Syracuse vs. Clemson Odds, Picks, and Predictions (10/22/2022)

In a week eight clash atop the ACC, two undefeated squads face off as the 14th ranked Syracuse Orange head to South Carolina to face off against the 5th ranked Clemson Tigers.  Syracuse has gotten off to a surprise start this season going 6-0, but after a big win last week against 15th ranked North Carolina State there is no question that this team is forreal. 

Clemson is still looking to return to the College Football Playoff hunt after a year removed, and despite a bit of a shaky start and questions surrounding QB D.J. Uiagalelei being the right man for the job, they have weathered the storm and Uiagalelei looks as good as any top QB in the country.  They enter this game 7-0 and off a week seven victory against Florida State.  They also have ranked wins this season against North Carolina State and Wake Forest.  Whoever wins this game will take the driver’s seat in the ACC Atlantic Division so this game is crucial for both teams. 

Syracuse Vs. Clemson Betting Odds

The ACC still goes through Clemson or at least that is what odds makers are presuming.  Clemson is entering this game as big favorites with moneyline odds of -667 and a spread line of a whopping -13.5 points.  With Clemson playing at home, it’s not surprising they are the favorite but 13.5 points goes to show how much of a juggernaut Clemson truly is in the eyes of many and how ferocious the Clemson offense has been in the Dabo Swinney era. 

Let’s not forget though that last season Clemson barely squeaked by with a victory against Syracuse, narrowly winning 17-14 in a low-scoring matchup.  Some differences being that the game was played at Syracuse and Uiagalelei was still getting control of handling the offense.  Clemson has definitely improved since then, but so has Syracuse and QB Garrett Shrader has done a fantastic job as well with the Syracuse offense so far.  The biggest question will be how Syracuse fares on the road as the majority of their major games have been played at home.

The over/under line is currently 50 points total.  Both of these teams have scored more than 20 a game and Clemson hasn’t scored less than 30.  But remember the last season game in which these two played with defense first in a very low scoring game.

Syracuse vs. Clemson Picks & Predictions

My pick: Clemson -13.5 (-110)

I think Syracuse has definitely improved this season, but I still think Clemson will win this game easily and their offense will be hard to stop.  Uiagalelei has already thrown for 17 TDs and over 1,600 passing yards.  Syracuse has played just as well as Clemson up to this point as they both hover around 36-38 points per game, but I think Clemson has them beat talent-wise and at home will find a way to win. 

RB Will Shipley already has eight rushing TDs on the year, while WRs Antonio Williams have combined for over 600 receiving yards and seven TDs.  Syracuse’s lack of road games might affect them as well going into a hostile environment such as Death Valley.  I think Clemson wins by around 17 or 20 in this matchup.

I kind of like the over in this game as both of these teams average a fair amount.  I know last season was a low-scoring game but both offenses have improved.  While they have strong defenses that each allow less than 20 points per game, they are each going up against their best offense yet so I think the offenses will be able to get a total in the 50s or higher.

Syracuse vs Clemson Key Matchups

Will the Clemson secondary be able to slow down Garrett Shrader and this Clemson passing defense? Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Syracuse vs Clemson below.

Garrett Shrader vs. Clemson Defense

The biggest question mark of this game will be Syracuse QB Garrett Shrader against the Clemson Defense.  Clemson’s D has allowed only 19.7 points per game but they have let up 338.4 yards per game and 255.7 of that to the passing game.  Passing defense is definitely something they need to improve upon for their championship aspirations and Garrett Shrader will be an interesting challenge for them.  

He is a versatile-QB that can win in the running and passing game.  He has 1,434 passing yards and 12 passing TDs while also having 300 rushing yards and 5 rushing TDs.  Clemson’s defense allows just 82.7 rushing yards per game, so if they can limit his throwing game it could be a tough day for Shrader on the ground.  He just has three INTs on the year so if he can complete his passes, the Orange should have no issues keeping up with Clemson’s offense.