Syracuse football faces a Clemson offense with no bite (9 things to know)

Clemson survived an Atlantic Coast Conference defensive battle on Saturday inside the JMA Wireless Dome, defeating Syracuse 18-13. According to Yahoo Sports, ESPN, and CBS Sports, the victory improved Clemson's record to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, reaching bowl eligibility. Meanwhile, the loss dropped Syracuse to 4-5 overall and 2-5 in conference play, snapping a two-game winning streak.

Clemson's offense failed to score a touchdown all afternoon, but the Tigers relied heavily on placekicker Nolan Hauser. Yahoo Sports reported that Hauser drilled field goals from 32, 36, 37, and a booming 54-yarder in the third quarter. ESPN noted that Hauser also missed a 57-yard attempt in the first half, while Syracuse kicker Tripp Woody connected from 26 and 46 yards out but missed a 32-yard attempt.

The game turned in the third quarter when Clemson defensive tackle Kourtney Kelly crushed Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli for a 10-yard sack, jarring the ball loose at the 22-yard line. Jahiem Lawson scooped up the rolling football and sprinted 22 yards for a defensive touchdown. Lawson described the moment, saying, "I couldn't tell if it was a fumble. But I saw it coming out and I was like, 'Oh yeah.' And when I was running over there, it felt like no one was near me so I was like, 'I'm about to scoop and score.'"

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney highlighted the defensive impact, stating, "Obviously, the score on defense was huge. We didn't finish in the red zone but defensively we were awesome in the red zone. Probably the difference in the game." Later in the fourth quarter, Ashton Hampton intercepted an Angeli pass intended for David Clement at the goal line to protect an 18-6 lead. Syracuse later narrowed the gap when Angeli hit Daunte Bacheyie on a 33-yard touchdown pass with 3:12 remaining, but Tait Reynolds ran out the clock with key scrambles to seal the win for Clemson.

Angeli finished the game 18-of-40 passing for 263 yards and two turnovers, taking full responsibility for the performance. "First and foremost, the offense starts with me," Angeli said. "Just got to make these throws. It's on me." Reynolds recorded 161 passing yards, one touchdown, and 61 rushing yards for Clemson, while Jarvis Green rushed for 85 yards and Bryant Wesco had six catches for 100 yards. For Syracuse, Ahmad Miller rushed for 101 yards and Daunte Bacheyie had six receptions for 82 yards.