I think Clemson fans should be confident. Better talent, coached with consistency, good stable program - just coming off of a NC. Congrats, BTW - truly.
Babers can coach and we like where we are headed. We have a good QB and our D is a lot better (from horrible to respectable). The way I see the game play out and have Syracuse close to an upset is this:
- Clemson can’t hit on explosive plays and needs long drives to score (your O is high effeciency, but not as explosive as seasons past).
- Our D is pretty good on 3rd down (25%). We get some punts when you’re expecting to score. Your QB can go, but lacks the mobility that makes him special. Maybe a TO or two.
- the score is weird at the half, like 10-3 or something. Everyone thinks it’s likely that you’ll pour it on in the 3rd, but we even it up early on some fluke play. Crowd starts to get into it.
- if it’s the 4th and we’re down 7-10, I wouldn't be surprised to see Dungey, Ishmael, and Phillips really get hot. The D is half-surprised and half-gassed. Late kick seals an upset we haven’t seen since #1 Nebraska.
So that’s the 1 of like 2 ways I see us winning. Your path to victory has like 15-20 other much easier branches - including total annihilation.
Much respect, Little hope - but hope.