Two ACC clubs searching for consistency will meet this weekend in central New York. Syracuse (4-4, 2-4) just pulled off a massive upset, taking down then-19th ranked SMU by a score of 30-27 last Saturday. Now, the Orange will hope to follow that up with another win at home. As for visiting Clemson (5-3, 3-2), this afternoon’s contest feels like a must-win. There will be plenty of pressure on the Tigers this afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome. Which side has the edge going into this conference clash?
The Tigers are listed as 2.5-point favorites over the Orange, with the total set at O/U 49.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction and best bet for Saturday’s Clemson vs. Syracuse Week 10 matchup.
Clemson vs. Syracuse prediction, preview
The Tigers have been offensively inept this season, and that’s putting it kindly. They’re currently averaging an ACC-worst 335.4 yards per game. Most of the team’s struggles have come at quarterback, where Dabo Swinney’s crew has combined for just four passing touchdowns all season. Current starter Tait Reynolds hasn’t impressed since taking over midseason, posting 1,285 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions over eight games.
It’s not as if it’s been much better on the ground, although anything is an upgrade compared to QB. Gideon Davidson is the lead running back, churning out 528 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Reynolds, despite his issues as a passer, has done a nice job outside of the pocket; he’s scrambled for 249 yards and two scores. Regardless, Clemson is averaging a mediocre 3.97 yards per rush attempt. That number doesn’t come as a shock; defenses are able to keep stacking the box and prioritize stuffing the run.
After getting gashed on the ground last season, Syracuse has shown notable improvement in that regard. This year, the team ranks ninth in the conference with 3.92 yards allowed per rush attempt. In addition, the Orange are eighth-best in the ACC with 7.1 yards allowed per pass attempt. Add it all up, and you have a perfectly middle of the road defense. ‘Cuse has done a nice job of generating pressure, fourth in the ACC with 54.0 tackles for loss. That could make a difference today against an unproven freshman such as Reynolds.
On the other side of the ball, it’s been a roller coaster ride for head coach Fran Brown. Syracuse has shuffled through three different quarterbacks this season, only recently giving Week 1 starter Steve Angeli his old job back. The senior has responded, leading this group to two straight wins. During those victories, Angeli has thrown for a combined 456 yards and three touchdowns. Having an elite wideout at your disposal certainly helps. Umari Hatcher has snagged 60 receptions for 952 yards, the latter mark fifth-best among all FBS players. To boot, he’s reeled in eight touchdown catches.
Syracuse’s run game isn’t one of college football’s best. With that being said, it’s shown some improvement in recent weeks. The Orange have surpassed 120 rushing yards as a team over their previous four outings. It’s no coincidence that all of those games have been one-possession affairs. When teams are forced to respect the ground game, this becomes a far more dangerous offense. Backfield tandem Tylik Hill and Ahmad Miller have combined for 941 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Having a two-dimensional scoring attack will be the challenge for ‘Cuse this weekend. Clemson is no pushover, ranking seventh in the ACC with 329.3 yards allowed per game. This group excels in the secondary, giving up just 6.6 yards per pass attempt. To boot, the Tigers have managed to reel in seven interceptions. It’s worth noting that Angeli has thrown five picks over five games this season. Clemson also sits at third in the conference with 24.0 sacks, although the Orange have done a solid job in pass protection. That matchup inside the trenches could prove to be the biggest difference maker on Saturday.
Clemson vs. Syracuse Best Bet
Does it feel strange backing the inconsistent Orange in this spot? Maybe a little, but there’s a reason this spread is so close. Clemson’s offense is nothing short of abysmal, and it’s difficult to see that changing on the road this afternoon. The Tigers do possess a stout defense, but Syracuse has notched 30+ points with Angeli against stellar North Carolina and SMU secondaries. With the public all over the visitors, there’s value on Syracuse at plus money.
Best Bet: Syracuse ML (+114)
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