Syracuse Football: Clemson breakdown (Behind Enemy Lines)

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 22: Head Coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers calls a play against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on September 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 22: Head Coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers calls a play against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on September 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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How is Clemson approaching this game? Syracuse got the upset last year inside the lovely confines of the Carrier Dome, but we all know Death Valley is a different beast.

"From all accounts, the players are just taking this “as another game.” No one has mentioned the “revenge factor” or anything like that. I really think Dabo Swinney has a lot of respect for Dino Babers and what he’s doing with that Syracuse program. The Tigers certainly know that the Orange could come and make it two-in-a-row if they’re not careful. I really like this Syracuse team and I think Eric Dungey did an excellent job carving up that Clemson defense last year. I expect Syracuse to come into Death Valley and test that Tiger secondary again. Getting the ball out quickly and out in space is going to be important for the Orange. I think Clemson tries to bring some pressure and play a little stiffer coverage than what they’re normally used to. You may see a lot of man-to-man or Cover 2 situations for Clemson’s defense. Offensively, I think they’re going to come out gunning. I expect Trevor Lawrence to take a deep shot on the first drive of the game. I think they want to set the tone and try to get some early points."