The Clemson football team will take on the Syracuse Orange Saturday night in the Carrier Dome. Here’s our staff scoring predictions for the game.
The Clemson Tigers are coming off an impressive 24-10 win over the Texas A&M Aggies last Saturday in Death Valley.
For the first time in the young 2019 season, the Tigers will get on the road and take on the Syracuse Orange in an important ACC Atlantic match up.
Syracuse is coming off a 63-20 loss to Maryland and will be looking to rebound in front of a sold out crowd in the Carrier Dome for a game designated as Homecoming.
Here’s a look at our staff scoring predictions for the match up.
Shawn Spencer
Score: Clemson 49, Syracuse 10
Reason: The Tigers methodically puts this game away. You’re going to see them control this one pretty much from the start and play a lot of different guys as a result. Chase Brice will enter this one, but it won’t be in the same role as last time.
Tyreese Ingram
Score: Clemson 42 Syracuse 10
Reason: The Syracuse defense will try to disrupt Trevor Lawrence’s rhythm, but Lawrence has his best game of the short season. The offensive line will protect well and the deep passing game will flourish. Travis Etienne will also get back on track with another 100-yard rushing effort.
Barry Shuck
Score: Clemson 47, Syracuse 17
Reason: Before the season began, Texas A&M and Syracuse were the only two doubts to an undefeated season. After Saturday’s games, that is no longer an issue. Syracuse cannot stop the run as evidenced by their surprise whitewashing to Maryland. As everyone knows, Clemson has an excellent run attack. Another game for QB Trevor Lawrence to watch the game from the sidelines in the fourth quarter.
Cole Little
Score: Clemson 45, Syracuse 21
Reason: Syracuse’s nightmarish defensive performance in a blowout loss to the Maryland Terrapins this past weekend does not bode well for the Orange to have much of a chance when the top-ranked Tigers roll into town for Saturday’s matchup at the Carrier Dome. Clemson and Syracuse have engaged in several close calls in recent seasons, but that trend is likely coming to an end, as the Tiger offense should light up the Orange defense.
Sean Watterson
Score: Clemson 38, Syracuse 17
Reason: The defense has been solid in both games so far this season, but the offense hasn’t quite gotten rolling. Syracuse, meanwhile, is coming off an abysmal loss to a mediocre Maryland team. They should shake off the loss, but it won’t be enough. This week, Clemson puts together their most complete game of the season, and Syracuse scores a garbage time TD late, beating the spread.
Nick Young
Score: Clemson 28, Syracuse 21
Reason: After the disappointing loss to Maryland, Syracuse will try to bounce back and put up a fight against No. 1 ranked Clemson but will fall short after the Tigers show why they should be ranked No. 1.
The Tigers and Syracuse will match up at 7:30 p.m. live on ABC in the Carrier Dome. Make sure you check back here on Rubbing the Rock for more updates, analysis and coverage heading into the match up.