2017 NCAA Football Clemson at Syracuse Preview and Prediction

Clemson (6-0) vs. Syracuse (3-3) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Friday, October 13th
Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
Venue: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
Network: ESPN

Keys to the Game

Syracuse skill position players

QB Eric Dungey has two excellent receivers in Steve Ishmael and Ervin Phillips and they have the ability to give any defense trouble. The problem for Syracuse will be the ability to keep Dungey clean in the pocket. The Orangemen’s offensive line is not very good and if that continues in this game the Orange will have no chance. The Orange have lost two close games to LSU and N.C.State and the difference in the game both times was the offensive lines inability to keep Dungey clean consistently in the pocket.

Clemson Tigers Offensive and Defensive line

As we just discussed the Syracuse offensive line is a weakness. On the other side the Clemson defensive line has the ability to control football games. Syracuse has allowed 15 sacks already this season and they can’t run the ball well. I look for the big, physical Clemson defensive line to dominate.

Clemson Quarterback Kelly Bryant is gimpy with an injury, but Syracuse’s defensive line will not be able to get enough pressure on the Tigers to make Bryant’s possible lack of mobility a problem. Bryant will be able to move around just enough to make plays.

Outcome

This game presents a huge opportunity for the Syracuse Orangemen playing at home in a noisy Carrier Dome on a Friday night. I think that Ishmael and Phillips will get open just enough to keep this game close for a half or even maybe three quarters, but in the end Clemson will be just too good for the Orangemen.

Clemson 34  Syracuse 20