Syracuse football heads to Death Valley on Saturday afternoon to take on an angry Clemson squad in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for the Orange in the 2025 season.
In week three, the 'Cuse handled nearby Colgate, as the offense racked up more than 600 total yards and a ton of reserves saw extended minutes. The Tigers, meanwhile, went down to Atlanta this past Saturday afternoon to battle Georgia Tech, a group that some pundits have viewed as a sleeper to win the ACC.
The Yellow Jackets stunned Clemson, 24-21, on a last-second, 55-yard field goal. Georgia Tech fans stormed the field, the Tigers fell to 1-2 overall, and Clemson, which was No. 12 in the Associated Press top-25 poll entering week three, dropped out of the major top-25 polls on Sunday afternoon.
Now the Tigers will look to flex their muscles on Saturday against the 'Cuse, in a game that is pivotal for both programs. Clemson wants to even its ACC record at 1-1, while the Orange hopes to get off to a fast start in ACC competition.
Syracuse football at Clemson odds, spread and total
When I wrote this article, FanDuel had the 'Cuse as a 17.5-point betting underdog on the road against the Tigers, with the over/under set at 54.5 points.
Syracuse football at Clemson how to watch
Date: Friday, Sept. 20
Game Time: 12:00 pm EST
Venue: Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C.
TV/Streaming: ESPN and fuboTV
Clemson's record: 1-2 overall, 0-1 in the ACC
Syracuse's record: 2-1 overall, 0-0 in the ACC
Syracuse’s full 2025 schedule: Click here
Syracuse football at Clemson prediction and pick
In their all-time series together, per SU Athletics, the Orange is just 2-10 versus the Tigers, and Clemson has won six straight. However, in recent years, the 'Cuse has played the Tigers close on several occasions.
We all remember how Syracuse football shocked Clemson at the Dome by three points in 2017. In 2018, the Orange fell by four points on the road to the Tigers. In 2021, the 'Cuse lost by three points, at home, to Clemson. Then, in 2022, Syracuse football lost by six points on the road.
The Tigers captured the ACC title in 2024 and reached the 12-team College Football Playoff. Ahead of the 2025 campaign, Clemson was picked to win the league again, according to the ACC's preseason media poll.
Although the Tigers are just 1-2 and a huge disappointment thus far in the 2025 season, make no mistake about it. Clemson has a talented roster, and the Tigers will be fired up to host Syracuse football on Saturday afternoon.
Also, put Clemson's record to the side for a second. The Tigers lost by three points to Georgia Tech, which is now No. 18 in the AP top-25 poll. In week one, Clemson lost by seven points, 17-10, to LSU at home. LSU is currently No. 3 overall in the AP top 25.
As such, Clemson is reeling a bit these days, but its 2025 season is far from over. The Orange will fight hard against the Tigers in Death Valley, but Clemson will prevail. I know, I'm disloyal. The Tigers over Syracuse football at home, 35-24.