The Tigers enjoyed a role reversal as Syracuse’s two lost fumbles and missed field goal allowed Clemson to take a 21-7 halftime lead on Saturday. Clemson’s defense was excellent, surrendering just one long scoring drive, with the Orange’s only other points coming after a Jake Briningstool fumble. Clemson’s offense wasn’t dominant (389 total yards), but they played a clean game aside from the lost fumble. That was enough for a comfortable 31-14 win.
A week after receiving a lot of criticism, Wes Goodwin’s defense wreaked havoc on Syracuse, tallying five sacks. TJ Parker and Barrett Carter each had big games.