Syracuse Orange vs. Clemson Tigers Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 20, 2025
Get ready for an exhilarating Week 4 clash as the Syracuse Orange battle it out with the Clemson Tigers from Memorial Stadium in Death Valley on September 20th at 12:00 PM ET. This game, airing on ESPN, promises an exciting matchup with two teams playing at similar levels. With these teams looking to step up in this matchup, let's dive into the stats, injuries, and key insights to preview what's in store. College gridiron clarity — NCAAF picks for Syracuse Orange at Clemson Tigers with key matchups.
Orange Looking to Step Up
The Syracuse Orange (2-1, 0-0 AC) are coming off a 66-24 home win over the FCS Colgate Raiders. Syracuse’s offense is led by quarterback Steve Angeli, who has been able to complete 80-of-125 passes for 1,072 yards with eight passing touchdowns to two interceptions to begin the season. Their total offense is recording 486.0 yards per game (24th in NCAA), with rushing accounting for only 106.7 yards (21st). The passing game has been the program’s bread and butter, averaging 379.3 yards through the air per game (third). The Orange has one FBS win against UConn and fell in their opener at Tennessee.
Defensively, Syracuse has struggled as they are giving up 439.0 total yards per game (121st), with their pass defense standing out as they are allowing a 56.3 completion percentage heading into this matchup. All signs are showing the Syracuse Orange can just outscore their defensive woes, which makes things interesting.
Injury Report for Syracuse
- Running back Yasin Willis: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Running back Malachi James: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive guard Trevion Mack: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Cornerback Devin Grant: Leg (Questionable)
- Wide receiver Julian McFadden: Collarbone (OUT)
- Offensive guard Mark Petry: Knee (OUT)
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Tigers Looking to Correct Issues
The Clemson Tigers (1-2, 0-1) are looking to get back to .500 this season and they are coming off a tough 24-21 road loss against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Quarterback Cade Klubnik is considered one of the top returning quarterbacks in the nation, but has struggled thus far, completing 52-of-88 passes for 633 yards with three touchdown passes to three interceptions. In their loss at Georgia Tech, Klubnik had an interception and a fumble.
The Tigers’ defense, recording an average of 319.3 total yards per game (123rd), needs to do a lot better. Their pass attack, in particular, has been their strong suit, gaining them 211.0 yards per game (80th). However, their rushing offense has been miserable, ranking 129th with 108.3 yards per game on the ground.
As a team, they are ranked 63rd nationally in total yards allowed, averaging 338.3.0 per game. Clemson’s passing defense, which averages 227.3 yards per game (99th), will need to find new ways to improve its efficiency. The rushing game, contributing 111.0 yards per game (29th nationally), has been able to make teams struggle to call running plays consistently against them.
Injury Report for Clemson
- Safety Khalil Barnes: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman Ari Watford: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Wide receiver Tristan Martinez: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Wide receiver Sam Earle: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman Makhi Williams Lee: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Linebacker Billy Wilkes: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman Armon Mason: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Running back Peytron Streko: Unknown (Questionable)
- Offensive guard Elyjah Thurmon: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Wide receiver Antonio Williams: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive guard Tristan Leigh: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Wide receiver Juju Preston: Hamstring (Questionable)
- Running back Jay Haynes: Knee (Questionable)
- Offensive guard Easton Ware: Shoulder (OUT)
- Running back Jarvis Green: Foot (OUT)
Syracuse Orange vs. Clemson Tigers Pick
Spread Pick for Syracuse vs. Clemson
- Syracuse Orange +16.5 (5 units)
This spread is huge, but the Clemson Tigers just seemingly are lost on the field right now. Cade Klubnik cannot find the end zone consistently and their running game is nonexistent. On the other side, Steve Angeli has been dominating under center and should be able to continue being a force and making the right decisions. Syracuse has an additional day of rest, playing on Friday as well. Clemson is banged up and just struggling, so go with the Syracuse Orange to cover the spread.
Over/Under Pick for Syracuse vs. Clemson
- Under 55.5 (4 units)
Cade Klubnik has not looked good for the first three games of the season and that has really brought the offensive numbers down for Clemson. The defense for the Tigers has still been impressive, not allowing more than 24 points, meaning they should limit Syracuse at home. The previous three matchups between the Orange and the Tigers all saw the total fall below 55.5 total points. All in all, go with under 55.5 total points as it seems to be the better bet.
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