It was not the least bit pretty, but the Clemson Tigers still found a way to get it done. While it looked like it was only going to be a field-goal fest coming out of halftime, Clemson was able to achieve bowl eligibility in the second half, thanks to Jahiem Lawson's scoop-and-score and Ashton Hampton's clutch interception in the end zone. As expected, defense and special teams won Clemson this game.
Offensively, it was not all too bad. Clemson did have a few explosive plays between the 20s, but could not do much of anything in the red zone. While the Syracuse Orange did make it too close for comfort in the final minutes, thanks to a drive for the ages out of Daunte Bacheyie, Clemson was simply too much for the home team in the end. Clemson is still technically alive for the playoffs, but only barely.
Here are the biggest winners and losers from Clemson's 18-13 road win over Syracuse in Week 10.
Winner: Ashton Hampton played like a guy who wants to be a top-10 pick
This might as well be known as the Ashton Hampton game. Clemson's best player had a game-high eight solo tackles, two pass breakups, and the great interception of Steve Angeli in the end zone. Win or lose, Hampton has always played well for the Tigers this season. However, this was the first time his play directly impacted Clemson's chances of winning. He won them this game.
Hampton's greatest performance in a Clemson uniform to date has him approaching lock territory to be a top-16 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. With the way he completely neutralized a future NFL receiver, Umari Hatcher (two catches for only 12 yards), Hampton could go as high as the top 10 when all is said and done. We must appreciate Hampton for as long as he remains in a Clemson uniform.
Clemson may have multiple first-round picks this year, but Hampton is the surest thing to a lock now.
No Fly Zone ❌ @A2hton_
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) November 7, 2026
📺: ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/6Pm8V2fbwF
Winner: Jahiem Lawson's scoop-and-score knocked Syracuse out of it
While Hampton was the best player on the field Saturday, it was also a phenomenal day for defensive end Jahiem Lawson. He had an early sack of Angeli to help set the tone for how Clemson was going to attack the Orange's offense on the afternoon: head-on. Amare Adams may have gotten in on the sack party too, but it was Kourtney Kelly's sack of Angeli that proved to be the difference in this one.
Kelly's hit on Angeli caused him to sort of throw the ball well behind the line of scrimmage. Lawson was in the perfect position to take it to the house on a scoop-and-score. Although Nolan Hauser accounted for the other 12 points Clemson scored on the day, the Tigers were not winning this game without the heroics of Lawson. The defense was just opportunistic enough to hold off the upset bid.
If only the Tigers had not gotten cocky and messed up the ensuing two-point attempt after the score.
Sack/forced fumble: @KourtneyKelly20
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) November 7, 2026
TD: @JahiemLawson
😤😤
📺: ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/rChwoGLp6Q
Loser: Chad Morris is front and center amidst Clemson's lack of scoring
After having called his best game of the season at Florida State, it was anything but that for Chad Morris on Saturday. While he did have a few plays go for big gains between the 20s, horrendous red zone execution would have done Clemson in against a better opponent. Once again, Clemson's weak offense had to be bailed out by Tom Allen's defense and the incredible right leg of Hauser in this one.
Sometimes, a game plays out a certain way. It was a game based on defense and special teams in a low-scoring affair. However, much of the confidence that was gained from the Florida State victory went by the wayside on Saturday. Clemson should have no issues getting past Georgia Tech, but that is a rivalry game. Morris cannot call another game like this if he wants to beat Duke or South Carolina.
There was no rhythm in Morris' play-calling, and the entire Clemson offense suffered because of it.
Winner: Nolan Hauser might as well claim the Lou Groza as his already
Nolan Hauser is not only the Clemson offense, but he is this team's MVP. While he did miss a field goal today, it was a 57-yarder inside a dome that just came up short. Dabo Swinney and Rich Bisaccia owed him the opportunity to at least try it from that far out. On the day, he made his four other field goals to give Clemson 12 of its 18 points on the day. He also had two booming punts.
If is not a matter of if Hauser wins the Lou Groza, but who will come in second to him. It is such a blessing to have a kicker as reliable as Hauser is. In Clemson's six wins this season, he is largely responsible for at least three of them. Clemson does not beat Georgia Southern or Syracuse without him. The same principle could apply to the North Carolina game. This guy has been nails all season.
Hauser could turn pro after this season, but Clemson cannot afford to let him walk away this soon.
Winner: Bryant Wesco Jr. bounced back after a terrible muffed punt
Give Bryant Wesco Jr. for overcoming the worst decision he made all season. There was a punt early in the game where Wesco ran up a full 10 yards to try to field a punt and make a play. He misread it, muffed it, and gave the ball back to the Syracuse offense. He could have wallowed in his sorrows, but Wesco had some plays to make on offense. While he did not hit pay dirt, he showed great resiliency.
Wesco had six catches for a game-high 100 receiving yards on the afternoon. He also threw a dart to TJ Moore in the passing game on a misdirection in the backfield. If we add his nine punt return yards to the mix, Wesco made the most of most of his touches with eight, or nine, for 145 yards. In a game where points were hard to come by, Wesco did his part to help Clemson win the field position battle.
While it would have been great to see him score a touchdown in this game, it was just not in the cards.
Loser: Tait Reynolds could not lead Clemson to an offensive touchdown
Admittedly, it was not that bad a day for Reynolds, but he did not take advantage of the situation as much as he should have. Reynolds completed 17-of-28 passes for 161 yards and an interception. As a ball carrier, he had 15 carries for 61 yards and a long of 20. While he did take three sacks, Reynolds was not as sharp as he was the previous week at Florida State. It does leave some things to question.
While Reynolds will probably end up being QB1 entering next season anyway, he really needs to put forth a stronger showing against Georgia Tech to leave no doubt. That right there is exactly what Reynolds left us to chew on after Saturday: a heaping helping of doubt. Yes, he still looks to be a promising player, but too many of his drives end without Clemson scoring an offensive touchdown.
If he plays like this against Duke or South Carolina, Clemson is bound to suffer a fourth or fifth loss.
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