. He came down to earth against a much better UCF team, throwing for just 212 yards and no scores. UCF only had nine first downs all game.

It’s worth noting that Heintschel had one of his worst performances against Syracuse last season. He went 13-for-24 for 140 yards, no TD passes, and one interception. Heintschel did have a rushing TD, but Syracuse frustrated him in the passing game. In the final analysis, it didn’t matter as the Panthers won, 30-13.

But the Syracuse defense has shown improvement under new coordinator Vince Kehres. The Orange only allowed a field goal in its 66-3 rout of UNH in the season opener. After another impressive outing against a decent Cal offense, we’ll gladly take double-digit points with a Syracuse team fighting to get back to even in ACC play.

As long as Angeli limits his mistakes, that result should be in play for the big road dog.

Pick: Syracuse +10.5

Best Player Prop for Syracuse vs. Pitt

Cataurus Hicks Longest Reception OVER 26 Yards (-130 at DraftKings)

Pitt’s leading wide receiver averages 22.4 yards per catch. That ranks Cataurus Hicks 41st nationally.

Hicks had a 53-yard catch against Miami of Ohio and a 41-yard reception against UCF. We’re betting he extends that streak to a third straight game.

Overall, Hicks leads Pitt in catches (8) and receiving yards (178). He’ll be actively involved in the aerial attack as one of Heintschel’s top targets.

Stay updated with GI

Follow Gambling Insider for independent news, analysis and industry expertise.

Add as a preferred source on Google

Kris Johnson

Deputy Editor

Kris Johnson is a graduate of Middlebury College. He has spent most of his life working in sports, primarily writing about them.

Before starting his most recent position as Deputy Editor in the summer of 2025, Johnson spent nearly four years with Catena Media as a senior writer.

His career began at a Gannett newspaper in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where Johnson oversaw the production of a daily horse racing betting supplement called “The Pink Sheet” during Saratoga’s famed summer thoroughbred meet.

Johnson then worked for the Detroit Red Wings as director of media relations for the NHL’s top minor league affiliate in upstate New York.

He then spent four years with MMI/IMG in Charlotte, N.C., where he ultimately served as publicist for NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett on behalf of sponsor UPS.

His work has appeared in Sports Business Daily, Sports Business Journal, The Sporting News, and NASCAR Illustrated. Johnson received the Catlin Journalism Award of Excellence on two occasions.

Visit Profile