Clemson vs. Syracuse game prediction: Who wins, and why?

What to watch for as Clemson and Syracuse meet in this Week 5 college football clash with our updated game predictions

Already at .500 and with two losses a month into the season, Dabo Swinney and the Tigers hit the road in an ACC clash as unranked Clemson takes on undefeated Syracuse in college football's Week 5 action on Saturday.

Four ACC teams come into this week in the AP top 25 rankings, but notably Clemson is not one of them. Winless through two conference games for the first time in 13 years, the Tigers are just 3-5 in their last 8 against Power Five opposition. 

Syracuse isn't ranked either, despite being 4-0 with a road win against a Power Five team and playing some of the best scoring defense in the country.

What can we expect from the matchup? Here's what you should watch for as Clemson and Syracuse square off along with our Week 5 game predictions.

Clemson vs. Syracuse preview, prediction

Clemson vs. Syracuse picks, predictions / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Sept. 30
Time: 12 p.m. Eastern
TV: ABC network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Clemson vs. Syracuse game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Clemson -6.5
Total: 53.5 points
Moneyline: CU -250 | SYR +188
FPI pick: Clemson 55.1% to win

What to watch for

1. Battle at the line. Syracuse ran for 158 yards against Army a week ago and poses a threat running the ball behind lead back LeQuint Allen, who had 104 of those yards and is averaging 5 ypc this season. He and quarterback Garrett Shrader each have 6 of the Orange's 12 rushing TDs. Clemson is allowing just 2.7 rushing yards per carry on defense behind a strong front seven rotation that kept Florida State to 22 total yards and a 1.1 ypc average last week.

2. Protect the ball. Statistically, the Orange play strong defense, ranking 7th nationally by allowing just 10.8 points per game so far this season. Moreover, it's plus-5 in the turnover margin category, the best mark among ACC teams. Syracuse has intercepted 6 passes and recovered 4 fumbles. Clemson has 7 takeaways and 7 turnovers, some of them extremely costly, giving up 36 points on turnovers this year compared to 38 total in 14 games last season.

3. Make your kicks. If the game comes down to a field goal or extra point, Syracuse might have the advantage. Syracuse's Brady Denaburg is good for 85.7 percent on field goals missing 1 of his 7 attempts and is 4 for 4 anywhere from 30 to 39 yards. Clemson has made 3 of its last 8 FGs total and is 2 for 6 this year (33.3%) and missed both tries inside 30 yards.

Clemson vs. Syracuse prediction

Expect a close game: Four of the last six between these teams were decided by 6 or fewer points, including last season's matchup when the Orange had a 21-10 lead at halftime before Clemson scored 17 unanswered points to win. Two years ago, the Tigers came out with a close 17-14 win over the Orange in the dome.

Clemson has played a superior brand of defense, in particular near the line of scrimmage, and although dual threat Orange quarterback Garrett Shrader will cause some problems with his mobility early, the unit should contain him as the game wears on. Clemson's skill threats can create key mismatches while the front seven, ranked 11th against the run, limits Syracuse to modest gains.

College Football HQ predicts...

• Clemson wins 28-21
• Covers the spread
• And hits the under

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