Orange Honor A Legend, Host Clemson Friday

It's always a big game when Clemson comes to town. The six-time defending ACC Champion Tigers have been a daunting task for ACC opponents over the better part of the last decade. While Friday night will feature talent all over the field, it'll also provide Syracuse fans a chance to remember one of the program's all-time greats. The Orange will honor a legend and a friend Friday night, as it's Floyd Little Life and Legacy Day in the Dome, honoring the NFL and College Football Hall of Fame running back who passed away on Jan. 1, 2021.

"We're looking forward to the Floyd Little weekend," head coach Dino Babers said. "He means a lot to this program. He's the first person I allowed to speak to the team. I can still remember that talk. I can still remember that speech - It was very moving. I have nothing but fond thoughts of him and his wife, DeBorah."

Little will be recognized during a halftime ceremony. A three-time All-American for the Orange from 1964-66, Little rushed for 2,704 yards and scored 46 touchdowns. He was also a standout return man who led the nation in all-purpose yards (1,990) and punt return average (23.5) as a junior in 1965. In nine seasons (1967-75) with the Denver Broncos, he amassed more than 12,000 all-purpose yards and was a five-time Pro Bowl pick. The Orange have been honoring Little all season by wearing a special patch.

In addition, Friday is an Orange Out as fans are encouraged to wear their school color as Syracuse faces the most successful team in the ACC over the past six years. The Tigers have played in the College Football Playoff in each of the past six years, advancing to the national championship game four times, claiming two national titles.

Clemson enters Friday's game with a 3-2 record, including a 2-1 mark in league play, and ranked No. 25 in the AFCA Coaches Poll. The Tigers and Orange have played some memorable games in recent years and Babers knows his team squad will face another solid Clemson team on Friday night.

"That's the Clemson Tigers over there," Babers said when asked about Clemson coming to the Dome unranked. "Everybody knows what that represents. Clemson has the best personnel in the conference. If it's going to change it's going to take a while. But right now, Clemson has the best personnel – Coastal and Atlantic."

Clemson's defense ranks among the best in the nation. The Tigers are second nationally in scoring defense, allowing 12.2 points per game. In addition, the unit ranks second in red zone defense (.625).

Offensively, quarterback DJ Uiagelelei has completed 76 of his 140 attempts for 793 yards and three touchdowns. He's also rushed for 160 yards. Running backs Kobe Pace and Will Shipley lead the Tigers' ground game. Pace, who earned ACC Running Back of the Week on Oct. 4, has 218 yards on 38 carries, while Shipley is right behind with 211 yards on 44 attempts.

Meanwhile, Syracuse's last three games have been decided with 0:00 on the clock. The Orange defeated Liberty with a last-second field goal, and had the same done to them at Florida State. Last weekend, SU took No. 19 Wake Forest to overtime before falling short in the extra frame. 'Cuse is 3-3 overall heading into Friday's contest.

The Orange are trying to become the only team with multiple regular-season victories over Clemson since the start of the 2016 season. Visit cuse.com/tickets or call 888-DOME-TIX to purchase your tickets for Friday night. Click here for Syracuse's current public health guidelines and expectations for attendees.

Syracuse University Athletics

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