Clemson Tigers vs. Syracuse Orange Predictions 10/15/21
When: Friday, October 15, 7 p.m.
Where: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
TV: ESPN
Point Spread: CLEM -14/SYR +14 (MyBookie – Sign up through our special link and use bonus code PREDICT100 and they’ll give you a 100% bonus up to $300 on your first deposit!)
Total: O/U 45
Outlook
There’s still time for Clemson to turn this thing around and win another ACC championship, but the Tigers pretty much have to run the table at this point. Clemson still hasn’t played anything close to expectations, and the Tigers’ only saving grace is that they’re playing in the weak ACC, which gives them a chance to win their way into the league title game if they have a couple of things go their way.
However, Syracuse has been a cover machine this season, with the only exception being a 10-point game against Rutgers that was a lot closer than the score indicated. The Orange have played two tight games in the past two weeks, losing by three each to Florida State and Wake Forest. The Orange have gotten the job done on the ground quite well this season, but that could be a problem in this matchup: the one thing Clemson has done well consistently is stop the ground game.
How the Public is Betting the Clemson/Syracuse Game
The public is disgusted with the Tigers after five straight games of failing to cover, and they’re backing Syracuse to the tune of 63 percent of tickets coming in on the Orange. The spread hasn’t budged, but the total has fallen from 45.5 to 45.
Injury Concerns
Clemson:
Wide receiver E.J. Williams (knee), wide receiver Frank Ladson Jr (undisclosed), and cornerback Fred Davis II (undisclosed) are questionable. Wide receiver Justyn Ross (head) and tight end Braden Galloway (concussion) are probable. Quarterback Will Taylor (knee), wide receiver Troy Stellato (redshirt), running back Will Shipley (knee), defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (knee), offensive lineman John Williams (knee), defensive tackle Tyler Davis (bicep), guard Tayquon Johnson (pectoral), offensive lineman Dietrick Pennington (knee) and safety Lannden Zanders (shoulder) are out.
Syracuse:
Wide receiver Taj Harris (undisclosed), offensive lineman Darius Tisdale (lower body), running back Abdul Adams (undisclosed) and wide receiver Oronde Gadsden II (leg) are questionable.
When Clemson Has the Ball
Whatever Clemson has tried as far as finishing their drives just isn’t working. The Tigers have moved the ball just fine in recent weeks, but they’re not cashing in on their possessions, as they managed to score just one touchdown despite 438 yards of offense and forcing three Boston College turnovers. The Tigers had four drives end with field goals and two drives of 30 or more yards end with punts, leaving them with just 19 points.
That proved enough to win, but Clemson is struggling to score, and against better teams, D.J. Uiagalelei isn’t making the decisions needed to get the job done. He completed less than half of his passes against the Eagles, and the only reason it worked out was because the Tigers controlled the trenches and used Kobe Pace to run all over the Eagles. That might not work against Syracuse, which only gives up 114 rushing yards per game.
When Syracuse Has the Ball
For Syracuse, everything runs through Sean Tucker, as the Orange aren’t that effective throwing the ball. Whether it’s been Garrett Shrader or Tommy DeVito, no Syracuse quarterback has thrown for 200 yards in a game, even the 62-24 rout of Albany in Week 3. Tucker, however, has five 100-yard games on the year and Shrader has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the past two games, giving the Orange a ground attack that has kept them in games.
The key for Syracuse is not falling behind early and relying on their weak passing attack to try to get themselves back in the contest. The Orange are likely to run into a wall in the Clemson defense, however, which could make for tough sledding for an offense that doesn’t really seem to have any kind of backup plan.
More Picks: Cal at Oregon Prediction ATS
Betting Trends
Betting on Clemson has been a fool’s errand as of late, as the Tigers have failed to cover in six straight contests. The public has simply thought of Clemson as a great team, which is why the Tigers almost always get a spread that’s way too high for them to cover, leaving them well short of getting the job done.
Meanwhile, Syracuse has covered in six of its past seven contests and four straight games in the ACC. The Orange are 5-2 ATS in their past seven games on Fridays, and they’ve done well in this series, covering in five of their past seven matchups. The under has also traditionally been the way to play, covering in four of the past five meetings.
Weather Report
Weather won’t matter in the slightest inside the Carrier Dome.
Dan’s Pick to Cover the Spread
I don’t trust Clemson at all with anything more than a touchdown as a spread against any decent FBS team, and Syracuse qualifies in that respect. The Orange have looked competent and played pretty well in challenging Wake Forest, and I think they’ll hang with Clemson as well. Give me Syracuse to keep the game within two touchdowns in this one. This game is likely to be close with regards to the spead. A great way to wager on this one is to partake in live betting at Bovada Sportsbook. While most books usually only have lines available during commercials, Bovada seemingly ALWAYS has a bet option available for every game. They’re by far the best live betting platform on the web! Click here to check them out!
