Former Clemson star offensive lineman’s prediction for Clemson vs Syracuse s

Eric Mac Lain expects Clemson to leave Syracuse with a victory Saturday, but his projected margin gives the Tigers little room for error. The former Clemson offensive lineman sees a three-to-six-point game against an Orange team coming off consecutive wins.

Mac Lain and fellow Clemson alum Kelly Gramlich both picked their alma mater on the Gramlich & Mac Lain podcast. Neither sounded particularly comfortable with the matchup, even after the Tigers' road victory over Florida State .

Syracuse has beaten North Carolina and SMU in back-to-back weeks, with the latter coming on a dramatic last-second finish against the then-No. 19 Mustangs. Steve Angeli's return at quarterback has given the Orange offense a boost, adding another challenge for a Clemson team trying to build consistency.

Mac Lain believes the Tigers have the personnel advantage, though he acknowledged that talent alone will not decide the outcome.

"But I think Clemson has figured something out. I hope they continue to build on it, but it is going to be a tough game," he said.

Gramlich shared his pick while expressing even more hesitation.

"I'll take Clemson as well, but I don't feel great about it," she said.

There is enough history between these programs to explain that concern. Syracuse won 34-21 at Clemson last season, and the series has produced several memorable games, including the Orange's 2017 upset and Clemson's Chase Brice-led comeback in 2018.

The Tigers have won three straight trips to Syracuse. Extending that streak Saturday would give Clemson consecutive road victories and another encouraging result entering the final stretch of its season.

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