Clemson comes into Saturday nights contest with Syracuse fresh off a dominating defensive performance over a 12th ranked Texas A&M… Head Coach Deano Babers and his Syracuse team come into this game after what was an embarrassing performance against a very underrated Maryland squad. Pre Season this game was pointed to as Syracuse coming off a 10 win season and bowl victory. This game lost some of its luster as the Terrapins defeated the Orange in Byrd Stadium last Saturday. But the Tigers and Coach Dabo Swinney are not buying it. After the last three games with Syracuse have netted 3 starting quarterbacks being taken out due to injury in each game. This last trip up to the “Dome” in 2017 ended with the Tigers … at the time 2nd ranked…returning home after a Friday night upset loss. One that saw Clemson lose their QB Kelly Bryant in the 2nd quarter. And then thrust at the time untested freshman Zerrick Cooper into a role he was not ready for. The Tigers were out of sorts on both sides of the ball in this game and Syracuse took advantage of a Clemson team without its offensive identity in Bryant. And was able to keep the Clemson defense on its heels all night. End result was a eventual 4-8 Syracuse collected the Playoff bound Tigers as a “trophy” for their fanbase and great fodder and content for College football analyst and fans to this day.
To say the upstate New York school and its fans were optimistic coming into this season was lightly stating the vibe coming from Syracuse and its fans. And after last season, they should. An opening week win over Liberty had the Syracuse fans questioning QB Play and serviceable depth in all areas. And that showed up in College Park last weekend as the Terrapins took advantage and lit up the scoreboard frequently.
The Tigers also came into the season with high expectations as well, being ranked #1 by both major polls preseason for the first time in program history. Clemson and its defense of last years national title has been put under everyone’s microscope and none so much as QB Trevor Lawrence who can’t sweat without someone reporting on the numbers of sweat beads on his brow. So far in the 2019 campaign… its literally ” So Far…. So Good”.. As the Tigers have had their moments and it’s obvious they have yet to play their best game of the season.
When Clemson has the Ball:
After a dominating defensive performance a week earlier, the offense will be licking their chops after seeing the Maryland film. With all the scrutiny from the media about how Clemson has won over the past two weeks. And add to that all the mystery and issues that this team has had with this Syracuse team in the past. Look for this group of players to come out and try to set the pace early and score fast and with a fervor. With the Tigers new found option out of the backfield in the form of running backs Travis Etienne and Lyn Dixon, look for the Tigers to start spreading the ball out quickly in the screen game to add to an already lethal offensive repertoire.
This …with a heavy dose of Travis Etienne will have the ‘Cuse defense creeping up and next thing you know it’s Ross or Higgins over the top. This defense will have its moments as they bring a very good set of Defensive Ends that will both play in the NFL. And there are more than capable defensive backs in the secondary. But Maryland showed the college football world how to affect this group and was able to call their shots most of that day. I expect Lawrence and the Tigers to eventually get in their groove and the points and stats will pile up. Clemson will showcase the roster of 5 stars and WRU will have a big day. Syracuse by middle of 3rd quarter wears down and the walls come down and the Tigers pour into the end zone over and over like a flood.
When Syracuse has the Ball:
Babers and staff lost the heart of their team and offense with gritty QB Eric Dungey graduating. And his replacement Tommy Devito who was groomed for this season over the lasts season plus now takes the reigns of this high octane offense. With a brand new set of skilled weapons around him and a fast paced offensive identity.. look for this group to put the hammer down and go as fast as they can. The only way to beat superior talent is to outscheme them or out condition them. This worked at times in the past for the ‘Cuse. Look for a breakneck pace.
Clemson will try and force Syracuse out of their “rhthym” passing game.. by pressing the receivers and using an “dime” look with a four safety package. The same 3-2-6 look they used to confuse Kellen Mond all day. Will be a look DeVito will see in frequency on Saturday night. Look for corner blitzes and a Big dose of Isaiah Simmons on this evening as this is a game where his athleticism will play a huge factor in eating up space near the line of scrimmage and flats .
Eventually Clemson gets a grip on this version of the hurry up Syracuse offense. And is able to keep DeVito and crew under wraps. They may chew up some yardage and will score maybe a more than a few times. But it won’t be enough. As the Clemson defense’s teammates on the offensive side will have done the damage that can’t be countered.
Special Teams:
Syracuse: Andre Szmyt Kicker won the Groza award for nations best kicker as a freshman 30/34 long of 54 yards. Punter Sterling Hoftrichter averaged 42.9 yrds on the season. Return Specialist Sean Riley is a big time threat and had a 16.4 yrd KO return average.
Clemson : The Tigers on the season have had a so so year on special teams . The one constant is the Kickoff team and BT Potters ability to drive the ball into and through the end zone. Eliminating most return games and giving the defense that 75 yards to defend. So far out of 12 kickoffs 10 of those ended up touchbacks. Will Spiers has his average up to 41.3 on 7 punts this year with a long of 44.
Prediction:Too much offense with a Paw on the helmet. ‘Cuse has its “moments” early but the Tigers and that roster will wear them down and impose their will in the second half and leave no doubt on the surface of the Dome as the walk away 3-0 and 3-0 in ACC Play…
Clemson 49 Syracuse 20
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