This is very much a fade play on my part. All of my SportsLine counterparts are on Liberty tonight, and while I understand it, I think they're showing far too much faith in a Liberty team that has yet to be tested by a good team as a road favorite in this spot. Yes, Liberty beat Syracuse by 17 last year, but that was a much different Syracuse team. This year the Orange are averaging nearly 7 yards per play on offense, and were unlucky in their lone loss to Rutgers.

Liberty is the better team with the better coach and much better quarterback. Pretty much all you need to know. They're also 13-4 ATS in its last 17 on a short week so there is that too. Liberty QB Malik Willis is on a tear already this season and has the team winning by an average of 26 points per game. That's said, don't need double-digits here, just by a touchdown and we're home free.

The best player on the field -- and the best quarterback casual college football fans do not know -- is the Flames' Malik Willis. Willis is off to a great start this season with seven passing touchdowns and no interceptions. He is also a threat as a runner, averaging 75.0 yards per game and has four TDs. The Orange look a little better this season but also lost at home to Rutgers by 10. The Flames should do better than that.

Heisman hopeful Malik Willis is looking to add another big day to his resume. He has 11 total touchdowns and no turnovers thus far. The Flames have an average margin of victory of 25.7 over their first three games. Syracuse looks about the same as it did last year while Liberty has only gotten better. This should be a similar game to the 38-21 beatdown the Flames gave Syracuse last season. Lay the points.

Pretty much have to agree with Emory Hunt and Micah Roberts on this one -- the only way Liberty should win by less than a touchdown is if star QB Malik Willis gets injured. The Flames beat the Orange by 17 in the Carrier Dome last year. SU looks a bit improved in 2021 but also has played an easy schedule. Liberty has covered eight straight as a favorite. Syracuse is 0-6 ATS in its past six after a win.

QB Malik Willis has been the most consistent of pro prospects at the position all season. He has quietly gone under the radar and will be in need of a big game against a Power Five opponent. That's where Syracuse comes into the picture. The Orange have done a really good job this season, but last year they didn't do a good job against Willis and his Flames offense. Even though Syracuse is better this season, the outcome will be the same. Give me Liberty.

Liberty has won and covered all three of its games by an average score of 38-12 and look to beat down Syracuse again in its own dome. Last season the Flames won, 38-21, at Syracuse, easily covering -3. Liberty QB Malik Willis will again be the best player on the field. He has completed 71.0 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions and rushed for 225 yards and four touchdowns. Liberty’s defense will give Syracuse trouble. Liberty to cover.