Clemson football takes advantage of Syracuse mistakes for first ACC win of 2023
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Clemson football's season so far has been defined by its own mistakes. Its 31-14 win over Syracuse on Saturday was largely defined by its opponent's mistakes.
The Tigers caught some big breaks they hadn't in their two losses. They didn't turn every opportunity into points, but they were able to use Syracuse's struggles to their advantage.
Clemson (3-2, 1-2 ACC) almost went three-and-out on its first possession after a pair of incompletions on second and third down. But on the second one, Syracuse (4-1, 0-1) was called for pass interference, giving Clemson a fresh set of downs. The Tigers scored on the extended drive with one of quarterback Cade Klubnik's best plays yet: An off-balance throw on the run to Troy Stellato for a 14-yard touchdown.
Later in the first quarter, freshman receiver and punt returner Tyler Brown muffed a punt after a big hit that was ruled kick-catch interference. The call gave the Tigers the ball at midfield, but they went three-and-out and was whistled for kick-catch interference on its ensuing punt.
There was another bailout in the second quarter, when Klubnik had to throw the ball away on third-and-long. Syracuse linebacker Marlowe Wax appeared to chest bump Klubnik out of bounds, drawing a late hit penalty and giving Clemson an automatic first down.
That break, however, later resulted in an odd decision. Clemson had fourth-and-1 at the Syracuse 5-yard line and opted to go for it rather than kick the short field goal. Instead of trying to push for the 1 yard and the first down, Klubnik dropped back to pass and was sacked for a turnover on downs. It was one of three sacks for Syracuse.
The play felt like it could be a game-changing moment, as Syracuse got the ball with a chance to tie the game. Fortunately for Clemson, Syracuse couldn't capitalize: It missed a 57-yard field goal attempt on the ensuing possession. Clemson took over at its own 39, and Klubnik later found Beaux Collins for a 47-yard touchdown to make it 21-7.
One more big break came in the fourth quarter, when what might have been a backward pass by Klubnik returned for a defensive touchdown by Syracuse was deemed an incompletion and was not reviewed. Clemson maintained possession and avoided what could have brought the Orange within a field goal.
Clemson wins the turnover margin
For the second time this season, the Tigers won the turnover margin. They had two fumble recoveries, an interception and one fumble of their own to finish plus-2.
Defensive end Justin Mascoll forced a fumble on Syracuse's opening drive with a big hit on scrambling quarterback Garrett Shrader. Payton Page recovered it, and Clemson scored on its ensuing possession.
In the second quarter, defensive end Xavier Thomas nearly scooped and scored after a second Syracuse fumble. His return to the 3-yard line set up another touchdown, this time by Will Shipley.
The Tigers had their own giveaway in the fourth quarter when the Orange recovered a fumble by Jake Briningstool. That resulted in Syracuse's second touchdown of the day.
Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. got his third career interception in the fourth quarter. That set up a 32-yard touchdown run by Phil Mafah to put the game away.
The defense had a season-high five sacks.
Big day for Clemson Tigers' Tyler Brown
Freshman slot receiver Tyler Brown had his best game. He got his second straight start with sophomore Antonio Williams out, and he delivered.
He finished with a career-high 151 yards on eight receptions, the most yards by a Clemson receiver in a single game this season. His longest grab was for 47 yards.
Clemson kicking questions continue
Clemson's decision to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Syracuse 5-yard line in the second quarter seemed to indicate a lack of trust in its kicking ability. The Tigers again started Jonathan Weitz, the former backup kicker who rejoined the team last week and missed a potential winning field goal from 29 yards vs. Florida State.
Weitz was 4-for-4 on PATs, but when it came time for him to try his first field goal, he missed wide left from 42 yards to end the first half. He did get redemption on Clemson's first drive of the second half, when he made a 38-yarder.
Christina Long covers the Clemson Tigers for the Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. You can follow her on Twitter @christinalong00 or email her at clong@greenvillenews.com.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football beats Syracuse for first ACC win of 2023 season
