Clemson Commands College Football Odds for Game vs Syracuse

This week, the #1 Clemson Tigers head north to take on the Syracuse Orange in ACC action on Saturday afternoon. Clemson has an immense line of 26.5 points, and the over/under total is 57. Let’s take a closer look at the college football odds and other important info surrounding this matchup.  

Clemson vs Syracuse: What’s on the line?

    Clemson’s undefeated record and championship possibilities are on the line, however, Syracuse hasn’t shown much this season, especially on the defensive end. The Tigers (9-0) just polished off Florida State by the score of 23-13. The Orange (3-6) just took a beating on the road against Louisville, 41-17. If the Orange can pull off the upset, they would move closer to the middle of the pack in the ACC Atlantic Division. Last year, Syracuse almost pulled off the upset but Clemson escaped, 16-6.

When Clemson took on then-#16 Florida State last weekend, it was clear that Clemson had their hands full. The Seminoles were up 10-6 at halftime, and it was not until the second half that Deshaun Watson and the Seminoles righted the ship. Outscoring Florida State 17-3 in the second half for the final margin of victory. Watson finished the day with 297 passing yards and a score. He also carried the ball 16 times for 107 yards against a Seminole defense that is stingy against the run. Running back Wayne Gallman picked up 103 yards of his own, and added a touchdown. Clemson’s defense held FSU quarterback Sean Maguire to 164 yards in the air and grabbed an interception. Seminole star back Dalvin Cook did break out for 194 yards on just 21 attempts.   Syracuse struggled mightily against Louisville backup quarterback Kyle Bolin in their loss last week. Bolin torched the Orange for 362 yards through the air and three scores. The Orange defense has now permitted at least 40 points in four of the last five games. Tailback Brandon Radcliff only needed 10 carries to pick up 117 yards for Louisville. Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey, a freshman, only went 15 for 30, tallying 158 yards and throwing two picks. If Syracuse has any intention of staying close with Clemson, they have to manage turnovers. Dungey is not likely to play against Clemson, as he suffered an upper body injury against Louisville.

Clemson vs Syracuse Betting Trends

• Clemson is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Clemson’s last 5 games
• The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Clemson’s last 18 games
• Clemson is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
• Syracuse is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
• The total has gone OVER in 8 of Syracuse’s last 9 games
• Syracuse is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
• Syracuse is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games at home

Clemson is 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games after allowing fewer than 20 points the week before. They are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games after permitting fewer than 170 yards through the air in their last game. Syracuse is 2-7 against the spread in their last 9 games after a straight up loss. In their last five November games, they are 0-5 against the spread. This is a gargantuan line (26.5). However, given that Syracuse might have a defensive back (Cordell Hudson) as their starting quarterback, and that Clemson has steamrolled teams that are not on their level this season, if you’re going to bet on this game, I would take Clemson to cover.