In most games, there are good things, bad things and ugly things that happen. The Clemson-Syracuse game was no different. The tigers struggled through two and a half quarters before finding their way and finishing off the Orengemen, 47-21.
The word “ugly” is defined as very unattractive or unpleasant to look at. For tiger fans, yesterday had four ugly moments. The first moment was the blocked punt. The second moment was a pick 6 thrown by Trevor Lawrence, the first one of his career. The third moment was the 83 yard TD pass early in the 3rd quarter. The last ugly moment was the 61 yard reverse play early in the 4th quarter. Granted, out of a 60 minute football game, four ugly moments does not a game make.
A “good” moment came out of the aforementioned reverse. Jaylen Phillips tracked down Nykeim Johnson at the Clemson 9 yard line saving a Syracuse touchdown. On the very next play, Phillips picked off Syracuse QB Rex Culpepper at the 5 and the threat was ended. Two hustle plays cancels out the ugly moment.
Clemson appeared to be playing down to Syracuse’s level for most of the 1st three quarters. Syracuse’s “level” is that of a struggling team trying to find its way while dealing with injuries and a depleted roster. In their previous two games, they were outscored 76-42, losing both cames 38-21 to Duke and Liberty. Out of 58 plays, Syracuse fans basically had only two plays to get excited about. Clemson’s defense was minus three starters on the defense to start the day with Derion Kendrick, Tyler Davis and James Skalski all nursing injuries. The defense gave up 11 first downs and 325 total yards, but if you look deeper, 144 of those yards came on two chunk plays. In the other 56 plays of the game, the Orangemen picked up 181 yards. Additionally, the tigers had three interceptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Offensively, the tigers struggled, and there is no other way to put it. Trevor Lawrence put the ball in the air 33 times in the first half, the most of his career in one half of football. Travis Etienne picked up 86 hard earned yards on 16 carries. However, combined numbers for the running back depth were 15 carries for 51 yards. The tigers simply could not get their running game going. Was it the play calling? Was it the OL not performing? Or was it that Syracuse schemed to stop the run and leave their corners on an island. Amari Rodgers hauled in 8 passes for 91 yards. TE Braden Galloway had 5 receptions for 33 yards. Frank Ladson and Joe Ngata combined for four receptions and 44 yards. The tiger offense struggled for most of the day and didn’t really get in sync. There were moments. When a team puts up 47 points, of course there are moments. Etienne scores three touchdowns, Cornell Powell and Davis Allen hauled in touchdown receptions on beautiful passes from Lawrence. Andrew Booth continued his outstanding play, scooping up a Bryan Bresee-caused fumble for a touchdown that literally put the game away in the 4th quarter.
Listen, in every game, there is good, bad and ugly. The thing to remember, this Clemson team is most teams’ bowl game. Teams in the ACC all get a chance to “knock off Clemson.” Clemson IS the elite program in the country. Syracuse coach Dino Baber “First, you’re playing a very exceptional football team in Clemson.” Enough said. It’s been said many times. “An ugly win is much better than any kind of loss.” Only bits and pieces were ugly or bad. The players know
what they are, the coaches certainly know what they are. The Clemson coaching staff is probably one of the best in the country at “figuring it out” and coaching up mistakes. Boston College? It’s like going to the barber shop and having the barber say “Next!!!!!”
