Clemson Football: 5 Tigers to watch vs. Syracuse 2019

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 29: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers warms up prior to the start of the Tigers' football game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 29: Linebacker Chad Smith #43 of the Clemson Tigers points to the sky before running down the hill at Memorial Stadium before the Tigers’ football game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

4. James Skalski

James Skalski is going to be tested a little bit against Syracuse.

The Orange like to spread the offense out, which is going to create situations where Skalski, Chad Smith and Isaiah Simmons are alone in coverage on a slot receiver or tight end.

At times, we’d expect Clemson to show that three safety look, which would add an extra defensive back. That will challenge Skalski quite a bit to come up with plays in the running game.

If he can’t defend the run at that MIKE position, Syracuse will be patient and take what the defense gives them. They have three solid running backs. Skalski has become one of the leaders of that defense and we expect him to take the next step this weekend.

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