The No. 9 Fighting Irish, who cruised to a 37-15 victory over Pittsburgh last week, have won eight consecutive after an 0-2 start. Notre Dame (8-2) is favored by more than five touchdowns over Syracuse, which is the first of two 3-7 teams remaining on the Irish's schedule (which concludes Nov. 29 at Stanford).

Tonight. Virginia Tech is looking for a 5-0 start to the season.

Florida State football (5-6, 2-6) once again found a different way to lose in the worst fashion on the road.