It’s now week 3: Syracuse turns the page to ACC play. They will travel this week to Death Valley to play a newly-named unranked Tigers team following their crushing road loss against Georgia Tech. However, Clemson’s on-paper roster strength gives them an opening line of -17.5 favorites over the Orange. Here are the key matchups that will decide an intriguing game for both sides, with both teams’ seasons at critical junctures already:
Syracuse’s Offense
This is the prove-it week for Syracuse’s offense. The Tigers have six sacks already this season, and feature one of the best defensive lines in the country. Juniors Peter Woods and T.J. Parker will both be early first round NFL draft picks this upcoming April. Defensive backs Avieon Terrell and Ronan Hanafin have been stellar to begin 2025. From what Syracuse has shown fans so far in 2025, the offensive line will have a tall task ahead with holding up in pass protection. Steve Angeli must continue to use his feet effectively to keep the defense on their heels and keep himself upright. The Tiger’s defense is never short on star power; The Orange cannot turn the football over as they’ve done the prior three games in 2025. In their first true road game of 2025, Syracuse must show poise in the face of Clemson’s front-seven pressure.
Syracuse’s Defense
Following a struggle performance in week 1 against Tennessee, the Orange tightened up during the two-game homestand. Since the second half of their week 2 contest against UConn, they have only allowed 30 points (In all honesty, the second half against Colgate was mainly non-starters). Some will say this was a result of lesser, non Power 4 competition; others will argue that it is a result of the younger players getting reps and experience. Their receiver corps, led by Bryant Wesco Jr and Antonio Williams, lead the way in an offense filled with high profile names. Although this is a test of ‘Cuse’s defense, it also becomes a pivotal matchup for quarterback Cade Klubnik; once a Heisman favorite entering 2025, early struggles have put him behind the 8-ball.
Both teams are in a pivotal juncture of the season. Clemson was a preseason title favorite who have now completely fallen out of the top 25. Syracuse, undoubtedly dealt a tough hand with the schedule, is fighting for bowl eligibility and would likely need to “Steal” a game with opponents such as Miami and Georgia Tech flexing their strength to begin the year. Saturday’s noon kickoff will answer many questions for the Orange and the ACC.
It’s now week 3: Syracuse turns the page to ACC play. They will travel this week to Death Valley to play a newly-named unranked Tigers team following their crushing road loss against Georgia Tech. However, Clemson’s on-paper roster strength gives them an opening line of -17.5 favorites over the Orange. Here are the key matchups that will decide an intriguing game for both sides, with both teams’ seasons at critical junctures already:
Syracuse’s Offense
This is the prove-it week for Syracuse’s offense. The Tigers have six sacks already this season, and feature one of the best defensive lines in the country. Juniors Peter Woods and T.J. Parker will both be early first round NFL draft picks this upcoming April. Defensive backs Avieon Terrell and Ronan Hanafin have been stellar to begin 2025. From what Syracuse has shown fans so far in 2025, the offensive line will have a tall task ahead with holding up in pass protection. Steve Angeli must continue to use his feet effectively to keep the defense on their heels and keep himself upright. The Tiger’s defense is never short on star power; The Orange cannot turn the football over as they’ve done the prior three games in 2025. In their first true road game of 2025, Syracuse must show poise in the face of Clemson’s front-seven pressure.
Syracuse’s Defense
Following a struggle performance in week 1 against Tennessee, the Orange tightened up during the two-game homestand. Since the second half of their week 2 contest against UConn, they have only allowed 30 points (In all honesty, the second half against Colgate was mainly non-starters). Some will say this was a result of lesser, non Power 4 competition; others will argue that it is a result of the younger players getting reps and experience. Their receiver corps, led by Bryant Wesco Jr and Antonio Williams, lead the way in an offense filled with high profile names. Although this is a test of ‘Cuse’s defense, it also becomes a pivotal matchup for quarterback Cade Klubnik; once a Heisman favorite entering 2025, early struggles have put him behind the 8-ball.
Both teams are in a pivotal juncture of the season. Clemson was a preseason title favorite who have now completely fallen out of the top 25. Syracuse, undoubtedly dealt a tough hand with the schedule, is fighting for bowl eligibility and would likely need to “Steal” a game with opponents such as Miami and Georgia Tech flexing their strength to begin the year. Saturday’s noon kickoff will answer many questions for the Orange and the ACC.
