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3 Biggest X-Factors for Clemson to Defeat Syracuse
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- 3 Biggest X-Factors for Clemson to Defeat Syracuse
(Melina Myers-Imagn Images)
The Clemson Tigers will be heading out on the road to take on the Syracuse Orange this week, offering the team a tough test.
Clemson will come into the game with a record of 5-3 on the year, while Syracuse is 4-4 so far this season. Both teams will be looking to make a statement in this game, and the Orange have been playing much better of late.
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Syracuse has won two straight games, with wins over the North Carolina Tar Heels and the SMU Mustangs. Clemson is going to have to be very careful in this game, especially with the contest being played on the road.
Here are three of the bigger X-Factors for the Tigers to come out with another win this week:
1. Can Tait Reynolds Finally Break Through?
After multiple weeks of struggling , quarterback Tait Reynolds looked a little better last week against Florida State. Reynolds finished the game throwing for 189 yards with two touchdowns, giving some life to the Tigers' offensive attack.
But overall, Reynolds hasn't done too much this season, and Clemson needs a lot more from him going forward. Against the Orange, Reynolds is going to have to push the ball down the field, setting Clemson up in better spots to score points.
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2. Limit Steve Angeli
Orange quarterback Steve Angeli has energized this team over the last few weeks, leading to Syracuse playing better. Over the last two games, Angeli has thrown for 456 yards and three touchdowns, controlling the offense for the Orange.
If Clemson is able to pressure him, throwing him out of any rhythm, it could force him to make some poor decisions. The Tigers need to make sure to control the damage from Angeli, keeping Syracuse limited on offense.
3. Defense Carries The Team
Much like it has for most of the season, the defense is going to be called upon again this week to put together a strong showing. Clemson has relied on its defense to carry the team all year, while the offense has been a major work in progress.
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The Tigers have a few players on defense who have generated buzz from interested teams in the NFL, and this could be a chance for them to put on a show again. Clemson will need its unit to step up, hopefully putting the team in a strong position to come out with the victory.
