For the first time since 2017, Syracuse beats Clemson 34-21 at Memorial Stadium. After leading the Tigers 24-14 at half, the competition was halted for over 1.5 hours due to lightning. Despite the long break, Syracuse dominated the third quarter, and continued to apply pressure to a depleted Clemson unit until the final whistle sounded. For the Tigers, they fall to 1-3 for the first time in the Dabo Swinney era while the Orange get their first ACC win of the season and advance to 3-1. Here are a couple quick takeaways from this afternoon’s statement victory:
- Angeli’s stout performance and injury
Heading into the test against Clemson, Steve Angeli was scolding hot. In the previous two weeks, Angeli threw for 798 yards and 6 touchdowns…against UConn and Colgate. Despite leading the nation in passing yards, many questioned if Angeli could continue his hot play versus a Clemson defense loaded with NFL talent. The answer was an immediate yes. In less than three quarters, Angeli threw for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns. His day was cut short as he left with an apparent knee injury. Angeli was helped off the field and entered the medical tent with crutches. He did not return.
- A lethal Orange receiver unit
The Orange’s wide receiver unit once again showed why they could be perhaps the most underrated corps in football. From kickoff, Syracuse looked faster and more aggressive on the outside giving a talented Clemson defensive backfield all they could handle. Jontay Cook had 113 yards on 6 receptions while Justus Ross-Simmons found the endzone twice. With the addition of Darrell Gill who caught a touchdown as well, Syracuse’s “Big 3” totaled 207 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- The Offensive line continues to impress
It’s been a tale of not halves, but games for the Orange front 5. In the loss versus Tennessee and win against Connecticut, the Orange gave up 8 sacks and failed to give Angeli any time to throw. But whatever OL coach Dale Williams told his unit after the week 2 win certainly worked. After giving up zero sacks the following week against Colgate, Syracuse looked dominant in the test against Clemson’s stout defensive front. Despite the Tigers bringing pressure throughout the game, the Orange allowed two sacks and a clean pocket for Angeli and Collins to throw.
- A defensive masterclass
Today marked likely the best performance from a Syracuse defense that had its struggles early this season. To make this showing even more meaningful, the Orange orchestrated a complete performance against a solid Clemson offensive unit filled with talent. Despite totaling only 1 sack on the afternoon, The Orange created havoc in the trenches and pressure in the backfield. Syracuse was also stout on third and fourth down and made life miserable for Clemson wide receivers. Devin Grant totaled 2 TFL’s while converted tight end Jamie Tremble made his presence felt as well. Standout freshman
Next Saturday, Syracuse will return home to take on the Duke Blue Devils in a sold out conference matchup.
