Clemson’s Defense, Lawson’s Fumble Return Lift Tigers Past Syracuse

Clemson’s defense and four field goals carried the Tigers to an 18-13 win over Syracuse at the Dome on November 7. The result ended Syracuse’s two-game winning streak and gave Clemson consecutive victories for the first time in more than a month.

With Clemson ahead 12-6 midway through the third quarter, defensive tackle Kourtney Kelly forced a fumble by Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli. Jahiem Lawson recovered it and ran 22 yards for a touchdown. Clemson’s two-point attempt failed, leaving the score 18-6.

Angeli completed 18 of 40 passes for 263 yards and was sacked three times. He connected with Daunte Bacheyie for a 33-yard touchdown with 3:12 remaining, narrowing the margin to five, but Clemson kept possession for the rest of the game. Hampton had intercepted Angeli in the end zone earlier in the fourth quarter.

Clemson kicker Nolan Hauser made four of five field-goal attempts, including a 54-yarder, and missed from 57 yards. Syracuse’s Tripp Woody made kicks from 26 and 46 yards but missed from 32, striking the upright. Both teams struggled on third down: Syracuse converted six of 17 chances, while Clemson managed four of 16.

Syracuse fell to 4-5 overall and 2-5 in the ACC, and needs two wins to become bowl eligible. The Orange visit North Carolina State on November 14. Clemson, now 6-3, hosts Georgia Tech that day.