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Syracuse travels to Clemson for their ACC opener

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 12:54 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Clemson Faces Syracuse in the 2023 ACC Opener: A Preview of the Big‑Time Clash

On a bright Sunday morning in Clemson, South Carolina, the North Carolina–based college football power will open its 2023 campaign against the University of Syracuse. The matchup, slated for the weekend’s ACC opener, has been billed as a “battle of the big‑time” in the eyes of the media, with the “Clemson Tigers” and “Syracuse Orange” both hoping to start the season on a high note and avoid the early-season pressure that often weighs on teams in the conference’s competitive landscape.

The Historical Context

The last time the two programs met was in the 2022 regular season, when Clemson cruised to a 40‑31 victory in Clemson’s downtown stadium. That game was the last of the two teams in the ACC, and it helped cement Clemson’s place at the top of the standings for that year. Syracuse, meanwhile, finished 4‑8 overall and 2‑7 in the ACC in 2022, making the 2023 matchup their first chance to rebound from a disappointing campaign. Historically, Clemson and Syracuse have been on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of success. The Tigers are perennial contenders in the Atlantic Coast Conference and have won multiple national championships, while Syracuse has struggled to find consistent footing in recent years.

The Clemson Story

Clemson enters the game on a 16‑game winning streak that began in 2021 and has positioned them as a perennial national title contender. The Tigers are led by a stout defense that has been ranked among the nation’s best for most of the past three seasons. Under the direction of head coach Dabo Swinney, who has been at the helm for 23 seasons, Clemson has cultivated a culture of excellence that has translated into high‑profile recruiting and a consistent record of making it to the College Football Playoff.

The offense has been restructured around a “two‑quarterback” system that will likely feature a mix of the more experienced quarterback (such as an upper‑classman with a solid record in the 2022 season) and a younger, dynamic player who can spark the offense with his mobility. On the ground, Clemson’s running backs have provided a steady supply of yards and the offensive line has been a strong asset in protecting the pocket and creating running lanes.

A key part of the Tigers’ game plan will be to neutralize Syracuse’s rushing attack. Syracuse has an explosive run game that has been a major threat in the past; Clemson’s defensive front and linebacker corps are ready to make a statement.

The Syracuse Story

Syracuse’s coaching staff is looking to make a statement in the ACC opener. Head coach Dustin Knuth is in his first season at the helm and is eager to show that the Orange are a team that can compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Orange’s defense has struggled to hold its own in the past, giving up a high number of yards per game, but Knuth’s staff has made a number of changes in the defensive coaching staff that may help.

The offense is built around a dynamic play‑calling scheme that will feature a mix of the veteran quarterback (who has shown flashes of brilliance in the past) and the promising new talent that has joined the program during the offseason. The Orange’s running game has been a bright spot in the past; it has ranked in the top 20 in the nation for rushing yards in recent seasons. The Orange’s offensive line will be tasked with giving the running backs room to maneuver and protecting the quarterback.

The Orange’s key match‑ups will be in the secondary. Syracuse’s pass defense has ranked in the top 30 nationally, and the defense will be looking to stifle Clemson’s explosive offense. Syracuse’s offense will aim to keep the ball moving and control the clock, allowing the defense to rest and get back into the rhythm of the game.

Key Players to Watch

• Clemson’s Quarterback – The senior leader has already thrown for more than 4,500 yards in his career and has a record of leading the team to victory in big games. He is likely to have a strong partnership with his fellow quarterback and may play a pivotal role in driving the offense toward the end zone.
• Syracuse’s Running Back – The Orange’s leading rusher is an explosive, big‑hitman who has a knack for breaking tackles and making big plays. He will be a target for Syracuse’s offense as they attempt to keep the clock moving.
• Clemson’s Defensive Line – The Tigers’ front line is the backbone of the defense and has been a force in the trenches. They will be crucial in forcing turnovers and maintaining pressure on the Syracuse quarterback.
• Syracuse’s Secondary – The Orange’s cornerbacks have proven to be the best in the squad and are expected to hold off Clemson’s offensive attack.

Odds and Predictions

The odds heavily favor Clemson to win the game by a significant margin. The Clemson Tigers have a solid reputation in the ACC, whereas the Syracuse Orange has yet to find consistent footing in the conference. This matchup is being closely monitored by the ACC and has become a must‑watch event for college football fans.

The Significance of the ACC Opener

This game will be the first test for both teams in the ACC for the 2023 season, and it will set the tone for the rest of the campaign. Clemson’s win will give them a strong momentum going into the rest of the season, and Syracuse will need to find a way to avoid losing early in the schedule. The ACC’s high stakes and the excitement surrounding the matchup has made this a compelling game for fans.

Final Thoughts

The 2023 ACC opener between Clemson and Syracuse is poised to deliver a high‑quality performance and a clear illustration of the differences that the coaching staffs, the player rosters, and the programs have had over the past years. Clemson’s history, talent and preparation may be a factor that will lead to a strong win, whereas Syracuse’s desire to prove themselves and create momentum may be a key factor in creating an upset.

With all the information that the article provided, as well as a variety of links for further details—including the official program pages for each team, the ACC’s schedule and rankings, and the odds offered by leading sportsbooks—this preview should give the fan base an in‑depth look into the matchup and what to expect from the big‑time clash between the Clemson Tigers and Syracuse Orange.