Fizz Nation, this is the big one. It’s without question the most nationally-acclaimed matchup Syracuse has been in for a long time. If the Orange emerge victorious in Death Valley on Saturday, we could see them in a very glamorous bowl game. But oh boy, is that easier said than done.
SEASON/PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Clemson needs no introduction. It is a modern powerhouse in college football, with national championships from 2016 and 2018 in its back pocket. The Tigers haven’t lost at home in nearly six years, with only four games ending within seven points. Wow.
Clemson has been on top of its game this year too. After a “down” year in which it went 10-3 (how many programs would love to have that be a down year?), the Tigers are 7-0. What a challenge.
HEAD COACH DABO SWINNEY
Ever since Swinney took the reigns of the program full-time back in 2009, the Tigers have been a force to be reckoned with and then some. A bowl game in all of those seasons will do that, including making this little thing called the College Football Playoff. Under Swinney, Clemson made the College Football Playoff every year from 2015-20. If the Tigers continue to play like they have this season, a return trip may be in the cards.
QB DJ UIAGALELEI
Uiagalelei was seen as the heir apparent after Trevor Lawrence was drafted by the Jaguars before the 2021 season. Heir apparent may have been too high expectations. The California native threw for just over 170 yards per game in 13 starts last year. Not ideal. This year Uiagalelei has been significantly better, tossing nearly 240 yards per game to go along with 21 total touchdowns. Syracuse held NC State to just 160 passing yards Saturday. Uiagalelei will certainly pose a tougher test.
RB WILL SHIPLEY
Clemson’s receiving game is spread out quite a bit (unlike Syracuse’s), but Shipley is the clear-cut alpha of the rushing attack. The sophomore from North Carolina has a trio of 100-yard rushing games this season. He’s also found paydirt eight times. SU has not allowed a player to reach 100 yards on the ground in a single game this season. If anyone can change that narrative, it’s Shipley.
DL MYLES MURPHY
Murphy is slated to be one of the first defensive linemen selected in the Draft this coming spring, and for good reason. The Georgia native’s eight-and-a-half tackles for loss and five sacks lead the team and are near the top of the ACC leaderboard. In his last time out against Florida State, Murphy had three-and-a-half TFL, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Matthew Bergeron is coming off an ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week award-winning performance. He’ll have a much tougher time winning it this week dealing with Murphy.
LB TRENTON SIMPSON
Another potential first-rounder, Simpson has been wreaking havoc for opposing offenses all season long. The Charlotte native leads Clemson in total tackles and has a pair of pass breakups to go along with it. Simpson has also been fairly consistent, recording at least six tackles in every game except one. Sean Tucker has burst onto the scene over the last two games after some early struggles. The All-American will have to know where Simpson is at all times as he’s running the ball if that trend is to continue.
Saturday’s matchup is the first time two teams with more than six wins and zero losses will meet at Memorial Stadium. All we can say is get your popcorn ready because it’s going to be fun.
