Joe Arrigo, Contributor (1-1)
Well Syracuse, it’s time for the game we have all been waiting for since the schedule was released. The great and powerful Clemson Tigers are coming to the Dome.
All I have heard this summer is how this is the year Syracuse knocks off Clemson not just in this game, but in the ACC Atlantic. In fact, Syracuse has been so focused on beating Clemson, the Orange didn’t even show up for the Maryland game last week.
It cost Syracuse their top 25 rankings, and a visit from the most popular college football show in the country, College GameDay. Last week was one of the most disappointing early season losses that I can remember, but the Orange need to move on immediately.
When it comes to this game, expect Syracuse to actually show up and play with way more energy then they did last week. Tigers’ quarterback Trevor Laurence was knocked out of the Syracuse game last year, and I think that is going to motivate him a lot to have a great game on Saturday. I am much more concerned with what Laurence will do to the Orange than Clemson’s strong running game led by star running back Travis Etienne.
Syracuse is not going to get blown out because Dino Babers will make sure his players are ready to go.
However, if Syracuse loses this game, how does the rest of the year play out?
Their main goal of beating Clemson will not get accomplished, and they won’t be able to contend for the Playoff or a New Years Bowl because of the Maryland game. I have a feeling this season could become really ugly if Syracuse loses this game.
As for my prediction, I think Syracuse plays a really good first half, but by the time the middle of the 4th quarter comes around, Clemson will pull away for a 10-14 point victory. Final Score- Clemson 41 Syracuse 30.