How to Watch & Listen
Matchup: Clemson Tigers (1-2, 0-1 ACC) vs. Syracuse Orange (2-1, 0-0 ACC)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
Kickoff: Noon ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, S.C. (81,500)
TV: ESPN — Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (analyst), Kris Budden (sideline)
Radio: Clemson Athletic Network — Don Munson, Tim Bourret, Reggie Merriweather
Satellite: SiriusXM Channel 84
Key Storylines to Watch
1. Clemson’s Bounce-Back Mentality
Dabo Swinney’s program has been defined by resilience, and the numbers back it up. The Tigers are 38-10 under Swinney in games following a loss. After falling to Georgia Tech on a last-second 55-yard field goal, all eyes will be on how this team responds at home in front of the Death Valley faithful.
2. Cade Klubnik Chasing History
Quarterback Cade Klubnik continues to climb the Clemson record books. He enters the game just 143 yards shy of passing Woodrow Dantzler for a spot in the program’s top five in total offense. He also needs one touchdown to join Tajh Boyd, Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence, and Travis Etienne as the only Tigers responsible for 75 career touchdowns.
3. Bryant Wesco Jr.’s Emergence
Sophomore wideout Bryant Wesco Jr. has been nearly unstoppable, posting back-to-back 100-yard receiving games — the first Tiger to do so since Cornell Powell in 2020. Another triple-digit day would tie a school record for three straight 100-yard outings, putting Wesco in the company of Clemson greats like Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins.
4. Defensive Line Disruption
Transfer defensive end Will Heldt has been a revelation, leading Clemson with 5.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks through three games. If he notches multiple tackles for loss again, he’ll be the first Tiger since Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (2023) to do it in three straight games.
5. The Death Valley Advantage
Since 2015, Clemson owns a staggering 71-6 record at home — the third-best in the nation. Against Syracuse specifically, the Tigers are undefeated in five home meetings and carry a six-game winning streak in the series into Saturday.
Bottom Line
Clemson is desperate to get back to .500 and regain momentum before an open date. With history on their side at Death Valley and playmakers like Klubnik and Wesco surging, the Tigers have a prime opportunity to steady the ship — but Syracuse and new head coach Fran Brown won’t make it easy.