Clemson Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Syracuse in Week 7
Clemson football travels to Syracuse on Friday evening and here’s everything you need to know for the ACC showdown in Week 7.
On paper, Syracuse doesn’t stand a chance against Clemson on Friday night. The Tigers are 6-0 and ranked No. 2 in the country, but some would argue that the defending champs should be No. 1 over Alabama. Either way, this isn’t a team to mess with.
However, the Tigers will be heading up to New York for what could be a trap game in the Carrier Dome against the Orange. Syracuse has one of the top passers in the ACC in Eric Dungey who has 1,802 yards and nine touchdowns with four picks this season.
Clemson is led by Kelly Bryant who has taken Tigers fans’ minds off the loss of Deshaun Watson — who is currently killing it with the Texans, by the way. Bryant has 1,259 yards through the air and four touchdown passes while also leading the team in rushing with 401 yards and seven scores.
This could be an interesting Friday night contest in Syracuse, but will the Tigers figure out a way to avoid a mammoth upset and keep those repeat hopes alive?
Here’s how to watch Friday’s Clemson football game:
Date: Friday, Oct. 13
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Syracuse, N.Y.
Venue: Carrier Dome
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
Syracuse has one of the best passing offenses in college football, so naturally Clemson will need to figure out a way to stop Dungey. Luckily, the Tigers have had practice, stymying quarterbacks like Jarrett Stidham, Lamar Jackson and Josh Jackson. Getting pressure on Dungey will be key and not allowing him to get comfortable in the pocket should be a priority.
On offense, the Tigers must develop a more adequate run game. Syracuse currently ranks 46th in the country against the run while the Tigers are led by their quarterback. It’s time to get Travis Etienne and Tavien Feaster more involved. This will help in the long run. This is likely if Bryant isn’t healthy enough to play.
If Syracuse wants to have a chance in this one, it needs to protect Dungey in the pocket. Clemson is a sack machine and the Tigers’ six previous opponents have found that out the hard way. The Orange have allowed 15 sacks for 100 yards in six games this season, so they need to have a much better showing against the Tigers.
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Prediction
This one could get ugly, but it will be close for the first half. The Orange will come out motivated and Dungey will throw for an early touchdown pass to knot things up at seven. After that, it will be the Bryant show, assuming he’s healthy and good to go. He will account for over 400 yards of total offense, but hey, Etienne and Feaster will both get more involved in the run game. Big win on the road for the Tigers.
Final Score: Clemson 41, Syracuse 14