Clemson Football: Tiger OL takes Syracuse knocking out QBs personally
The Clemson football offensive line didn’t take too kindly to Syracuse knocking out the Tigers’ starting QB the past two seasons.
The last two times that Clemson football and Syracuse matched up, the Tigers have been without their starting quarterback for the majority of the game.
Back in 2017, Kelly Bryant entered the game against the Orange with a hurt ankle. That lack of mobility left him vulnerable and the Syracuse defensive line took advantage. They laid a couple of tough hits on Bryant in the first half, culminating in a play where Kelly Bryant tried to scramble and was wrapped up and thrown to the ground by the Syracuse defensive tackle.
Bryant seemingly landed on his head and was knocked out from the impact. He suffered a concussion and wouldn’t return.
A year later, Syracuse came out looking to pressure freshman QB Trevor Lawrence at all costs. Lawrence had been named the starter for the game and plenty of drama had ensued during the week as Kelly Bryant announced that he would be transferring from the Clemson football program.
As Lawrence entered the contest, he did so facing a Syracuse defense that brought exotic blitzes and looked for opportunities to get to him. On a third down play late in the second quarter, Lawrence was pressured out of the pocket and tried to run for the first down near the sideline. He stumbled and, as he was falling down, a Syracuse defender lowered his shoulder right into the head of Lawrence, which would keep him out of the game with concussion-like symptoms.
Tremayne Anchrum told WCCP FM Tuesday that the offensive line takes it personally that Syracuse has knocked out the Tigers’ starting quarterback the last two games, as they should.
An elite offensive line prides themselves on dominating the lines of scrimmage and protecting their quarterback. I think we’ll see the offensive line do just that Saturday evening when the Tigers take on Syracuse in the Carrier Dome.
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It’s clear that the offensive line has this game highlighted and they know what’s at stake. Expect to see them come out and deal with that Syracuse pass-rush.