Mat Mlodzinski, Contributor (1-1)
Clemson – 35, Syracuse – 24.
I think this game will be closer than most think, especially the disgraceful Vegas line. Right off the bat, I know the Orange will be ready.
Part of me doesn’t want to know what Dino Babers said in the locker room after the Maryland game. However, part of me really wants to know, because I bet it’s something amazing.
Regardless of his message, I would be willing to bet that Tommy DeVito and co. not only took it to heart but will show that on the football field. However, past that, the Orange have now been practicing at almost full strength for a few weeks now, besides a few smallish injuries.
Given that, I believe the offense will be a lot better, albeit, against a stifling Tiger defense. The real difference-maker in this game will be Clemson running back Travis Etienne against the ‘Cuse linebackers.
The Orange secondary has enough speed and strength to battle the Clemson wideouts. Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman didn’t have great games against the Terrapins and should be a lot better in a game where they will be counted on to apply pressure to Trevor Lawrence.
However, Etienne was the difference-maker last year, and against the weakest part of the Syracuse, defense might just rush for 200 yards plus. I can see a one-possession game in the fourth quarter, and I won’t rule the Orange out based on the past two seasons, but my gut says Clemson by two scores.