The last time Clemson faced Syracuse, it was in the 1996 Gator Bowl and the Donavan McNabb led Orange blew the Tigers out 41-0. In this weekend's game, the same result won't happen but Syracuse is fully capable of pulling the upset. Just ask the Louisville Cardinals a year ago. The Orange are looking for a big win and the Tigers are looking to stay perfect.
Clemson's Offense vs Syracuse's Defense
[caption id="attachment_771" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Can Sammy Have a Record Setting Day at Syracuse?"]
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Clemson offensive coordinator, Chad Morris, had to get a little excited watching film of the Syracuse Defense. Their secondary has some serious wholes and looks like the Tiger secondary a year ago. Tajh Boyd should have no problems picking them apart. No one in the Orange secondary is capable of covering the likes of Sammy Watkins and company. Watkins will get plenty of opportunities and if taken advantage of he could easily have a record setting night.
The Syracuse front 7 has shown the ability to slow down the run game. With the exception of the Northwestern game, they haven't allowed a lot of rushing yards. They have struggled stopping dual threat quarterbacks. Look for Boyd to be used a good bit in the run game. Also, the Orange have struggled to tackle in space so if the Tiger backs can get passed the first line of defenders they can break off a big play. Tackling has been an issue as Syracuse has only one player in the top 50 amongst tackle leaders in the ACC.
Clemson's Defense vs Syracuse's Offense
The Syracuse offense has shown its capable of putting up points and have scored over 50 points in 2 straight games. Though that was against inferior opponents, the Orange do seem to have a better rhythm than earlier in the season. Sophomore Terrel Hunt has started the past 2 games and immediately the offense improved. In his first 2 starts, he has thrown 7 touchdowns and no interceptions. That was against Tulane and Wagner. Clemson will be his first real test. The Clemson defensive line will pressure him. Can he escape the speed of Vic Beasley?
Hunt is a quick runner. Spencer Shuey and Stephone Anthony will play critical rolls in stopping him from being able to break down the defense with his legs. Also, running back Jerome Smith already has 6 touchdowns. He is a big back that can bulldoze his way through defenders. Combine that with Prince-Tyson Gulley who is a speed back. These 2 pair up to make a diverse backfield.
Special Teams
Both Clemson and Syracuse have good kickers. This is repeated weekly but Chandler Catanzaro is clutch. He has proven he can make kicks with the game on the line. Sophomore Ryan Norton has not experienced those moments. If the game is close, Clemson will feel comfortable with their kicker setting up for a field goal.
X-Factor
Which secondary will hold up better? The Clemson secondary has continued to show improvement, especially the past few weeks. If they can continue to keep it together, it will be a good day for the Clemson defense. On the opposite side, the Syracuse secondary has been picked apart. They consistently leave receivers wide open. Boyd will have a big day if the coverage is bad for sure.
Prediction
The Carrier Dome will be hyped for the Orange's first conference game. They will need a quick start to put Clemson back on their heels. If Clemson can weather the excitement of Syracuse in the early stages of the game, the Tigers should be able to take care of business and do so comfortably. Look for Sammy Watkins to have a big game. Prediction: Clemson wins 41-20.
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