Clemson Tigers vs Syracuse Orange Point Spread Picks

Syracuse is averaging just 3.0 yards per rush. They needed overtime to down UConn, 27-20, as a 7-point favorite, rushing for 47 yards on 27 carries while turning it over twice. This is their second road game, losing at Tennessee with two more turnovers. The offense is 93rd in the country on third down (34.48%). Clemson's defense has kept them in games, but they have a losing record with an offense that is ranked 92nd in scoring (19.3 ppg) and 105th in total yards. QB Cade Klubnik has as many TDs as picks (3). The Tigers are 3-0 UNDER the total this season. Take Syracuse/Clemson UNDER the total. 

Clemson has had a strong reputation since Dabo Swinney arrived. Syracuse was really good once upon a time but hasn't been lately until this year. That has set up a line that is significantly padded toward the Tigers. Clemson has won 3 games by 10 points or fewer and that is not the Clemson we knew up until last year. The numbers tell the story. Clemson outgains opponents by 79 yards per game and 1.1 yards per play. Syracuse outgains opponents by 163 yards and 2 yards per play. That is to a schedule of teams that is pretty close to even. I actually think Syracuse could win this one, but will gladly take an over-flow in points. Make the play on Syracuse.

Clemson won last year's meeting, 47-21, but this is a different team that hasn't scored more than 21 points in four of its five games this season. The Tigers got by Boston College, 19-13, but they didn't cover as a 14.5-point favorite, and DJ Uiagalelei went only 13 of 28 for 207 yards and no touchdowns. Kobe Pace ran for 125 yards on 19 carries, including a 59-yard TD run for the Tigers. Syracuse suffered a tough overtime loss to Wake Forest after tying the game with a 28-yard TD pass to Sean Tucker with 21 seconds left in regulation. Garrett Shrader completed 15 of 27 for 160 yards and 2 TDs with no interceptions. He also ran for 178 yards on 29 carries with a touchdown. Syracuse actually prefers to get the running game going with Shrader and then take advantage of a bewildered opposing defense on passing downs. Clemson is 0-6 ATS its last six games, and the underdog is 5-2 ATS the past seven meetings. Syracuse has covered five of its last six home games and six of seven overall as a dog. Play Syracuse.