Clemson finally comes alive to beat Syracuse: Final Score, Stats, Analysis
Clemson finally comes alive to beat Syracuse
It took Clemson almost three full quarters, but the Tigers finally came alive Saturday afternoon in Death Valley to beat the Syracuse Orange by a final score of 47-21.
Though Clemson came into the matchup against Syracuse as a 46.5-point favorite, the Tigers were entrenched in a dog fight for a decent portion of the ball game due to their own inabilities to get anything going.
The Tigers jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead with a touchdown pass from Trevor Lawrence to Cornell Powell on the first drive of the game, but things wouldn’t come that easily for the offense for the rest of the game. Clemson led 17-0 after the first quarter, but the Orange wouldn’t go away.
Syracuse blocked a punt and scored to make the game 17-7 and then just as the Tigers were looking to score a quick one before halftime, the Orange picked off Trevor Lawrence and took it back for a touchdown, making the score 24-14. The Tigers would add a field goal as time expired to take a frustrating 27-14 lead into halftime.
The third quarter wouldn’t be much better, either.
Syracuse continued to frustrate the Tiger offense and actually cut the lead to six on an 83-yard touchdown pass with 8:41 remaining in the third quarter before the play of the game was made.
The Orange got the ball back and had an opportunity to take the lead and that’s when Mike Jones Jr. and Bryan Bresee combined on a tackle of Syracuse QB Rex Culpepper that forced a fumble and allowed Andrew Booth Jr. to pick up the ball and run it back for a touchdown.
The Tigers closed out the game with two more Travis Etienne touchdowns, giving him three on the day.
Stat Leaders & Analysis from Clemson’s victory over Syracuse
Passing: Trevor Lawrence 27-of-43 for 289 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT.
Rushing: Travis Etienne 16 carries for 86 yards, 3 TDs.
Receiving: Amari Rodgers 8 catches for 91 yards; Cornell Powell 2 catches for 45 yards, 1 TD; Davis Allen 1 catch for 17 yards, 1 TD.
Analysis:
It was disappointing watching this team come out and struggle due to a lack of focus, but it was good to see them respond when the game was on the line and see them make the plays they needed to win.
Syracuse isn’t a good team and there’s going to be plenty of takeaways and things to correct as the Tigers go back through and watch the film, but it will be useful for the coaching staff to be able to look at as we move forward.
Two of the bright spots on the game were the performances of Mike Jones Jr. and Amari Rodgers. Both guys showed great heart and passion.
Next. Ugly first half vs. Syracuse a result of bad focus. dark
Clemson will be back in Death Valley to take on the Boston College Eagles at noon next Saturday.