Syracuse lost 2 starters for the season against Louisville: 6' 286 lb fullback and 6'1" 250 lb. LB. The LB, Thompson, was probably their best defensive player. Syracuse has a massive OL: 322 lbs, 375 lbs, 292 lbs, 326 lbs, and 335 lbs. I would bet that will be the biggest OL UConn faces this season. Add in a 228 lb. QB and a shifty RB and UConn's defense will have a tough task on Saturday. On defense, with the loss of Thompson, Syracuse is relatively small. The DL is 233 lbs, 270 lbs, and 268 lbs. The LBs are 225 lbs, 224 lbs, and 239 lbs with their Rover at 220 lbs. It seems UConn should be able to run on them.
Also, Syracuse is a young team with 10 true sophomores, 2 RSo and 2 RFr starting. They start only 2 Sr or RSr and 3 RJrs.
I'm not sure the Louisville game was a good measuring stick for Syracuse as Louisville did not look ready to play (it seems like their HC is on his last legs), but Syracuse did look good in the game. I just don't think you can bet on UConn even with the large point spread given UConn has a true freshman QB, an injured WR group, and a big Syracuse offense.