Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Odds, predictions and upset alert for College Football Week 8

By Chris Peterson

Sep 17, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Chip Kelly on the sidelines during the second half against the South Alabama Jaguars at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Chip Kelly on the sidelines during the second half against the South Alabama Jaguars at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during practice in Clemson Friday, August 12, 2022.Clemson Football Photos From Aug 12 Practice Before Sept 5 Opener
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during practice in Clemson Friday, August 12, 2022.Clemson Football Photos From Aug 12 Practice Before Sept 5 Opener /

No. 14 Syracuse at No. 5 Clemson (-14.5)

Clemson football looks like the Clemson football that made it to the College Football Playoff seemingly every year. The progression of DJ Uiagalelei has been huge for the Tigers and so far this season, they haven’t had a single game with less than 30 points.

The defense has been good but it has struggled a little against the pass. Part of that is facing a really good quarterback like Sam Hartman but the defense hasn’t been quite as dominant as some expected.

Syracuse has been one of the biggest surprises in all of college football. Dino Babers has the Orange playing stellar on defense and quarterback Garrett Shrader went from a completion rate in the 50s to 69 percent.

The defense has been one of college football’s best and was key in a win over NC State last weekend. It will need to travel to Death Valley and slowing down Will Shipley and the Clemson football running game will be key.

Sean Tucker could be the key for the Orange. He’s a talented runner and receiver and the formula for Syracuse is what’s worked so far this season: dominating defense and running the ball effectively.

If Syracuse does that and Shrader can avoid mistakes, the Cuse could make this a game. I do think they’ll cover but I see Clemson staying unbeaten.

Score: Clemson 24, Syracuse 17

Home/College Football News