Clemson football overwhelming favorites over Syracuse
Clemson football faces an improved Syracuse squad before embarking on a fierce two-game stretch against NC State and Florida State. The Tigers look to avoid a trap game versus the Orange.
Syracuse is working to climb its way out of the middle of the pack in the ACC under second year head coach, Dino Babers. Last season, Clemson handily defeated the Orange, 54-0. Starting quarterback, Eric Dungey was knocked out of the game in the first quarter, sending them in a downward spiral.
This time around, Clemson enters the week with health issues at quarterback. Kelly Bryant injured his right ankle against Wake Forest. Head coach, Dabo Swinney has indicated that Bryant is day-to-day. While his chances of playing this Friday are good, he may not have the same burst on the ground.
Apparently, even that is not enough to move the needle in Syracuse’s direction. Clemson enters the week as 21-point favorites over the Orange, according to SportsBookReview.com.
Thoughts
Syracuse is a resilient football team. They took both LSU and NC State to the brink in close losses and pulled out a tough victory over Pitt last week.
Despite the Orange’s never-say-die attitude, Clemson should take care of business in this one. The Tigers have an advantage in the trenches versus most opponents, this week is no different. Clemson’s menacing front seven will make it difficult for Dungey to distribute the football to speedy receivers, Steve Ishmael and Ervin Phillips.
Syracuse has a middle of the pack run defense. As such, Clemson’s talented stable of running backs will play a pivotal role in this contest. With Kelly Bryant’s injury, I doubt Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott will call his number on the ground. The carries that would normally go to Bryant will be split between Tavien Feaster, Travis Etienne and CJ Fuller.
Next: Will Kelly Bryant play versus Syracuse?
This contest with Syracuse has all the makings of a trap game. It’s a short week versus an inferior opponent. Dabo Swinney and company will do their best to keep the Tigers focused going into this one.