Clemson Football: Q&A with Syracuse expert Paul A. Esden Jr.

SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Dino Babers of the Syracuse Orange congratulates senior players before the game against the Florida State Seminoles on November 19, 2016 at The Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Dino Babers of the Syracuse Orange congratulates senior players before the game against the Florida State Seminoles on November 19, 2016 at The Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
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CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Austin Bryant
CLEMSON, SC - SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive end Austin Bryant

Anthony Messenger –

What can Syracuse do to combat Clemson’s stout front seven?

Paul A. Esden Jr. –

That’s the million dollar question. Clemson’s front is impressive and SU is used to playing quality fronts after seeing what fellow ACC contender, NC State has to offer with their unit led by future NFL’er Bradley Chubb. So essentially what has to happen is the baseball equivalent of a perfect game. SU hasn’t played a full game this season in terms of playing their best football.

With that being said they’re 3-3 and we’ve talked about the possibilities of that record being even better. They’re going to have to play smart football and start fast. They’ve had issues with that this season. All year long SU has been a second half team, but against most opponents you can’t spot them points and sacrifice a half of football. So starting fast is key for the Orange.