This weekend Clemson will travel north to face Syracuse. The matchup will feature 2 teams on completely different paths. The Tigers are undefeated while the Orange have lost 6 straight. Even though they have been down, Cuse will use everything they have against the top team in the country.
Clemson's Offense vs Syracuse's Defense
Clemson will be facing an Orange defense that has given up at least 34 points in their last 4 games and 40 points in 3 of those 4. The Tigers should be able to have a balanced attack but don't be surprised if they go more with the run. Wayne Gallman will have a good chance for another big rushing game and Deshaun Watson should be Deshaun Watson.
Syracuse does have a few playmakers on defense. Zaire Franklin leads the Orange in tackles. Ron Thompson leads them in sacks. Both will need to play big and the Cuse will need to force 3 or 4 turnovers to pull an upset.
Syracuse's Offense vs Clemson's Defense
Syracuse has scored 30 or more points once during its 6 game losing streak, That one game they did, it took overtime for them to break 30. They will need at least 30 if they want to hang around with Clemson. Freshman QB, Eric Dungey, will need to have the best game of his young career. He is a solid passer. He has a good receiver in Steve Ishmael. He has been a reliable target. Running back Jordan Fredricks will need to have a big game as well. Dungey will be a factor in the run game as well.
The Tiger defense needs to pick up where the left off from the FSU game. No let up. Clemson does not want to let the Orange hang around. The defense has been caught out of position the past 2 games. Look for the Tigers to clean up those mistakes. Also,Jayron Kearse will be important to stop both the run and the pass.
Special Teams
Greg Huegel gives the Tigers the advantage in the kicking game. He leads all players in the ACC in scoring for conference games. He has proved reliable. The return game will be an area where the Orange can make up some points. It's been no secret that kick coverage is Clemson's weakness. Brisly Estime has returned 2 punts for TDs this season and is looking to do it again this weekend.
X-Factor
The x-factor will be turnovers. The Orange will have to rely on 3-4 turnovers to keep them in the game. If the Clemson offense is sluggish, Syracuse could hang around. Turnovers leading to easy scores will likely be the only way Cuse can hang around.
Prediction
While Syracuse has some young talent they still do not have the complete team to hang with Clemson. It is possible that the Tigers could have a letdown after coming off a huge win of rival FSU. But with the 1 game at a time mentality that Dabo has instilled in his players that won't happen. Clemson wins 47-20.
Back to the Clemson Tigers Newsfeed