Syracuse Football: Syracuse will shock the world in Death Valley

Paul A. Esden Sr. gives you all the statistical backing you need for this matchup on Saturday. Here’s why the Syracuse football squad will shock the world.

The fifth game of the 2018 Syracuse Orange Campaign is against Clemson University. Let us take a moment to recognize the significant accomplishment we have had to date. As yours truly predicted, we are bringing an undefeated record heading into our contest with the No. 3 team in the nation.

The Orange is the New Fast has built some momentum headed into Death Valley. This game may have a different ending then everyone thought when the schedules were released, let’s break down the game.

As always let’s look at last year’s numbers:

There were not a lot of takeaways from our dominant win over UConn, this was an example of a game that we should win and we did.

I will share with you what I consider the most important thing that I observed several times on Saturday, Eric Dungey played the game like a quarterback. I am specifically talking about after a run when there was no more yardage to gain, he did not shift to linebacker mode and initiate the hit, he went out of bounds. As well as Mr. Tommy Devito played when Eric went out last week, there is no doubt in this writer’s mind that the key for this magical season to continue is Eric staying healthy.

Now let’s look at this year’s numbers to date:

My thoughts behind the Syracuse numbers:

• The first thing that jumps out at me is that the Orange is No. 6 in the nation in total rushing yards. This is one of the keys to success that I had laid out in the preseason. Granted that a large chunk of these rushing yards belong to our Heisman hopeful but this is still a positive sign.
• Passing yards are middle of the road, this is a stark contrast to previous years where the only thing that was certain was a dominant passing game. To date we have become more balanced which will help us as we move forward.
• The next thing that jumps out is that we are 87^th in total defense. This surprised me a little considering the lights out game that we played against Florida State and then I remembered that we gave up close to 700 yards against Western Michigan.

Clemson also comes into Week 5 with a 4-0 record.  Their season statistics to date are impressive on both sides of the ball. These numbers may be slightly skewed based on their 2018 opponents to date.

So far on the docket Clemson has played the juggernauts of the Furman Paladins, Georgia Southern Eagles and two respectable opponents Texas Tech and Georgia Tech. The combined record of these teams is five wins and nine losses, nothing to write home about. This may lead to some lopsided statistics. I guess we will be figuring out for ourselves if they live up to billing.

Keys insights for Clemson:

• Coming off a 12-2 record, leading his team to the BCS playoffs and named the starting quarterback in August you would think that Clemson’s Kelly Bryant’s job would be pretty secure. Not so fast my friends, after two uneventful series against Georgia Tech he got the hook and true Freshman QB Trevor Lawrence came like Sunshine from Remember the Titans with his long flowing hair, swagger, talent and threw for four touchdowns during the rout of the Rambling Wreck.  Now he has been named the starter. This opens up some interesting storylines, he clearly is talented but may be susceptible to complicated defense alignments and deception. Also of note, lining up on the other side of the ball for the Orange is the interception leader for Division One, Andre Cisco.
• The true strength of the Tiger team is the defense. Fielding 5 ACC preseason First team selections, the key will be whether or not the OITNF will be able to move the ball against this staunch group of defenders. One player to especially keep an eye on is defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell who comes into the game with the second most sacks in Division one football with five.

We have looked at the numbers, some key insights and now it is time to get down to the nitty-gritty. This game will come down to Quarterback versus Quarterback, seasoned veteran versus true freshman, how our defense stacks up against Trevor Lawrence and the Tigers against Eric Dungey. The bottom line is I like our chances.

Eric Dungey has the opportunity to not only launch the team from Central New York into the top 25 and garner himself a seat to the Heisman trophy award ceremony. Now for my game prediction … actually I have one more item of note. When the top 25 standings came out this week for the first time in recent history the Orange received votes.

Ok ok not enough votes to propel them into the top 25 but enough to get the conversation started. But I digress, for my game prediction I will for the first time this season go against my preseason prognostications and I have the Syracuse Orange going to Death Valley and SHOCKING THE WORLD and put the ultimate skin on the wall beating a top-five team two years in a row and being launched into the Top 25. Remember to be loud, be proud, BE ORANGE.