The Clemson Tigers return home this weekend to face a Syracuse team that is quietly building confidence under second-year head coach Fran Brown. The Orange enter the game 2-1 on the year, fresh off a 66-24 offensive explosion over Colgate. They’ll look to bring that momentum into Death Valley in what should be another close, hard-fought chapter in this series.
The Offense: Steve Angeli Leading the Charge
Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli has brought stability and efficiency to the Orange offense. Through three games, he’s thrown for over 1,000 yards, averaging 357 passing yards per game good for one of the top marks in the nation. He’s proven he can spread the ball around, but his favorite target has been Darrell Gill Jr., who leads the team with 269 receiving yards.
On the ground, Yasin Willis is the featured back, though the rushing attack has been inconsistent. Syracuse averages just over 100 rushing yards per game, which means they rely heavily on Angeli’s arm to move the football. Against a Clemson defensive front that is looking to find its rhythm, establishing any kind of balance will be critical.
The Defense: A Work in Progress
The Orange defense has had its ups and downs early this season. They allowed 45 points to Tennessee in the opener but tightened things up against UConn, forcing overtime before pulling out a win. Syracuse plays an aggressive style that can create big plays, but it also leaves them vulnerable to explosive offenses.
This group will be tested by Clemson’s run game and by the Tigers’ improving passing attack. The secondary will have to stay disciplined against big-play receivers from Clemson like Bryant Wesco Jr. and Tyler Brown.
Special Teams & Intangibles
Special teams have been solid for Syracuse so far, though they haven’t been tested in a hostile road environment like Death Valley yet this season. Fran Brown is known for bringing energy and having his team play with confidence, which could help them handle the noise.
Key Matchup to Watch
Clemson’s Pass Rush vs. Syracuse’s O-Line
Angeli has been efficient, but he’s not particularly mobile. Clemson’s defensive front will look to get home and make him uncomfortable. While Clemson’s defensive line has been solid, there’s still a sense that they have another gear they can reach. This could be the game where that unit truly breaks out and sets the tone early.
Series History: Always a Battle
Recent Clemson-Syracuse matchups have been anything but predictable. Even when the Tigers were ranked in the top five nationally, Syracuse often found a way to make things interesting, including the 2022 game at Death Valley resulting in a 27-21 Clemson win and several other one-score games between the Tigers and Orange. It’s become one of those ACC matchups where you can almost always expect drama late in the fourth quarter.
What’s at Stake
For Clemson, this is a chance to build momentum and avoid another ACC loss before heading into the bye week and a more difficult stretch of ACC play. For Syracuse, it’s an opportunity to prove their 2-1 start is no fluke and to pick up a statement win under Coach Brown.
Expect another close, physical game, one that will likely come down to which team wins the battle up front and the offensive attack.
