Clemson Football 2017 Opponent Preview: Syracuse
As the summer comes to a close and we enter fall camp, Rubbing The Rock will be taking a look at the Clemson Football program’s 2017 schedule. This edition features, the Tigers’ week 7 opponent, Syracuse.
Since joining the ACC in 2014, Syracuse is 0-3 vs. the Clemson football program. The ‘Cuse took a step in the right direction last year by bringing in head coach, Dino Babers. Before arriving at Syracuse, Babers led Bowling Green to consecutive MAC Championship appearances in 2014 & 2015, winning it in 2015.
Current Head Coach: Dino Babers (2nd year)
Overall Record in 2016: 4-8
Babers is an energetic, no nonsense coach. Upon taking the job, he immediately implemented his explosive air-raid offense. Junior quarterback, Eric Dungey fit’s Babers’ scheme well, however, he does not have the weapons that he needs on the perimeter. While the Orange may not have the horses to compete with the upper echelon teams in the ACC at the moment, they will in the future with Babers ability to recruit.
Statistical Leaders in 2016:
Passing – Eric Dungey (Jr), 64.8 completion percentage, 2,679 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Rushing – Dontae Strickland (Jr), 162 attempts, 566 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Receiving – Amba Etta-Tawo (Sr), 94 receptions, 1,482 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Tackles – Parris Bennett (Jr), 110 total tackles, 56 solo.
Interceptions – Rodney Williams (So), 2.
Sacks – Chris Slayton (So), 4.
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Key Players in 2017:
Offensively –
As I previously mentioned, quarterback, Eric Dungey is the engine of this offense. At 6-foot-3, 223 pounds, Dungey is a sneakily athletic dual-threat weapon. During his first two years 3,977 yards and 26 touchdowns, while also rushing for 644 yards and 11 touchdowns. From a build and style of play standpoint, Dungey reminds me of current Mississippi State quarterback, Nick Fitzgerald.
The ‘Cuse also return a dynamic duo of veteran receivers in Ervin Philips and Steve Ishmael. Although Amba Etta-Tawo was the clear cut No. 1 for the Orange a season ago, both Philips and Ishmael hauled in at least 48 receptions in 2017. The two of them compliment each other well as Philips is more of a slot at 5-foot-11, 176 pounds, while Ishmael is a bigger more physical receiver standing 6-foot-2, 210 pounds.
Defensively –
Zaire Franklin is the man on this Syracuse defense entering 2017. The senior linebacker totaled 101 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble a season ago. With the lack of elite talent that the Orange have on defense, Franklin will be expected to carry this unit this season.
Clemson 2017 Opponent Preview: Wake Forest
Unfortunately for the Orange they are still a few years out from being able to compete with the likes of Clemson. The effort that Syracuse plays with under Babers can never be questioned, however, they lack the talent to hang with the better teams in the ACC for four quarters. I believe Clemson’s front seven will completely stifle the Orange’s pass-happy offense in 2017.