Syracuse vs. Clemson Prediction
Can No. 3 Clemson move past the quarterback drama and cover a lofty spread at home when it takes on Syracuse this afternoon at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Noon ET – Memorial Stadium
TV: ABC
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Clemson is favored at home, as the Tigers are getting odds of -25.5 points against Syracuse. The over/under total for the game is currently listed at 65.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 70 percent going on Syracuse on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Clemson opts for Lawrence
The Clemson Tigers are off to a 4-0 start to the year following an impressive 49-21 win at Georgia Tech last week. Clemson is 4-0 overall, 1-0 in the ACC, 1-3 against the spread and 2-2 with the over/under total. The Tigers are just 1-4 against the spread in their last five, dating back to the playoffs last season.
Clemson is holding opponents to just 15.3 points and 251.8 yards per game on defense right now. When it comes to offense, the Tigers are putting up 40.8 points and 504.8 yards per game. The team announced this week that Trevor Lawrence will be the starting QB going forward. He has thrown for 600 yards and nine touchdowns while Kelly Bryant had 461 passing yards with two scores, but announced he will transfer after being unseated as the starting QB. Travis Etienne is the leading rusher for the Tigers this year with 391 yards and five touchdowns on 46 carries.
Syracuse covering spreads
The Syracuse Orange are off to a 4-0 start to the season as well, putting up some big points along the way. The Orange defeated UConn last week, 51-21 to move to 4-0 overall, 1-0 in the ACC, 3-0-1 against the spread and 2-2 with the over/under.
Syracuse is having a great year on offense thus far, averaging 49.5 points and 523.3 yards per game. Quarterback Eric Dungey has been a dual-threat, as he has thrown for 763 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 354 yards and four scores. Moe Neal is adding 346 rushing yards and two scores for the Orange. Defensively, Syracuse is giving up 20 points and 386 yards per game.
College Football Betting Trends
Clemson
Clemson is just 2-5-1 against the spread in its last eight games against a winning team and 3-1-1 ATS in its last five ACC games.
Syracuse
Syracuse has covered the spread in six of its last seven road games and in five straight games on grass.
Prediction:
Syracuse actually upset Clemson last year and has covered the spread in three of the last four meetings. Still, the Tigers had a 54-0 win in the last meeting at Clemson. Clemson has grinded out some tough road wins, but has looked great at home. The Orange have looked good, but largely in their dome. They gave up 42 points at Western Michigan and I think Clemson could score at will today with its offensive leader clearly established now. The Clemson defense should be able to contain Dungey and force him to be a one-dimensional player.
College Football Prediction: Clemson -25.5
Related: Syracuse vs. Clemson Total Prediction