Clemson vs. Syracuse: Preview and predictions

Clemson returns home after a stinging defeat last week at Georgia Tech to face the Syracuse Orange on Saturday at noon. 

The Tigers fell out of the top 25 rankings and are in desperate need of an ACC win after starting conference play 0-1. They’re also 1-2 overall to start the season for the first time since 2014. 

Syracuse (2-1, 0-0)  is fresh off a 66-24 victory over Colgate last week. The Orange beat UConn in Week 2 after losing at Tennessee to start the season. This will be Syracuse’s first ACC game of 2025. 

The Tigers have never lost to the Orange inside Death Valley, going 5-0 all-time at home and 10-2 in the series. Clemson has won six consecutive games against Syracuse, with the last loss coming in 2017 in New York.  

Availability 

Clemson released promising news with Thursday’s ACC-mandated availability report. Receiver Antonio Williams, left tackle Tristan Leigh, and safety Khalil Barnes, who all missed last week’s game, were listed as “probable” for Saturday. 

Syracuse posted a fairly healthy report as three starters – RB Yasin Willis, safety Devin Grant, and LT Trevion Mack – missed the Colgate game but are expected to play against Clemson. 

Check back with Rubbing The Rock later for injury updates. 

Tiger time

Where: Clemson Memorial Stadium

When: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Kickoff time: Noon

Where to find the game: ESPN

Parking lots: Open at 6 a.m.

Gates: Open at 10 a.m.

Tiger Walk: Begins at 9:55 a.m.

Predictions

Zach Lentz: Clemson and Syracuse enter this ACC showdown looking to reverse early-season struggles, but the numbers suggest two very different paths. Syracuse leans heavily on the pass, ranking top-10 nationally in attempts and passing yards per game. Yet, its inability to run the football (2.1 yards per rush, last in FBS) makes the offense one-dimensional. Clemson hasn’t lit up the scoreboard either, but its efficiency through the air (10.2 yards per pass, No. 8 nationally) and a stingy rush defense give the Tigers a clear edge. Expect Clemson’s defense to frustrate Syracuse’s pass-heavy attack; however, as I said last week, Clemson will have to prove it to me before I pick them again.

Prediction: Clemson 20, Syracuse 27

Brad Senkiw: Clemson hasn’t shown many reasons to have faith, but this is a massive game for Dabo Swinney. It’s a true test to see if he still has the players’ attention and if the Tigers are capable of executing consistently enough to get the victory. Syracuse is a feisty opponent and one that can certainly give Clemson issues. However, the Orange have had trouble running the ball on offense and stopping the pass: two areas Clemson can win and ride to victory, especially with backs against the wall at home.   

Prediction: Clemson 20, Syracuse 17