Yesterday was bad. A game that had all the hype, Syracuse undefeated, Clemson 2-2. The Orange were supposed to have a good shot. But the game was anything but close. The Tigers mauled the Orange 31-14. Last years loss to Clemson was the start of a five game losing streak. What do the ‘Cuse have to do to ensure a similar losing streak doesn’t happen in 2023?
Penalties
We have to start here. There is no other choice. Once again, under Dino Babers penalties plagued the Orange. It’s hard to know where to start. A running into the kicker and kick catch interference should both never happen. The number of pass interferences was terrible. But, the one that will stick out was the Marlowe Wax unnecessary roughness. The captain forced an incomplete pass, got the stop, then got into the face of Cade Klubnik and bumped his chest. This extended the drive and instead of the Orange getting good field position, they started at their own five. After how last year’s game went, with the game-changing unnecessary roughness, this just can’t happen. And penalties like that can’t happen again this season.
Keep Getting Dan Villari Involved
I don’t want to get into my own head too much… but I predicted a big Clemson win and for Dan Villari to be a breakout player after a few games. Villari can be a special talent for this year’s team. He had two massive catches yesterday, threw a pass, and took two snaps as a wild cat QB. Continue to get Villari involved as much as possible and this offense can have success. It creates another thing for defenses to worry about. Right now, without Oronde Gadsden, there isn’t too much defenses are worrying about.
Receivers Have to Show Up
The top two receivers against Clemson were Dan Villari and LeQuint Allen. That’s all you need to know to figure out the offense wasn’t successful. Damien Alford had just one catch. Donovan Brown struggled with drops. If it isn’t Alford or Brown, then Umari Hatcher has to make a play. Someone has to show up every game. Or else Garrett Shrader has no chance to be successful behind center.
