To talk more Clemson vs Syracuse football, we sat down with our sister network, Rubbing the Rock. Here’s our conversation talking #CLEMvsCUSE.
As we turn the page from last week’s win over the Pitt Panthers, we also turn the page on the first half of the season for the Syracuse football team. It was filled with regret. SU should’ve, could’ve, maybe even would’ve been undefeated. That’s nothing more than a pipe dream now, so the team should only use it as fuel for the second half of their season or just forget it and move on.
They better heed that advice because things only get more difficult from here. That starts Friday night against the defending National Champions, the Clemson Tigers. While they lost a ton of talent through the NFL Draft, head coach Dabo Swinney still has a fully stocked cabinet.
It’s crazy how teams like the Tigers can just plug and play new guys into the lineup, regardless of how important those pieces that moved on were. So SU is going against arguably a better team than last year. Which was a team they lost 54-0. They’ve got a lot of work to do to flip the script this time around.
To figure out what’s going to happen we have double coverage on Friday’s big tilt. ICYMI we spoke with Clemson’s Play-by-Play voice Don Munson, make sure you check that out here. But on this edition of the program we go over to our sister network, Rubbing the Rock, to talk with their Site Expert on this pivotal ACC tilt.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
Anthony your squad won the National Championship last year and a lot of people are saying that this year’s team is EVEN BETTER. Is that true and how far can this go?
Anthony Messenger (@AMessengerRTR):
Being as though last years team won the National Championship, it’s hard to declare this team better. From a talent standpoint, Clemson is every bit as good as a season ago. The Tigers’ defense in particular is playing at an elite level. Based on their performance through the first six weeks of the season, I have no problem declaring this defense the best Clemson has ever fielded under Dabo Swinney. The offense on the other hand, still has work to do. While they are averaging over 35 points per game, they are not better than that Deshaun Watson-led offense from 2016.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
What’s the difference between Kelly Bryant and Deshaun Watson? Is Bryant better? What does he do that Watson doesn’t or vice versa?
Anthony Messenger (@AMessengerRTR):
The biggest difference between Kelly Bryant and Deshaun Watson is their ability to throw the football. While Bryant is not as polished or accurate as a passer, he throws a better deep ball than his predecessor. During his time at Clemson, the ball tended to sail on Watson on throws down the field. Surprisingly, Bryant throws a beautiful deep ball, with impressive touch.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
For the Clemson Tigers they’re obviously a huge favorite in this game but if the Orange were going to come out with a win, give us the blueprint, we won’t tell anyone. How can the Orange pull off the upset in your opinion? What has to happen?
Anthony Messenger (@AMessengerRTR):
In order for Syracuse to pull off the upset, they must limit Clemson’s rushing attack. With Kelly Bryant being nicked up, it’s unlikely that co-offensive coordinators, Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott ask him to do much on the ground. The Orange must contain Tavien Feaster and Travis Etienne Jr. On the other side of the ball, Syracuse’s best bet is their vertical passing attack. Clemson’s front seven is nearly impenetrable on the ground. Therefore, the Orange must rely on Eric Dungey’s arm and talented receivers, Steve Ishmael and Ervin Philips.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
Give us the big guys to watch out for on offense and defense. Also give us an under the radar guy or two that could have an effect on the game that no one is talking about?
Anthony Messenger (@AMessengerRTR):
On the offensive side of the ball you have to keep an eye on Hunter Renfrow. He’s the most reliable wide out on Clemson’s roster, with sure hands and deceptive speed. When the Tigers’ need a big play, Renfrow is always there to answer the call. On the defensive side of the ball, look out for Austin Bryant. The junior defensive end has been wreaking havoc on the rest of the ACC through this point in the season. His length and athleticism make him difficult to block, but, it’s his intelligence that sets him apart. Bryant never appears surprised by anything the opponent throws at him, which is a testament to his preparation. An underrated player to watch is Isaiah Simmons. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds with 4.4 speed, Simmons is a terror at safety.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
Finally how does this game all play out in your opinion? Break it down and include your final game score.
Next: Syracuse Football: 5 questions with Clemson PxP Don Munson
Anthony Messenger (@AMessengerRTR):
Syracuse may not have the same talent level as Clemson, however, that didn’t stop them from hanging around with the likes of LSU and NC State. Being as though this game is in the Carrier Dome, the Cuse will have some juice to start out the game. Ultimately, Clemson has too much firepower for the Orange to overcome. I expect the Tigers’ to separate from Syracuse in the second half. I’ll go 38-13 Clemson.