Syracuse Scouting Report

Clemson will host the Orange from Syracuse on Saturday, and that seems like a good thing.  Syracuse enters this matchup as an offense-first team. They thrive on the pass passing game, fueled by reliable protection up front and receivers who can stretch the field, while the ground game provides enough production to keep defenses honest. On the other side of the ball, Syracuse has struggled to find consistency, particularly with defending the run, which has limited their ability to get off the field against physical opponents.

Offense (PFF 82, very good)

• Total Offense: 486 yds/g (4th ACC)
  • Passing: 379 yds/g (2nd ACC)
    • WR Gill Jr.: 12 rec | 269 yds | 22 avg | 2 TD
  • Rushing: 107 yds/g (15th ACC)
    • RB Willis: 34 att | 139 yds | 4.1 avg | 4 TD
• Scoring: 36 PPG (6th in ACC)
• QB  Angeli: 64% comp | 1,072 yds | 8 TD / 3 INT | 8.7 YPA | 8 sack
  • Angeli has thrown for the most yards in college football through 3 games 
• PFF Grades (Offense)
  • Overall: 82
  • Pass: 83
  • Run: 72
  • Pass Block: 72
  • Run Block: 70

Syracuse’s offense is potent through the air behind Notre Dame transfer QB Steve Angeli.  The run game, on the other hand, is a bit lacking sitting at 15th in the league. The Cuse’s scoring prowess is a little overstated as they scored 66 against Colgate.  In their other two contests, they averaged 26 PPG.  

The Clemson secondary and pass rush will play an important role in stopping the Orange’s passing attack.

Defense (PFF 70, slightly above average)

• Total Defense: 399.7 yds/g (14th ACC)
  • Rush Defense: 218.0 yds/g (16th ACC)
  • Pass Defense: 181.7 yds/g (6th ACC)
• Scoring Defense: 28.0 pts/g (13th ACC)
• PFF Grades

• Overall: 70
• Run Defense: 65
• Pass Rush: 69
• Coverage: 71
• Tackling: 81

Stopping the run and Scoring Defense are where Syracuse has struggled the most this season sitting 16th and 13th in the league, respectively.  Pass Defense is a brighter spot on that side of the all, albeit mid-pack.   I would expect RB Adam Randall and the rest to get the ball early and often.  If this gets going, i can see the offense opening up with some deep shots vs one-on-one coverage. Additionally, their 28 PPG Scoring Defense ranks 13th in the league PPG defense.  This is good news as Clemson only averages 19 PPG on offense.

Special Teams

• Field Goals: 3/4 (75%), long 38
• Punting: 11 punts | 561 yds | avg 51 (1st ACC)

The special teams units are a mixed bag. K Tripp Woody is 3 of 4 on the season, but his longest is only 38 yards.  He missed his only attempt over 40 yards.  On the other side, P Jack Stonehouse (national leader in yards per punt) is averaging a whopping 53 yards per punt including a 64-yarder against Colgate.  He is forcing opponents to start from well inside their own territory and drive the ball to score.

Odds & Ends

• Turnover Margin: −2 (ACC rank: 12th) – opportunity here
• 3rd Down Conversion: 44% (ACC rank: 7th)
• Time of Possession: 29:12 (mid-pack)
• Penalties: 14 for 125 yds (ACC rank: 9th)
• Deep Throws: 18% of passes are over 20 yards and complete 50% – the secondary must not panic and maintain good technique: they are going to be tested
• Time To Throw: 2.5 seconds.  Angeli is experienced and a quick decision maker 

Syracuse is good, middle-of-the-pack ACC team with a potent passing game but a middling defense.   They will look to win by leaning on their offense to generate explosive plays and sustained scoring drives as their defense is capable but not dominant.

It sort of feels like the exact the team Clemson needs to play at the right time.  It’s strength on strength and weakness on weakness.  After Dabo’s rant this week, i expect everyone within earshot of the facility was challenged to step up and coach/play better.  Hopefully, this propels the team to a run similar to the one after the infamous Tyler from Spartanburg rant.