West Virginia opened as nearly a touchdown favorite over Syracuse when the Camping World Bowl matchup was announced on Dec. 3. Syracuse backers who took the points right away caught a lucky break when West Virginia star quarterback Will Grier and offensive lineman Yodny Cajuste announced later that week that they were skipping the game to protect themselves for the NFL draft.

The line plummeted to around West Virginia -1¹/₂, and since then we’ve seen a change of favorites as it was Syracuse -2 at William Hill books on Thursday evening.

As great as Grier can be, this line adjustment of more than a touchdown isn’t justified. I still have the Mountaineers as the better team and we’ve often seen situations like this where the backup quarterback steps in and puts up similar numbers. I’m a fan of Syracuse QB Eric Dungey, but don’t be surprised if West Virginia’s heir-apparent QB Jack Allison outperforms him.

Besides, Syracuse’s defense has allowed 27.8 points per game and will be without two starters on the defensive line, Alton Robinson and McKinley Williams.

The play: West Virginia, +2.