Clash of Orange: Syracuse Stands Up to Clemson Again

Another year, another great performance by a 20-plus point underdog Syracuse team against the ACC's best. The only and biggest difference in 2018, was after landing punches against a Tigers team on the ropes, was the bid for an upset fell short.

The biggest takeaway from this 4-1 start for Syracuse is that Dino Babers has this program in a place we haven't seen in quite some time. Yes, the Orange have been to the Pinstripe Bowl in recent years, but this defense has the look of one that can stand up to high-powered offenses. The way it did last season against Clemson and again this year, on the road at Death Valley no less.

I don't know if Syracuse is a career stop for a coach like Babers who would presumably have a difficult time passing on an offer from an SEC school or one that supremely prioritizes the sport of football. I also don't know if any coach will be able to recruit the types of athletes to central New York to compete with the best of the best on a weekly basis. Then again, maybe Babers already has.