Clemson Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The Syracuse Orange are another team finding their identity under head coach Dino Babers. Their fast-paced offense produced 440.8 yards per game (42nd in the FBS). A majority of those yards came in the passing game.

The Orange ranked 11th in the FBS, 321.3 passing yards per game, behind the arm of quarterback Eric Dungey. Dungey threw for 2,679 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He’ll have Ervin Phillips and Steve Ishmael to throw to in the passing game.

However, Syracuse is another team looking to improve on the offensive line. Their rushing yardage per game ranked 115th in the FBS at 119.6 yards per game. They will certainly have their hands full with the Clemson defense in town.

Running back Dontae Strickland returns as Syracuse’ leading rusher. Strickland rushed for 566 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2016. He only averaged 3.5 yards per carry last season.

On defense, the Orange return 10 defensive players while also welcoming a few graduate transfers in the secondary. Linebacker Zaire Franklin is the unsung leader of this group, only they’ll need to make vast improvements in 2017.

The Clemson Tigers beat the Orange 56-0 last season. This year’s meeting may not be as ugly in Syracuse but the Tigers certainly hold the edge.

Final: Syracuse 13, Clemson 49 (6-1, 4-1 ACC)