Tigers fall to 1-3 for first time under Dabo Swinney
A Noon Kickoff With Plenty of Storylines
The stage was set for a pivotal ACC matchup as Syracuse (2-1, 0-0 ACC) came to Memorial Stadium to face Clemson (1-2, 0-1 ACC) in a noon kickoff. The Tigers welcomed back several key players such as offensive linemen Tristan Leigh and Elyjah Thurmon, wide receiver Antonio Williams, and safety Khalil Barnes, all returning from injuries.
Clemson came into the game needing a bounce-back performance after a heartbreaking 24-21 loss at Georgia Tech. Syracuse, on the other hand, entered with confidence after putting up 66 points in a rout over Colgate.
The question was simple: could Clemson finally get back on track, or would Syracuse add to the Tigers’ early-season struggles?
First Quarter: A Nightmare Start
Clemson won the toss and chose to defer, putting the defense on the field first. That decision quickly came back to haunt them.
Syracuse opened the game with three straight running plays, capped by a 32-yard burst from Yasin Willis. Quarterback Steve Angeli, who briefly left the field after a hit on a scramble, returned one play later and led the Orange to an early score, a 12-yard touchdown pass to Justus Ross-Simmons to make it 7-0.
Then came the shocker: Syracuse executed a perfect onside kick and recovered, keeping the ball away from Clemson’s offense even longer. The Orange converted a fourth-and-2 to keep the drive alive and marched to the red zone, but Clemson’s defense stiffened and forced a 23-yard field goal. Just like that, Syracuse led 10-0 before Clemson’s offense had even touched the football.
When Clemson finally got the ball with 7:40 left in the quarter, they went to the “Fridge Package” on fourth-and-1, handing it to defensive lineman Peter Woods for a first down. That set up Cade Klubnik’s 38-yard strike to Bryant Wesco Jr. for a quick touchdown, cutting the lead to 10-7.
But Syracuse’s rushing attack answered, stringing together six consecutive runs as the first quarter expired.
Second Quarter: Syracuse Stays Hot
The first play of the second quarter saw Will Nixon punch it in from nine yards out, extending Syracuse’s lead to 17-7.
Clemson’s offense sputtered on the next drive, and a questionable roughing the passer penalty on third-and-14 kept Syracuse’s next possession alive. Angeli capitalized with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Darrell Gill Jr., making it 24-7 and silencing Death Valley.
Needing a spark, Clemson’s offense finally found some rhythm late in the half. Klubnik orchestrated a beautiful drive with completions to Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and TJ Moore. He capped it with a 6-yard touchdown to Adam Randall, pulling Clemson back within 10.
Clemson’s defense forced a late punt, and Randall ripped off a 39-yard run to give the Tigers a chance at more points before halftime. But a Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete, sending Clemson to the locker room down 24-14.
At halftime, Syracuse had racked up 303 yards of offense with 180 passing and 123 rushing. Clemson trailed on the scoreboard despite putting up 240 yards of its own.
Third Quarter: Delays and Missed Chances
Just before the second half was set to begin, a lightning warning delayed play by more than 90 minutes. When the game finally resumed, Clemson’s opening drive showed promise with three first downs from Adam Randall runs but the Tigers were forced to punt.
The momentum swung back to Syracuse when Angeli connected with Johntay Cook II for a 59-yard bomb, flipping the field. Clemson’s defense held, but the Orange drilled a 49-yard field goal to push the lead to 27-14.
Clemson’s offense stalled repeatedly and turned the ball over on downs. Even when the defense forced Syracuse into back-to-back punts, the Tigers couldn’t capitalize.
Then disaster struck: Adam Randall fumbled on the first play of a drive, giving Syracuse a short field. Backup QB Rickie Collins, in for an injured Angeli, wasted no time, hitting Ross-Simmons for his second touchdown of the day to make it 34-14.
Boos rained down from the stands as Clemson turned the ball over on downs once more to end the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Too Little, Too Late
Clemson’s defense tried to keep hope alive, forcing yet another punt. Klubnik found Tristan Smith for a 23-yard gain and later connected with Wesco for a 9-yard touchdown, his second score of the game, cutting the deficit to 34-21.
But Clemson’s rally never truly materialized. A fourth-and-10 pass was intercepted by Davien Kerr, and subsequent drives ended with a turnover on downs. Syracuse milked the clock and walked away with the 34-21 victory, their first win in Death Valley ever.
Final Stats and What’s Next
Clemson actually outgained Syracuse 503-433, with Klubnik throwing for 363 yards and three touchdowns. Adam Randall had a huge day on the ground with 130 rushing yards, plus a receiving touchdown. Wesco and Moore both crossed 75 yards receiving.
But it wasn’t enough. Syracuse’s balance on offense, big plays in key moments, and opportunistic special teams proved to be the difference.
Clemson now sits at 1-3 for the first time in the Dabo Swinney era. The Tigers will head into a much-needed bye week before traveling to Chapel Hill to face UNC and Bill Belichick.
Game Takeaways
1. The Slow Starts Are Costly
Falling behind 10-0 before the offense even took a snap set the tone. Clemson’s defense has to find a way to get stops early.
2. Cade Klubnik Fought Hard
Throwing 60 passes isn’t ideal, but Klubnik still had 363 yards and three touchdowns. He kept Clemson within striking distance.
3. The Defense Bent Too Much
Syracuse racked up 433 yards, including several explosive plays. The Tigers’ defensive front must get more disruptive if they want to turn the season around.
4. The Bye Week Comes at the Right Time
Clemson has plenty to fix and a tough trip to UNC coming. This week off might be exactly what they need.
