Syracuse vs. Clemson: Official TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

Everyone is already looking forward to Saturday's game against the North Carolina Tar Heels but the Syracuse Orange will have to deal with the pesky Clemson Tigers first.

The 8-6 Tigers are looking to repeat last year's success as they knocked off SU last season in Littlejohn Coliseum, 66-53. The Orange not only want to get some revenge but also their first ACC win of the season.

Let's see if everyone thinks they'll get it.

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 73 - Clemson 65
Syracuse has had poor finishes the last two games, but there have been positives from the road losses to Pitt and Miami. The play of Malachi Richardson especially can help take the pressure off of Mike Gbinije and Trevor Cooney. I think a return to the Dome will be enough to push the Orange to a very needed win over Clemson.

Andy Pregler

Syracuse 68 - Clemson 65
The Orange aren't going to win pretty any time soon, so tonight is as good as any to get used to it. I see Cooney and G really grinding out the points with a short bench preventing the Orange from subbing them out. To really break this game open, Lydon will have to show he can score tonight as he'll need every ounce of confidence and touch for the Orange to have a shot on Saturday.

James Szuba

Syracuse 70 - Clemson 68
I'm picking Syracuse to bounce back at home over Clemson but by a slim margin. Syracuse has to slow Blossomgame and Roper is coming off a big game. Gone is Rod Hall from a season ago (he shut down Cooney last year) but Clemson is still solid. This will be a close contests but ultimately I think Syracuse will prevail behind steady performances from Gbinije and Cooney.

Kenny Lacy

Syracuse 68 - Clemson 63
This game means a lot to Syracuse. Going 0-3 to start conference play is not a good look for a team hoping to make the tournament. On top of that the game after Clemson is against UNC, you cannot go into that game on a three game losing streak. If Malachi Richardson can hit shots like he did against Miami, Tyler Roberson continues to rebound well and Michael Gbinije has the game we're used to seeing then the Orange should be able to pull this one out and get their first ACC win of the season.

Michael Burke

Syracuse 63 - Clemson 58
At this point, it's difficult to be especially optimistic about Syracuse in any game. The Orange haven't beaten a Power 5 team in almost six weeks, and Clemson won't be a pushover. In the end, though, I expect SU force quite a few turnovers and score enough points in transition to separate itself from the Tigers.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 65 - Clemson 60

It's simple: If Clemson can beat Syracuse inside, they're going to win. If they can't, they won't. Obviously, SU needs to keep an eye on Jaron Blossomgame too, but overall, this is among the Orange's most cut-and-dry matchups in ACC play. Shoot reasonably well and don't get abused in the paint, and they'll pull off a win, even if it's not by much.

Sean Keeley

Syracuse 67 - Clemson 65
You know nothing's coming easy from here on out, right? By all accounts Syracuse should be able to win this game but at the same time the margin for error is so small for this squad. If one guy gets into foul trouble or has an off-night, all bets are off. Clemson doesn't score many points but they also don't give up many. It'll be a slog but the Orange should come out with a gritty win.

What do you think?