Garret Shrader is expressing confidence about the Orange’s top-15 matchup with Clemson in Death Valley this weekend.

Shrader was on the Gramlich and Mac Lain podcast this week and cited Syracuse’s success against the Tigers in recent years. Three of the last five meetings against Clemson have been decided by four points or less, including one victory for the Orange.

“This is what you play the game for, these kind of games,’ Shrader said. “I think it’ll be exciting. Especially knowing that we match up really well against them historically. Even knowing now that we are more talented and explosive than we ever have been. I’d like to see how it’s going to play out.”

Shrader was also asked why he thinks Syracuse has played Clemson tougher-than-expected in recent years.

“Coach Swinney has been doing a good job of just building that program,” Shrader said. “I don’t know why, but I’m excited. I think this is our year to take ’em d

own and there’d be no better way to do it than in Death Valley.”

It’s worth noting that Clemson has won 4 straight against the Orange and is 7-1 in this series since Syracuse joined the ACC. Syracuse is bowl eligible this season for the first time since 2018.

Shrader is having a career year with Syracuse. He’s third in the ACC with a 171.09 passer efficiency ratings. He’s thrown for 12 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions while also being a threat as a runner. His 9.4 yards per attempt is tied for second in the conference entering Week 8.

Kickoff is at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon.