Clemson's Offense vs Syracuse's Defense
The Clemson offense may have a little extra motivation this week. Syracuse DT Eric Crume said "Cole Stoudt is an easy target." Even though he didn't intend anything bad by it the Clemson Oline will take it as a knock against them. Look for the Tigers to be extra physical at the line of scrimmage. The Dline is the strength for the Orange.
With time Stoudt should be able to be successful. Syracuse's back 7 isn't very disciplined in coverage or tackling. Expect multiple Tiger receivers to have big games. Tyshon Dye will also make his college debut. With the Orange's tackling issues it's a great opportunity for him to show what he's capable of.
Syracuse's Offense vs Clemson's Defense
Freshman QB AJ Long will face the toughest Dline he will face all year. He likes to get the ball down field and can scramble well too. He has been erratic at times though. Future NFL draft pick Sean Hickey will have the task if blocking Vic Beasley. Keeping Beasley in check, though unlikely will be key to Long's success.
Long will need help from the trio of Prince Tyson-Gullen, Jarrod West, and Steve Ismael. Tyson-Gullen averages over 5 yards per carry rushing. West and Ismael are tall receivers that can cause problems for smaller defenders. The Tigers can keep them in check and lead Long into turnovers.
Special Teams
Clemson holds the advantage on special teams. The Tigers have become quite reliable the past few weeks on special teams. Adam Humphries has done a good job returning punts and Ammon Lakip has been consistent kicking field goals. The best special teams may be punter Bradley Pinion. Pinion can is good at punting inside the 20 and change field position.
X-Factor
The battle at the line of scrimmage will be the x-factor Saturday. The Syracuse Dline can be good. If Clemson’s Oline plays poorly they could tee off on Cole Stoudt. The Clemson defensive line should be able to handle the Orange. The Orange does have Hickey at tackle who is a good NFL prospect.
Prediction
Syracuse is looking to pull the upset of a Tiger team that has been vulnerable the past 2 weekends. If the Orange play well and protect the football they could win. The problem is they don’t have the talent of the past 2 defenses the Tigers have faced. And they don’t have the firepower to overcome the Clemson defense. The Tiger offense should get back in a good rhythm and the defense can dominate. Clemson wins 37-16.
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