SYRACUSE, NY – It’s Game Day in the Carrier Dome where No. 1 Clemson battles Syracuse in an Atlantic Division showdown.  The Tigers look to keep their college playoff hopes alive.

Location: Carrier Dome (49,262)

Kickoff:  3:30 PM

Television:   ABC/ESPN 2

Announcers:  Dave LaMont, Ray Bentley, Marty Smith

2015 Record: Clemson  9-0  Syracuse 3-6

ACC Record: Clemson 6-0  Syracuse 1-4

Series History: Clemson leads 2-1

Last Meeting:  Clemson won 16-6 in 2014

Watson Finishes Strong

Deshaun Watson is at his best in the fourth quarter this season.  Watson is 24-28 for 295 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.  The .857 completions percentage is the best in the nation.  The 197.78 passing efficiency is fourth best in the nation.

Going for Fifth Straight

With a win Saturday the Tigers will have ten wins for the fifth straight season.  Clemson would become just the 15th school nationally to have five straight ten win seasons.  Coming into the season Clemson, Alabama, Oregon and Northern Illinois all had four straight ten win seasons.  Oregon and Northern Illinois are both currently 6-3 this year.

Clemson Defense Among Nation’s Best

For the second straight year the Tigers have one of the top defenses in the nation.  The Tigers are currently No. 5 in total defense.  They lead the nation in first downs allowed per game, 3rd down conversions and three and outs.  They are second in the nation in completion percentage.

Clemson in Domes

The Tigers have a 7-5 record when playing in domes.  All five losses have come in the Georgia Dome where Clemson is 4-5.

Watson Near 500 Rushing Yards

Deshaun Watson 493 rushing yards through nine games this season.  When he reaches 500 he will be just the sixth Clemson quarterback to hit that mark.  Woody Dantlzer did it three times with 1061, 1028 and 588 yards.  Steve Fuller rushed for 649 in 1978 and 503 in 1976.  Tajh Boyd had 514 in 2012 and Ken Pengitore had 571 in 1973.

Gallman Almost to 1000

Wayne Gallman needs just 23 yards to reach 1000 rushing yards on the season.  The Wayne Train is averaging 108.6 yards per game which is the third best ever for the Tigers.  Raymond Priester averaged 112.1 in 1996 and 110.2 in 1995.

TCI Predictions 

Robert – Clemson 59 Syracuse 17

Qualk – Clemson 45 Syracuse 13

Hale – Clemson 41 Syracuse 3

Ed – Clemson 66 Syracuse 0

Will – Clemson 55  Syracuse 0