The Syracuse Orange (2-1, 0-0) play their first ACC game of 2025 tomorrow when they head to South Carolina to face the Clemson Tigers (1-2, 0-1). Kickoff is Noon on ESPN and here are our predictions:
Kevin (3-0): Clemson 27, Syracuse 20
If Syracuse wants to get an upset win, they need to limit the Clemson front seven from getting into the backfield. I worry less about sacks than pressure causing turnovers because the secondary is able to sit on short routes. If the Orange can hold up on the line, I think they can make a couple of big plays downfield. In the end, I think turnovers and Cade Klubnik’s legs allow Clemson to escape with a tough win.
Augie (3-0): Clemson 35, Syracuse 31
I think this game is going to start out fast. The Clemson offense has something to prove, and the Syracuse offense has been firing on all cylinders recently. I think it will be 14-7 or even 14-10 at the end of the first quarter and then the rest will take care of itself. There will be a lot of tension building within the Clemson fan base, and I think the Orange will back them into a wall and keep them nervous for the majority of the game. But, at the end of the day, I think Dabo leads a lengthy drive in the 4th quarter to give Clemson the lead with three minutes to go, and they don’t look back winning a close one against the Orange.
Dom (3-0): Clemson 31, Syracuse 17
Keep in mind: this is a young roster with a (albeit great so far) starting quarterback playing in their first true road game of the year, and in Death Valley of all places. Clemson’s defense has been good so long as it hasn’t lost the time of possession battle, but unlike Georgia Tech, Syracuse’s offense isn’t going to chew clock. The running game concerns also make that less likely. Defensively, the Orange can hold up Clemson’s shaky passing game, but what about their run game? Syracuse covers, but by just a field goal.
Casey (2-1): Clemson 35, Syracuse 21
I’ll be in Death Valley for this one, and I’m excited to see how the Orange handle that atmosphere. The key for Syracuse is to force Cade Klubnik to run and try to beat them with his legs rather than letting him sit back in rhythm. I think the Orange offense will do enough to keep it close, but the lack of defense will show over four quarters. Adam Randall continues his big year with a couple of big plays, and while Clemson pulls away late, I still like Syracuse to cover the spread.
Max (3-0): Clemson 34, Syracuse 20
This is an important game for the Tigers, who have been a disappointment to start the season. However, I think Dabo has his squad ready to go, and Clemson quickly turns the page after last week’s loss to Georgia Tech. I’m still hesitant to trust this Syracuse rush defense, which ranks second to last in the ACC, averaging 165 yards allowed per game. Adam Randall’s legs will generate two touchdowns and be too much for the Orange to handle down in Death Valley.
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