Syracuse vs Clemson Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 20, 2025
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Syracuse and Clemson meet on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET at Memorial Stadium in Clemson. Syracuse improved to 2–1 after beating Colgate 66–24, while Clemson slipped to 1–2 with a 24–21 loss at Georgia Tech. The game airs on ESPN. Follow all the college football action with our expert college football picks
Syracuse Preview
Quarterback Steve Angeli has fueled a pass-first start, going 81 of 126 for 1,072 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He’s spreading it around: Darrell Gill Jr. (269 yards, 2 TD) is the deep threat, Justus Ross-Simmons (159 yards, 3 TD) over the middle, and Dan Villari (199 yards) is the third-down target. On the ground, Yasin Willis leads with 139 yards and 4 scores, but the team is at just 3.0 yards per carry (321 on 107 rushes), so success on first and second downs often comes from quick throws and screens. Syracuse has allowed 8 sacks.
Defensively, Gary Bryant III leads with 16 tackles, and Braheem Long Jr. has the lone interception. The Orange have given up too many big plays to top competition (Tennessee), so tackling after the catch and keeping two safeties back will help control Clemson.
Clemson Preview
Quarterback Cade Klubnik has 633 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT on 59.1% completions. The offense has leaned on short, controlled throws to Bryant Wesco Jr. (310 yards, 3 TDs) and Tyler Brown (95 yards). The run game has yet to break loose (team 325 rushing yards on 86 carries), though Adam Randall has 208 yards and 3 TDs. Clemson has moved the ball in spurts but needs better conversions on third downs and more yards after contact.
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The defense remains the strength. Ronan Hanafin leads with 28 tackles and a pick, Will Heldt has 2 sacks, and the front has consistently held the line of scrimmage. This unit held Georgia Tech to 24 points on the road; if Clemson wins first down and forces Syracuse into long yardage, the pass rush can create sacks and errors by Syracuse’s QB.
Syracuse at Clemson Prediction
Clemson will win a tightly contested game, but Syracuse will cover. The Tigers’ defense at home should slow Angeli just enough, and a steadier ground effort from the Tigers will be the difference-maker. Syracuse’s passing keeps it close, but Clemson will finish more drives in the end zone. Final Score Prediction: Clemson Tigers win but fall short ATS 28-21
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Best Pick
- Syracuse Orange +16.5
