CLEMSON, S.C. — What was expected to be a rebound opportunity for Clemson turned into a stunning upset, as Syracuse rolled into Death Valley and walked away with a dominant 34-21 win on Saturday. The loss drops Clemson to 1-3, marking the worst start to a season under head coach Dabo Swinney and snapping a series of impressive streaks for the Tigers.
From the opening kickoff, Syracuse made its intentions clear. On just the second play from scrimmage, Yasin Willis broke free on a 32-yard run, setting the tone for an Orange offense that would exploit Clemson both through the air and on the ground. Starting quarterback Steve Angeli briefly exited the opening drive after a scramble but returned quickly to connect with Johntay Cook II for a 17-yard gain, then followed it with a perfectly placed touchdown pass to Justus Ross-Simmons to put Syracuse on the board early.
Syracuse immediately followed up with a surprise onside kick, recovering the ball and capitalizing with a field goal after Clemson’s defense held at the goal line.
Clemson’s offense, which has struggled all season, showed a glimmer of life with the return of senior wideout Antonio Williams. Quarterback Cade Klubnik found Williams twice to open the drive before connecting deep with Bryant Wesco Jr. for a 38-yard touchdown strike. That brought the Tigers within reach, but they never truly found rhythm.
1st Quarter: Syracuse Sets the Tone
The first quarter showcased Syracuse’s balance on offense, as the Orange tallied nearly 200 total yards—98 on the ground and 97 through the air. Clemson’s defense couldn’t find answers early, and by the end of the quarter, Syracuse led 10-7.
2nd Quarter: Mistakes Pile Up for Clemson
Syracuse extended their lead early in the second with a 9-yard touchdown run by Will Nixon. After forcing Clemson’s first punt of the game, the Orange again moved the ball downfield—but this time, aided by two costly roughing-the-passer penalties against the Tigers. The drive was capped by Angeli’s second touchdown pass, this time a 22-yarder to Darrell Gill Jr., extending the lead to 24-7.
Clemson managed to respond late in the half with a 13-play, 92-yard scoring drive, cutting the deficit to 24-14. The half ended with Klubnik’s Hail Mary attempt being intercepted, and Syracuse took a 10-point lead into the locker room.
Weather Delay, More Missed Chances
A lengthy lightning delay after halftime did little to help Clemson, whose offensive woes continued. The Tigers’ most promising third-quarter drive ended inside the Syracuse 20-yard line when Adam Randall fumbled on a first down carry.
4th Quarter: Late Push Not Enough
Clemson opened the fourth quarter with a touchdown as Klubnik found Wesco Jr. wide open on a crossing route to make it 34-21, but that would be the last real offensive highlight for the Tigers. With under six minutes to play, Clemson was still within striking distance, but on a crucial 4th-and-10, Klubnik forced a throw into double coverage and was picked off by Syracuse’s Devian Kerr.
The Tigers had one final possession, but pressure from Syracuse’s defense led to a turnover on downs. The Orange ran out the clock behind a rushing attack that racked up over 150 yards—despite entering the game ranked near the bottom nationally in rushing yards.
Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli exited the game in the third quarter with a foot injury. The Notre Dame transfer was seen later wearing a walking boot.
A Historic Collapse for Clemson
This loss marks Clemson’s worst home defeat against an unranked team under Swinney and the first time the Tigers have started 1-3 since 2010. Even more stunning, Clemson:
- Was a 17.5-point favorite entering the game.
- Had won 30 straight games as 17+ point favorites.
- Had been 88-5 in their last 93 home games prior to this stretch, but are now 2-4 in their last six.
- Has lost four straight home games against Power 5 opponents.
- Becomes the first AP preseason Top-4 team to start 1-3 since Florida State in 2017.
Syracuse Keeps Rolling Under Fran Brown
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown had little to say after the game other than crediting his team’s unity:
“I mean, we are a family. I don’t know what else to say—we are a family.”
With the win, Syracuse improves to 3-1 and continues to build on last season’s success under Brown.
What’s Next:
- Syracuse returns home to face Duke next Saturday.
- Clemson travels to North Carolina on October 4 in what could be a make-or-break game for the Tigers’ season.
