This looks like on paper it might be an easy game to predict. But when you look closer both Clemson and Syracuse are pretty evenly matched teams. Clemson probably has a little more athletic talent, but Syracuse is playing at home and is coming off a win. The Orange looked good last week vs Army in a 29-16 home victory.
Conversely Clemson is coming off of a very disappointing overtime home loss to Florida State. However, the Tigers are still a good team with a lot of potential. They have a strong defense led by linebacker Barrett Carter, who unfortunately for Clemson (fortunately for Syracuse) is expected to miss this game due to an injury. Clemson’s offense is led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season but at times has been inconsistent.
Syracuse is off to a 4-0 start, which is their best start since 2018. The Orange have a balanced offense led by quarterback Garrett Shrader and running back Sean Tucker. Syracuse’s defense is also solid, but they will be tested against a talented and speedy Clemson offense.
BARD says: This is a close game to predict, but I am giving a slight edge to Clemson to win the game. The Tigers have more experience and talent, and I believe that their defense will be able to stop the Syracuse offense but without their star linebacker it will be much harder. However, Syracuse is playing at home and is coming off a win, so they will be a tough opponent. I look for them to keep the game close into the 4th quarter and stay within the 6.5 points.
Predicted score based on AI running 10,000 simulations
Clemson 27 – Syracuse 24
ATS AI pick: Syracuse +6.5