Syracuse-Clemson matchup makes history in ACC

When the Syracuse Orange and Clemson Tigers meet on Saturday, it will be historic. 

For just the fourth time in ACC football history, two teams that are 6-0 or better will battle head-to-head. Who would have guessed that Syracuse would be involved when this happened? No one is the correct answer. 

Clemson has been a powerhouse since its 11-2 season in 2012. Over that time, it has won two national championships, appeared in four, and has finished first in the ACC six of the last seven seasons. 

Syracuse, on the other hand, is new to the undefeated, nationally ranked party. Other than a 10-3 season in 2018, the Orange fan base has grown accustomed to 5-7, 4-8, and even 1-10 records. This year, it has been impressive, albeit through a fairly easy schedule. But just a week after defeating 23rd-ranked N.C. State, the Orange will truly be tested on the national stage. 

Clemson holds an 8-2 record all time against Syracuse, with most of the wins in blowouts. In 2021, during a down year for Clemson, the Tigers escaped with a 17-14 victory, delivering a crushing blow to a Syracuse. 

Will Clemson continue its dominance? Or will Syracuse win for just the second time since 1997?