Phil D’Abbraccio: Clemson 35, Syracuse 17
Clawed to death
This kind of atmosphere is what college football is all about and Syracuse isn’t ready for it. Tim Lester’s transition to offensive coordinator has been relatively smooth, but the returns of Brisly Estime and Ashton Broyld won’t be enough to get the Orange over the red-zone hump it’s trying to climb. Not in this environment and not against the Atlantic Coast Conference’s best red-zone defense. Even if it reaches Clemson’s 20-yard line, Syracuse’s offense is the prey. Death Valley gets the first shot at the Orange’s jugular before the Tigers finish the kill.

Jesse Dougherty: Clemson 24, Syracuse 17
Copycats
What holds Syracuse back at the end of this game is its recurring red-zone issues. To say that the Orange will score two touchdowns seems like a stretch, but if AJ Long can avoid the Tigers’ pass rush more times than he doesn’t — not an easy task — there will be enough room downfield for Jarrod West, Steve Ishmael, and now Estime and Broyld to make plays. It comes down to SU packing as more punches than Clemson in the late third and fourth quarter, and that doesn’t seem likely given the way the Orange offense has scored against top-flight defenses this season.

Jacob Klinger: Clemson 30, Syracuse 13
Big orange litterbox
Syracuse can and, I think, will make this a game. Estime and Broyld returning to the team promises at least one outlet pass turns into a big one for the Orange. But Long probably doesn’t get enough time, SU doesn’t get enough of the ball and the Orange is set to end up with not enough points against Vic Beasley and the Clemson pass rush. Not that the Tigers defensive line can be overlooked, but look for the Clemson secondary to blow up a play or two, too.