PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Tavien Feaster was shaken up early at Georgia Tech last week, but returned to the game and wound up with his most productive Saturday this season: 75 yards on just eight carries. He finally appears to be fully recovered from a nagging knee injury that plagued him in fall camp. “It was good to see Feaster have a big game,” Swinney said. “He is starting to hit his stride.”
–LB J.D. Davis continues to impress whenever he gets an opportunity. Filling in for injured starter Kendall Joseph at Georgia Tech, Davis responded with 10 tackles, including eight solo stops. He was nominated for ACC Linebacker of the Week honors and could be in for another big game if Joseph is unable to go.
–WR/PR Amari Rodgers has provided quite the threat for Clemson in the punt return game, ranking 14th nationally with an average of 16.3 yards per return. “Amari Rodgers is really becoming a weapon for us,” Swinney said. “Our guys are taking a lot of pride in that.” The sophomore also has emerged as a go-to guy in the passing game and leads the Tigers with 17 receptions this season.
–RB Travis Etienne is coming off an 11-carry, 122-yard performance against Georgia Tech that helped him earn ACC Running Back of the Week honors. Etienne leads the team with five touchdowns and is averaging an eye-popping 8.5 yards per carry. He could benefit from the downfield passing game that freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence brings to the table.
SERIES HISTORY: Clemson leads the series, 4-2, but Syracuse won the last meeting, 27-24, handing the Tigers their only regular-season loss last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “They both have played well and done a lot for us. It just came down to rewarding productivity.” — Clemson co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott on the decision to start freshman Trevor Lawrence over Kelly Bryant at quarterback.
