PREMIUM
Rogers' 10* EARLY Saturday ANNIHILATOR >> 5-0 Last Saturday!
(NCAAF) Syracuse vs. Clemson,
11/05/2016 11:30 AM, Score: 0 - 54
Point Spread: 27.00 | -115.00 Syracuse (Away)
Result: Loss
Point Spread: 27.00 | -115.00 Syracuse (Away)
Result: Loss
The set-up: Clemson lost 45-40 in last year's CFP championship game and opened 2016 at No. 2 in the AP's preseason poll. The 2016 season's 1st CFB rankings were released this past Tuesday and 8-0 Clemson was again No. 2 behind Alabama. However, Clemson's trek to 8-0 has not been smooth, as five of the Tigers' wins have come by seven points or less. Dino Babers is in his first year as Clemson's head coach and the Orange are coming off an open date after getting to the .500 mark with consecutive victories over Boston College and ACC Coastal Division frontrunner Virginia Tech in their last two games (4-4, 2-2 in the ACC's Atlantic Division),
Syracuse: Dino Babers, 18-9 in two years at Bowling Green, has fashioned quite a turnaround with Syracuse's offense in 2016. The 4-8 Orange averaged just 320.0 YPG last season but this season they are averaging 486.9 YPG (26th), including 357.1 YPG through the air (5th). QB Eric Dungey is completing 64.7% with 15 TDs and 6 INTs, while ranking seventh nationally in passing yards at 328.9 YPG (he has six 300-yard passing games). The Syracuse defense is a problem, allowing 31.6 PPG (93rd) on 450.8 YPG (105th).
Clemson: The Tigers have been somewhat inconsistent in their ability to run the ball this season, as QB Watson is down from averaging 73.7 YPG rushing on 5.3 YPC with 12 TDs in 15 games to 41.4 YPG on 3.8 YPC with one TD in eight games. Clemson averaged about 223 YPG rushing last year but that's down to around 165 YPG in 2016. Watson has averaged 291.0 YPG passing (averaged 273.6 YPG last year) and has a 22-10 ratio in eight games, compared to a 35-13 ratio in 15 games in 2015. Clemson's defense is improved, down from 21.7 PPG to 17.6 PPG (11th).
The pick: The Tigers have outscored opponents 86-6 in the first quarter and 167-43 in the first half but as noted above, own three wins by exactly six points, a 7-point win in OT and a three-point win. The Tigers are looking to win for the 21st consecutive time in Death Valley but the points (almost four TDs!) look ‘juicy!' Syracuse is a 10* play.
Syracuse: Dino Babers, 18-9 in two years at Bowling Green, has fashioned quite a turnaround with Syracuse's offense in 2016. The 4-8 Orange averaged just 320.0 YPG last season but this season they are averaging 486.9 YPG (26th), including 357.1 YPG through the air (5th). QB Eric Dungey is completing 64.7% with 15 TDs and 6 INTs, while ranking seventh nationally in passing yards at 328.9 YPG (he has six 300-yard passing games). The Syracuse defense is a problem, allowing 31.6 PPG (93rd) on 450.8 YPG (105th).
Clemson: The Tigers have been somewhat inconsistent in their ability to run the ball this season, as QB Watson is down from averaging 73.7 YPG rushing on 5.3 YPC with 12 TDs in 15 games to 41.4 YPG on 3.8 YPC with one TD in eight games. Clemson averaged about 223 YPG rushing last year but that's down to around 165 YPG in 2016. Watson has averaged 291.0 YPG passing (averaged 273.6 YPG last year) and has a 22-10 ratio in eight games, compared to a 35-13 ratio in 15 games in 2015. Clemson's defense is improved, down from 21.7 PPG to 17.6 PPG (11th).
The pick: The Tigers have outscored opponents 86-6 in the first quarter and 167-43 in the first half but as noted above, own three wins by exactly six points, a 7-point win in OT and a three-point win. The Tigers are looking to win for the 21st consecutive time in Death Valley but the points (almost four TDs!) look ‘juicy!' Syracuse is a 10* play.
