Syracuse Football Report Card: Here’s how SU performed vs Clemson

I don’t know how voters will be able to keep Bennett off of the first team All-ACC squad. The senior is by far the best player on Syracuse’s defense and his progression at Syracuse has been a pleasure to watch.

Over the past few seasons, Syracuse has had some great linebackers like Cam Lynch, Doug Hogue, Derrell Smith, among others. In my personal opinion, Bennett is having the best single season out of all of those guys. He now has 65 total tackles on the season, good for third most in the ACC. In addition to all the tackles he leads Syracuse in tackles for loss at 6.5 for 21 total yards lost.

Bennett is an excellent blitzing linebacker and although he only has one sack on the season, he has five quarterback hurries, by far the most on the team. The three-year starter had nine tackles against Clemson breaking his streak of having more than 10 tackles or more in three straight games. In addition to the tackles, Bennett had a sack for a loss of eight yards in a situation where Syracuse’s defense needed a big stop.

Bennett’s ability to pursue the run relentlessly in addition to his ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the slot are what makes him so valuable for Syracuse. He made a really nice open field tackle on a third and 10 situation against Clemson’s Trevion Thompson. The next play Clemson’s kicker Alex Spencer missed the first of two field goals on the day.

Next: Syracuse Football: Clemson win is more than just a W on schedule

Zaire Franklin is the unquestioned leader of the Syracuse defense but there’s no doubt who Robin to his Batman is. Bennett is probably a better overall player than Franklin and I really would like to see the leading tackler on Syracuse get rewarded for his play.