Syracuse residents saw a tightly contested ACC matchup on Saturday when Clemson defeated the Orange 18-13 inside the JMA Wireless Dome, a result that pushed the Tigers to bowl eligibility while leaving the Orange with a 4-5 record.
According to Heavy.com, the Tigers’ scoring came almost entirely from placekicker Nolan Hauser, who converted four field goals from 32, 36, 37 and a 54‑yard attempt in the third quarter. Hauser also contributed on punting, delivering two punts that averaged 54.5 yards, including a 57‑yard kick.
The decisive touchdown was a defensive play. Heavy.com described how Clemson defensive end Kourtney Kelly sacked Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli, forcing a fumble at the Syracuse 22‑yard line. Jaheim Lawson recovered the ball and ran the remaining 22 yards for the only touchdown of the game.
Defensive back Ashton Hampton led the Tigers’ secondary with eight solo tackles, two pass breakups, and a goal‑line interception with 6:03 left in the fourth quarter that preserved an 18‑6 lead.
Quarterback Tait Reynolds added 161 passing yards and 61 rushing yards on 15 carries. Heavy.com highlighted his late‑game scramble: a 10‑yard run on third‑and‑8 followed by a 13‑yard burst on second‑and‑8 that helped Clemson run out the clock after Syracuse used all three timeouts.
Despite moving the ball for 359 total yards and holding possession for 32:29, Clemson struggled in the red zone, converting only four of 16 third‑down attempts and failing to score an offensive touchdown. The Tigers also missed a two‑point conversion after Lawson’s score when Sammy Brown was stopped at the 1‑yard line by Syracuse defender Chris Peal.
Special‑teams miscues affected both sides. Heavy.com noted a muffed punt by Bryant Wesco Jr. that gave Syracuse favorable field position, an illegal block penalty by Matt Outten on a 25‑yard kickoff return, and a delay‑of‑game penalty against Clemson late in the fourth quarter.
Fox Carolina reported that the win was celebrated at the airport, where reporters Carmine Gemei and Caroline Soro highlighted that the victory secured Clemson’s bowl eligibility at 6‑3 and placed the Tigers on the cusp of postseason play.
What’s next: Clemson will travel to its next opponent as it prepares for a bowl game later this season, while Syracuse looks to rebound in its upcoming conference matchup to improve its standing.
Sources: heavy.com, foxcarolina.com
