While Atlantic foes Florida State and Maryland take on each other, Clemson gets a bit of an easier test as it travels to face the Syracuse Orange Saturday. Television coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN2.
How to watch Clemson vs. Syracuse: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Can the Orange pull off the big upset at home?
The Tigers opened the year with a 38-35 home win over Georgia, and coasted past South Carolina State in their second game of the season. Since then, it’s been conference play for Clemson, with a 26-14 road win over NC State followed up by a 56-7 beatdown of Wake Forest. The Tigers have one of the top passing offenses in the nation, but their defense has done a phenomenal job getting into the backfield and making plays.
Syracuse are hoping for a bowl game appearance in its first year of ACC play, but while its 2-2 non-conference record was expected, it makes that goal much harder heading into the conference season. After a close loss to Penn State, the Orange fell on the road to Northwestern before blowout wins over inferior competition (Wagner and Tulane).
The numbers
Rankings and records: Clemson is ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll and No. 4 in the Coaches Poll. Syracuse is unranked. Clemson is 4-0 on the year and 2-0 in ACC play, while Syracuse is 2-2. Syracuse has an all-time 1-0 lead in the series, winning the only contest between the two schools, 41-0, in the 1996 Gator Bowl. The Orange’s coach that year? Former UConn head man Paul Pasqualoni, who was fired earlier this week.
Vegas: Clemson is a 12.5-point favorite. OddsShark has more.
Weather: A high of 78 and mostly cloudy.
Three names to know
Tajh Boyd. The Clemson quarterback has an NFL arm, and has torched defenses for nine touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards this season.
Vic Beasley. The Tigers defensive end has six sacks already this year, and will look to make noise in the Syracuse backfield Saturday.
Jay Bromley. Syracuse's nose tackle has five tackles for loss this year, and will hope to help contain Boyd and the fearsome Clemson offense.
Two things at stake
The Tigers are in a tight race for the ACC Atlantic with the winner of the Florida State-Maryland game, and a loss here would critically hamper them down the stretch.
The Orange are riding off the wave of two straight blowout wins, and could start out life in the ACC in fantastic fashion with a win here.
How to witness
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN2
Online streaming: WatchESPN. XFINITY customers can stream online here.
Further reading
For more from Clemson, head to Shakin’ the Southland. For the Syracuse perspective, check out Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.
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