Campus Clash
(14) Syracuse Orange at (5) Clemson Tigers
Syracuse: Again, I’m calling this year “The year of the blue blood”. So many schools that have been labeled as basketball institutions are making names for themselves on the gridiron. Kansas has shocked us all with their strong start, Duke has been solid, North Carolina has been strong and look at how well the UCLA Bruins have been playing. Let’s include Dino Babers and the Syracuse Orange in the mix as well. After their big win over the North Carolina State Wolf Pack in week seven, they improved to 6-0 on the year. They’ve done it with a strong and balanced offensive attack. They can run the ball as effectively as they can pass it. It starts with the Quarterback, Garrett Shrader. He reminds me so much of Josh Allen in his style of play. Garrett is a tall guy standing at 6’4. He can spin the ball down the field but has no issue displaying his mobility. As strong as Cuse has been offensively, they’re just as balanced defensively. They’ve been one of the best teams in the nation and the ACC at stopping the run. If I had to give you a list of candidates for Coach of the Year, it’d consist of Lance Leipold, Sonny Dykes, Josh Heupel and Dino Babers. On Saturday, they’ll have a test awaiting them in South Carolina.
Clemson: They’ve been on a roll this year. I haven’t seen them play with this much energy nor urgency since the Trevor Lawrence days. I said during the summer, for them to be successful, it would start with D.J. Uiagalelei and he hasn’t disappointed this year. Last year was that transitional season for him. The Offensive Line wasn’t strong, and he wasn’t on the same page with his receivers. A year later, he has a better grasp of the offense and he’s taking much better care of the football. Also, when you need that big throw, he can complete it. Look back at the game against Wake Forest a few weeks back. Every third down situation that occurred, D.J. delivered with completions to help move the chains. On Saturday against Florida State, Clemson got a little complacent for my liking and allowed the Seminoles to climb back into the football game. When you build up big leads, put teams away! Don’t settle or become lazy because you’re up by a few scores. I’ve had issues with their defense at times this year, the secondary of course. Look how Sam Hartman diced them up, then again, he does that to anyone. I feel these final games on their schedule will show us who they are. If the playoffs started today, they’d be in. They’re back home on Saturday against the Orange of Syracuse.
Syracuse X-Factor: Oronde Gadsden II– Talking about him makes me feel old! I remember when his dad played. Whenever I think of 6’5 receivers, I think of them working the perimeter on the outside, going up the field vertically and being that mismatch in the redzone. Oronde likes playing inside. Those possession receivers are even more dangerous when they’re lined up in the slot. There’s no answer for them there.
Clemson X-Factor: Jeremiah Trotter Jr– This Clemson front seven is one of the best in the country and he’s one of the main reasons why. It’s another player whose dad played in the NFL that I have memories of. I love the range Jeremiah plays with. He will drop back in coverage and cover a Tight End, Running Back in the flat or stick a Receiver in the slot. Jeremiah is a ballhawk. Wherever that football is traveling, he’s swarming to it. He has that knack for breaking plays up.
Final Thoughts: This should be a fun one. Syracuse has always given Clemson a tough game and I expect the same this weekend. I’m expecting Cuse to attack that Clemson secondary which has been inconsistent this year. Both these teams are two of the best when it comes to stopping the run. This will come down to who can stuff the run more consistently and which Quarterback can make bigger passes when necessary. Syracuse hasn’t played an opponent quite like Clemson this year, so this will be a big measuring stick. Watch this Clemson defensive front do all they can to keep Shrader in the pocket. Don’t let him extend plays with his feet. This should be a war in Death Valley on Saturday.
Prediction: Clemson 30, Syracuse 27
