Syracuse football at Clemson prediction and odds for week 8 college football

After a convincing victory over a top-15 N.C. State squad this past Saturday afternoon, Syracuse football takes its perfect record down to Death Valley for a big-time Atlantic Coast Conference showdown with Clemson.

At this juncture in the 2022 season, the No. 14 Orange (6-0) and the No. 5 Tigers (7-0) are the two remaining undefeated groups in the ACC. This conference bout also pits the top-two teams in the ACC’s Atlantic division.

Syracuse football is 6-0 to start a campaign for the first time dating back to 1987, when the ‘Cuse didn’t lose a game and only had a bowl-game tie preventing it from having a perfect record. Mid-way through the 2022 stanza, and the Orange has already clinched bowl eligibility this fall, which is a terrific achievement.

Over the weekend, the ‘Cuse defense looked awesome in only allowing three field goals to the Wolfpack. Clemson, meanwhile, defeated Florida State on the road by six points, and the Tigers are a significant contender to possibly land a berth in the College Football Playoff.

Syracuse football at Clemson odds week 8

When I penned this column, WynnBET had installed Clemson as a 13.5-point favorite in its battle with the Orange. While the Tigers present a huge challenge for Syracuse football, that’s a fairly massive spread.

At the time of this writing, the over/under was set at 50.0 points.

Syracuse football at Clemson prediction week 8

I’ll tell ya. I’m struggling with which team to pick in this ACC affair. My head says that Clemson is probably the “better” unit, and the Tigers have won a ton of games in a row on their own turf. Death Valley will be boisterous, frenetic and loud – and should give Clemson a clear home-field advantage.

Then again, I just think there is something so special about this Syracuse football roster in 2022. The Orange defense is playing at a spectacular level, special teams are solid, and the offense is also competing at a high level, buoyed by quarterback Garrett Shrader, running back Sean Tucker and wide receiver/tight end Oronde Gadsden II.

I absolutely believe in my heart that the ‘Cuse can knock off Clemson, and if this game resided in Central New York, I would pick Syracuse football. But my head is telling me to pick the Tigers at home, and that’s what I’ll reluctantly do.

Injuries, how to watch, live stream, next game
On the injury front, fullback/tight end Chris Elmore, linebacker Stefon Thompson, wide receiver Isaiah Jones, defensive lineman Terry Lockett and defensive lineman Denis Jaquez Jr. are all unfortunately out for the remainder of the 2022 campaign.

Additionally, several ‘Cuse players got banged up in the team’s home win versus N.C. State, so this is something to monitor as Syracuse football prepares to compete against the Tigers.

The Orange is scheduled to kick off at Clemson beginning at noon on Saturday, Oct. 22, from Memorial Stadium. ABC will provide television coverage.

For Orange and Tigers fans who want to stream this game, you can check it out on fuboTV.

Following this electric ACC encounter, Syracuse football will host Notre Dame (3-3) in a non-conference clash on Saturday, Oct. 29. Per SU Athletics, this contest will commence at 12 pm or 3:30 pm.

When the ‘Cuse welcomes the Fighting Irish to the JMA Wireless Dome, we will celebrate an “Orange Out.” Either ABC or ESPN will televise this game. If Syracuse football knocks off Clemson this coming Saturday, could we see ESPN’s College GameDay in Central New York for the Notre Dame affair (wink, wink)?

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.