Clemson Syracuse: Survive and Advance
BY: GRAYSON MANN
The Tigers and the Orange matchup for what is the most significant ACC matchup of the season thus far. This game could decide who represents the Atlantic in Charlotte when December rolls around. Here is how today’s matchup went.
The first quarter began with a push from Syracuse. Before the game, it was announced that star linebacker Barrett Carter would not suit up today. His loss was felt as Shrader and Tucker could get down the field quickly when attacking the ground game. Babers would keep his offense out on the field in a crucial fourth down, recognizing the game ahead of him, and, unfortunately for the Orange, their gamble did not pay off. Clemson would take advantage and do so in a quick fashion, finding Davis Allen for a 41-yard gain down the middle of the field. The tight ends continue to be utilized in significant ways. Clemson would punch it in with Will Shipley, who would not be denied a one-yard score to put the Tigers up seven. Syracuse indeed came to play, as Shrader would march his offense down the field, picking apart the Clemson defense and making some nice throws. His development as a passer has been crucial to their success this season. The Orange would tie the game with a twelve-yard pass to Sean Tucker, making their presence known to everyone in attendance. They would also make their mark on defense, with DB Carter Ja’Had making an athletic interception to end the first quarter and give his offense the ball back. Both teams have had their moments and are headed into the second quarter all tied up.
The second quarter started with a bang, with Clemson’s tenacious front seven making things happen in significant ways. Syracuse would be forced to punt and give the ball back to the Tigers. Clemson would drive the ball down the field again, with Mafah and Shipley making great plays on the ground. Their patience when finding the holes have been vital today. However, disaster would strike at the goalline, with DJ fumbling the ball and the Orange having a 96-yard scoop and score. Syracuse would lead 14-7 on the road. Clemson’s run game would get them back to the plus side of the field, but the Tigers would fail to convert on fourth down with DJ’s keeper just short of the line. Syracuse’s Garrett Shrader would again drive his team down the field, with the Tigers seemingly having no answer for number six. The Orange would go up by fourteen with a scramble from Shrader putting them up 21-7. Clemson had their work cut out as the half’s end drew closer. Clemson’s offense ends the half able to cough up three points. Going into halftime down eleven, there are some notable things to work out on both sides. Clemson, in between the 20s, can move the ball with relative ease but gets tight in the red zone, a spot that Clemson has performed well in all season. On defense, the absence of Carter is being felt, with Clemson being pushed around, especially within the ground game. The adjustments made at halftime could dictate the Tiger’s playoff destiny and path within the ACC.
The second half would begin with a stalled drive on Clemson’s end, with Antonio Williams failing to make a 50/50 grab with contact from the DB. Clemson would punt over to Syracuse and give the Orange the ball back. Clemson and Syracuse would trade blows, but another costly Clemson turnover from Will Shipley robbed the Tigers of ideal momentum. The Tiger’s defense stepped up to start the second half, creating havoc on Shrader and cutting off running lanes for the elusive quarterback. After another DJ Uiagalelei turnover, it was time for Cade Klubnik to debut in the game, and the crowd responded with a roar. Except for a few freshman mistakes, Cade has given the offense an extra juice to start the fourth.
The fourth quarter would begin with the Tigers knocking on the door, looking to get back into the ballgame early into the fourth. Cade and company would punch it in to make it a one-score ballgame, but they had an unsuccessful two-point conversion. The unsung hero of the second half is the entire defensive unit for the Tigers, who have held Syracuse in check for the second half, allowing Clemson to crawl their way back into the game. Clemson would regain the lead with a fifty-yard run from Shipley and a heck of a throw from Cade for the two-point conversion. Something to note is that despite being benched, DJ has been electric and engaged on the sideline. DJ is genuinely a team player. With Clemson up by three with the ball, the emphasis was to take care of the football. Giving the Orange any momentum with four turnovers and a lead is not what fans consider ideal. Once again, the Clemson defense would stand firm and continue to shut out Syracuse in the second half. Goodwin has called a near-perfect second half and has been crucial to Clemson’s success in this game. Syracuse would have one last chance without a scare; RJ Mickens would seal the deal for the Tigers and secure the win. Clemson would win the game 27-21.
It was not what we predicted, but a fun game to watch. Clemson survives despite losing the turnover battle 4-1. The Tigers got the turnover when they needed it most and moved to 8-0 on the season. So many questions will be thrown Clemson’s way during the bye week, but the Clemson faithful can breathe a sigh of relief as the Tigers escape the Orange.
Up next is the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Stay tuned to ClemsonSportsNews for coverage through these next two weeks.
