Our friends at Rubbing the Rock help us break down Saturday’s matchup between the Syracuse football team and Clemson at the Carrier Dome.
Saturday at 3:30 pm EST, Syracuse hosts Clemson in a matchup of David vs. Goliath. Syracuse is reeling after six consecutive losses, while Clemson is ranked number one in the nation and looking as dominant as anyone in college football. Does Syracuse have any chance of pulling out the upset?
Earlier this week, I was able to exchange some questions with Andrew Boardwine, the editor of Rubbing the Rock, a Clemson fan site also hosted by Fansided. Here are some of his thoughts on the game and what lies beyond:
After a huge win over Florida State last week, is there any chance the team overlooks Syracuse this week and comes out flat?
If this was 2011 or a few years ago, I would say absolutely. However, Dabo Swinney has changed the culture here at Clemson. The Tigers are legitimately taking it one game at a time and have respect for each of their opponents. This team is just different from teams in the past and their mindset is unlike that of the past.
As a wonderful reference to a former Syracuse legend, Dabo Swinney is making Jim Brown, Clemson’s long snapper, a captain for the game. Are you surprised that some of the Clemson players didn’t know who he was?
I did think it was funny that many of the players did not even know who Jim Brown was. I’m surprised that they didn’t, but at the same time these kids were not born until the 1990’s and Brown played in the late 50’s through the mid 60’s. A history lesson is, without a doubt, needed.
Who are some of the standout players for the Clemson defense this year?
More from Syracuse Football
- Syracuse Football: Cuse boils Purdue, turns attention to Army on Saturday
- Syracuse football only team in country with top-5 scoring offense, defense
- Syracuse Orange: Looking at On3 NIL Valuations of top-five ‘Cuse players
- Syracuse Football: Alumnus Noah Eagle to call Purdue game, that’s dope
- Syracuse Orange: Head of Orange United ready to ‘vie for championships’
The Clemson defense is stacked with a lot of talent across the field. On the defensive line, I would look at freshman Christian Wilkins, DJ Reader at the tackle position and Kevin Dodd and Shaq Lawson at the defensive ends. Shaq Lawson is expected to be a first round draft pick next season because of his elite pass-rushing ability and overall strength at the position.
At linebacker, it’s all about Ben Boulware and B.J. Goodson. Both of these guys are always around the ball and do a great job in run-support.
Lastly, in the defensive backfield, look for corner back Mackenzie Alexander and safety Jayron Kearse. Alexander is a lock-down corner back who will take on wide receivers one-on-one and Kearse does a great job in angles and spacing as a safety.
Given the success of Clemson this year and the stellar play of quarterback Deshaun Watson, do you think he should be a frontrunner for the Heisman?
Deshaun Watson has been one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. I think he should be considered for the award, but will have to have some solid performances at the end of the season in order to have a real shot at winning the Heisman.
Next: Syracuse Football: Time for a Coaching Change?
With the remaining games on the schedule all against teams with losing records, how safe a bet is it that Clemson will make the playoffs?
If I had to bet on one team making the College Football Playoff, at this point I would say it is Clemson. They certainly have the easiest path to the Playoff and as long as they remain focused, they should win out and be in prime position to be in the Playoff.
If they do win out, who are the teams you’d be most nervous to play in the CFP?
Honestly, I like the Tigers chances against anyone they play. I would be nervous with a match-up against a team like Ohio State because Urban Meyer would certainly be thinking revenge for Clemson beating the Buckeyes in the 2014 Orange Bowl. Another team I’d be wary of is Baylor. Why? Their spread offense. Clemson has not played an up-tempo spread offense like the Bears this season. I think the defense may have some coverage holes that could be exploited in a game like that.
What are your final predictions for the game?
My prediction for the game is probably Clemson 41, Syracuse 20. I think the Tigers get out to an early lead, but Syracuse is able to score some points in the second half.
Check back later for more coverage on the Syracuse-Clemson game. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on the latest news and information on Syracuse football and basketball.