BRUISED ORANGE

CAN SYRACUSE BOUNCE BACK FROM A ROUT AT MARYLAND? DINO’S CREW HAS HISTORY OF GIVING TIGERS ALL THEY CAN HANDLE

Keys for Clemson

Stay focused: The Tigers are coming off what was probably their biggest test of the regular season in beating No. 12 Texas A&M. The emotions and effort invested in that game combined with the beat down Maryland administered to Syracuse last Saturday could cause Clemson to relax its focus. Team leaders need to step up and ensure the Orangemen have the Tigers’ full attention from start to finish. Strike fast and early on offense: Maryland took Syracuse completely out of the game last week when it errupted for 43 first-half points. The Tigers won’t need that many, but putting points on the board early could weaken the Orange’s resolve and take the wind out of what will be the first sellout crowd at the Carrier Dome since 1998.

Keys for Syracuse

Get QB and receivers in sync: A number of Syracuse receivers were in and out of preseason practice due to minor injuries, so the chemistry with quarterback Tommy DeVito is still developing. DeVito is capable of making big plays in the passing game if the offensive line does a better job of protecting him and the receivers improve their timing with the redshirt sophomore. Play better in space on defense: Maryland abused the Syracuse defense with quick, short passes that put its playmakers in one-on-one situations with defenders. The Orangemen didn’t fare well in those battles, missing numerous tackles and over-running other plays. Clemson’s skill players are even more explosive so it’s essentially Syracuse plays better in space if it wants to compete.

Prediction

Clemson 53, Syracuse 24: A lot of people were scratching their heads after Maryland slaughtered the Orangemen, 63-20, last week. Did Syracuse get caught looking ahead to Clemson? Is Maryland that good? Is Syracuse that bad? The answer is probably somewhere in between.

[WILL NEWTON/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS] Syracuse head coach Dino Babers.