Physicality Labeled 'Common Denominator' Against Clemson

Syracuse, N.Y.-- Just 21 Power Five programs remain undefeated through the first four weeks of the college football season. Syracuse is one of five ACC teams still with a perfect record and has an opportunity on Saturday to put the rest of the conference on notice.

Clemson travels to the “Loud House” for Cuse’s first taste of ACC play this season. The Tigers have been one of the most dominant programs in the country over the last decade, and have the Orange’s number during that stretch. Head coach Dino Babers has just one win against Clemson in his tenure but always plays the Tigers down the wire.

In the last six matchups, four of them have been decided by a touchdown or less. When Syracuse upset #2-ranked Clemson 27-24 back in 2017, coach Babers said the game came down to one thing.

“Our ability to match the physicality that Clemson brings every single snap,” Babers said.

A year ago in Death Valley, it appeared that Syracuse had all the ingredients to create another upset against the Tigers. The Orange found themselves up 21-7 entering the fourth quarter and forced a quarterback change from DJ Uiagalelei to Cade Klubnik. Instead, Cuse was shut out in the second half and allowed 20 unanswered points due to a program-high 293 rushing yards for the Tigers.

Prior to this year’s matchup, there was a different vibe in the building during Tuesday’s media availability session with players. Regardless if you’ve battled Clemson for four years or Saturday will be the first time, everyone is in agreement with what is expected of them. Sophomore running back LeQuint Allen is a player who might not have experience playing in these gritty conference games but embodies the mentality that coach Babers is looking for.

During his weekly Monday press conference, coach Babers compared Allen to Clemson running back Will Shipley. Now in his senior year, Shipley was the first player ever to be First Team All-ACC at three different positions in the same season (running back, all-purpose, and specialist). Even though Allen hasn’t seen the Preseason All-American play much, receiving that type of compliment from his coach brought a huge smile to his face.

“Will Shipley is a great player, I just haven’t been able to watch him. He’s definitely a great back all around, and for me to be compared like that… you know he plays at Clemson, and that’s a big stage. I just want to keep elevating myself and my game with everyone around me so we can move forward as a team,” Allen said.

Through four games, Allen has rushed 62 times for 320 yards and six touchdowns. On Saturday against Army, the Millville, New Jersey native racked up his second 100+ yard rushing game and feels settled into his role offensively.

“I’ve seen my role continue to go up and be that missing piece of the puzzle to make it the full picture. I’m just playing my one-eleventh on the field… I want to thank the line and the receivers for blocking to open holes for me,” Allen said.

Even though Clemson comes in with a 2-2 record, they still have a top-25 defense in the nation. The Tigers have allowed just 316 yards on the ground all season, ranking them 11th in the country. Allen knows that Saturday will be a physical game, but believes he’s ready for the challenge.

“This week is no different in preparation for me. It starts with working hard in practice and having fun out there when a lot of people don’t really like to practice. I always come out and fire first… I’d much rather give the hits than take the hits even though I’m an offensive player,” Allen said.

Last season against Clemson as a freshman, Allen only had one carry for a yard. With Sean Tucker now in the NFL, Allen has relied on some of the older players for guidance about what this rivalry with Clemson is all about.

“I’ve just looked for the guys to be a role model verbally and then show us on the field. Everybody has been following the leaders for that [advice],” Allen said.

Kickoff against Clemson is slated for 12 p.m. and will be nationally televised on ABC with alum Dave Pasch calling his first Syracuse Football game at home since 2001. The game will also be available on the Syracuse Sports Network Learfield, and locally on WAER 88.3 FM.