The Associated Press
Syracuse (3-4, 1-2 ACC) at No. 21 Clemson (5-2, 4-1 ACC) 7 p.m. (ESPNU)
Line: Clemson by 14.
Series Record: Series tied 1-1.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Clemson is seeking its fifth straight victory after starting the year 1-2 for the first time in 10 years. A win also qualifies the Tigers for a bowl game. With only three wins and just four games remaining for Syracuse, another loss will place a serious damper on the Orange’s postseason hopes.
KEY MATCHUP
Syracuse offensive line against Clemson defense. Due to injury, the Orange have used six different offensive line combinations. Eight different players have started at least once. Preseason All-ACC left tackle Sean Hickey is the only member of the group to start every game. Still, Syracuse is tied for fourth in the FBS in fewest sacks allowed with five. Clemson DE Vic Beasley leads the ACC with eight sacks.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SYRACUSE: QB AJ Long. He became the first freshman quarterback in Syracuse history to win his starting debut. Long completed 22 of 32 passes for 171 yards and scored the first rushing touchdown of his career in last week’s 30-7 win at Wake Forest. His 22 completions were the most in a game in school history by a freshman quarterback, eclipsing the previous mark of 18 set by Todd Norley against Maryland in 1982.
CLEMSON: RB Wayne Gallman will try and pick up the slack for a running game that lost leading rusher Adam Choice to an ACL tear in last week’s game. Gallman has started the past three games.
FACTS & FIGURES
Saturday’s game marks Syracuse’s first trip to Death Valley. .. Clemson’s seniors are looking for their school-record 25th ACC victory this weekend. … Clemson has won its past 23 games against unranked opponents, a streak that dates back to North Carolina State’s 37-13 win over the Tigers in 2011. … Syracuse had two defensive touchdowns at Wake Forest. Clemson has scored two defensive touchdowns in two of its previous three games.
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