By : Matthew Vines
(Photo/Matthew Vines- The Mojo Network)
Clemson’s Unexpected Results
Clemson unexpectedly lost to Syracuse, a loss that brings the tigers to the record 1-3. The last time the tigers started a season 1-3 was in 2004. This unexpected start for the tigers has all fans with the hope of a playoff season lost. Under Coach Dabo, the Clemson tigers have never come close to this kind of a rocky start. Does this show true signs of what’s to come with the tigers? Or is this just a minor setback for Clemson?
Clemson’s Odd’s
Clemson was favored to win by 17.5 points in Vegas on Saturday. Clemson has had a record of 10-2 Vs the Orange and have never lost to them at home. Leading everyone to believe Clemson winning would be a lock. Clemson being winless in the conference section needed the win on Saturday to stay fierce in the ACC. Without it, it’s hard to believe Clemson will be able to bounce back this season.
Pregame Tension
Last season, Syracuse was the reason Clemson got entered into the playoffs. Miami getting defeated by Syracuse resulted with Clemson unanimously placed into the ACC Championship. Clemson goes on to win the ACC championship and won a spot into the playoffs. Without Syracuse, Clemson would have stopped their season short at week 14.
What’s next?
Clemson is now heading into a bye week with plenty of fans wondering what actions will be taken. Will Coach Dabo get fired? Will the Offensive coordinator Garret Riley get fired? What changes will be made to win more games? Many questions and no answers. All the fans have left is to hope the team is working harder than ever to come back to the Tigers we know and love.
ACC fines
The Orange’s victory wasn’t all the team left Death Valley with on Saturday. Syracuse happened to pick up a $25,000 fine from the ACC on Monday for faking injury’s in the game. The Orange was accused of violating NCAA rule 3 -3-6-b on their behavior being ‘unethical and contrary to the spirit of the rules.’ Syracuse was caught “faking injury’s” when the Tigers would begin to gain momentum. Clemson favoring a tempo offense was hurt by the Orange’s actions following big plays. After a 23-yard completion to Clemson’s 9-yard line in the 4th quarter, Two Syracuse linemen fell to the ground in an attempt to secure an injury timeout. This shifted the tension for Clemson’s offense not being able to pick back where they left off causing this fine to be deserved.