Down Goes Number Two

If you told me the #2 Clemson Tigers would be upset by the 3-3 Syracuse Orange, I’d think you were crazy. Although the Orange have played great football this year, and have really revived the program, Clemson’s defense and the dual threat quarterback Kelly Bryant just looked too good in previous games for the Cuse to handle. But what does anyone know? The Tigers were upset by the Orange 27-24 last night and this is easily the biggest upset of the year, as Clemson got its 11 game winning streak snapped.

Syracuse jumped out to an early 14-7 lead after one quarter, as the Orange’s quarterback, Eric Dungey, threw a 23 and 66 yard touchdown, while the Tigers could only scrape together a 37 yard touchdown run by Tavien Feaster. Many people including myself thought that, after a slow start, Clemson would explode, but heading into the half they only had a total of 14 points, as their defense scooped up a fumble and returned it for 63 yards. Cuse added a 21 yard field goal, however, to keep the lead going into halftime.

Coming out of the half, it was evident that Syracuse had all the momentum they needed, as they were at home and had the crowd rocking. They were able to add another 30 yard passing touchdown in the third, but Clemson tied it up with a 30 yard field goal and a 52 yard touchdown run from Travis Etienne. Heading into the fourth it was anyone’s game, as both teams showed their ability to win this. But in the fourth, it was defense that shined as the defensive units practically held both offensive units to a scoreless fourth quarter. A 30 yard field goal by the Orange to take the lead was the only score seen during the last quarter of the game. If the Orange could give credit to one part of their team that shined the most last night, it would be Syracuse’s defense, as they stopped any potential drives to take the lead. The Orange played with true grit against Clemson to take the W.

Although the Tigers quarterback was injured in the game and left with a concussion, he did not play to his standards as he went 12-17 for a 116 yards and had 4 rushes for -8 yards. The leading rusher only had 68 yards for Clemson, as the defense still played tough and helped out with a score. This is one game that Clemson will have to forget in order to move forward. For Syracuse, their quarterback, Eric Dungey, had a big game, going 20-32, throwing for 278 yards and adding three touchdowns. But like I said before, Cuse’s defense deserves so much credit, as they shut down a high powered offense to secure this upset tonight.

What does this mean for the Clemson Tigers? Well, in order to have a shot at the playoffs this year, they can’t lose anymore games, and must add a few impressive wins in order to secure a spot. What I mean by this is they may have to blow out a good team one or two times, instead of a normal close game win in order to secure a playoff spot. I still believe this is possible, especially sinc Clemson possesses a lot of talent, and Kelly Bryant is still being molded and will explode onto the scene. Plus with Clemson’s great defense, they have a good shot to make it.

For the Syracuse Orange, this won’t get them to the playoffs, but for a program that hasn’t been the best in the past, this is a major boost, as they now are 4-3 and have momentum for the rest of the season from this major upset. For the first time in recent memory, they look like a team that can actually play great and make a big bowl game for the first time in a long time.

Written by Domenic Buccini