Miami at Syracuse features 2 best and most explosive ACC passing offenses

The consensus opinion is Miami at Syracuse will be a high-scoring game. The FanDuel over/under of 67.5 is the highest total for Miami or Syracuse in 2024. Miami is first nationally averaging 44.7 points per game. Syracuse is 41st nationally averaging 31.7 PPG.

Saturday could decided by who gets more defensive stops. Miami is 42nd allowing 22.3 points per game and Syracuse is 88th allowing 27.8. Miami has improved significantly running over the past few weeks. The Hurricanes have become more balanced and have not had to rely as much on Cam Ward recently.

Miami has dropped to third nationally averaging 360.2 passing yards per game after being first nationally for most of the 2024 season. Syracuse is second nationally averaging 361.5 passing yards per game. Miami is 40th nationally averaging 181.27 rushing YPG, but has run for over 200 yards in three of its last five games.

Syracuse is 128th nationally averaging 92.45 rushing yards per game. Miami defensive coordinator Lance Guidry should know what to expect from Syracuse. Syracuse is third nationally passing on 62.22 percent of their offensive plays. Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Kyle McCord of Syracuse are the top two passers nationally.

McCord is first nationally averaging 358.7 passing YPG and Ward is second posting 343.1 YPG. McCord and Ward arguably lead the most explosive passing offenses nationally. The Syracuse QB is first nationally with 159 completions of 10 or more yards and Ward is second with 151.

Six of the top 11 receivers in the ACC with receptions of 10 or more yards play for Miami and Syracuse. Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo is first or tied for the lead in the ACC in receptions of 10 or more yards through 60 or more. Syracuse has the top three receivers in the ACC in receptions.

McCord has thrown for over 300 yards in every game except one in 2024. Ward has thrown for over 300 yards in all but two 2024 games. Miami and Syracuse are second and third in the ACC in pass defense. Miami allows 194.3 passing yards per game and Syracuse permits 203.9.

California gave Syracuse a blueprint versus Miami defensively with four completions for more than 50 yards. Miami has allowed only one completion of at least 50 yards in the remainder of the season. The Hurricanes rank in the upper half of the ACC limiting long opponents'S completions which goes against conventional wisdom.

Syracuse has also been relatively good limiting long pass plays. The Orange leads the ACC allowing only 25 completions of 20 or more yards. With McCord and Ward leading their two offenses, expect a high-scoring game with multiple big plays. Miami at Syracuse should be similar to the Hurricanes' 52-45 win at Louisville in October.