Story by
Recap: Clemson takes down Syracuse on road behind dominant defense
- Story by
- Recap: Clemson takes down Syracuse on road behind dominant defense
Clemson 's offense never found the end zone Saturday, leaving its defense and Nolan Hauser to carry the scoring load. That combination proved enough for an 18-13 road win over Syracuse, pushing the Tigers to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in ACC play.
Dabo Swinney earned his 118th ACC regular-season victory, the most in conference history.
Advertisement
Hauser supplied 12 points with four field goals, including a 54-yarder that tied Clemson's single-season record with his 27th make. That kick also established the program's career record for field goals of at least 50 yards.
Jahiem Lawson delivered Clemson's lone touchdown in the third quarter, recovering a backward pass from Steve Angeli and returning it 22 yards. Kourtney Kelly's pressure helped create the opportunity, extending the Tigers' lead to 18-6.
Ashton Hampton intercepted Angeli in the end zone with 6:03 remaining, preventing Syracuse from capitalizing on a third-and-goal opportunity.
The Orange eventually scored with 3:12 left, but Tait Reynolds helped close the game with first-down runs of 10 and 13 yards.
Advertisement
Clemson won without an offensive touchdown for the first time since beating South Carolina in 2023.
The Tigers return to Memorial Stadium next Saturday, hosting Georgia Tech at 12:30 p.m. with a third consecutive victory available.
Contact us at @Clemson_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news, notes and opinions.
Clemson Tigers vs Syracuse Orange
| Quarter |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson |
6 |
3 |
9 |
0 |
18 |
| Syracuse |
3 |
3 |
0 |
7 |
13 |
Clemson Tigers vs. Syracuse Orange live updates, analysis
Refresh for the latest updates from Clemson's Wee k 10 showdown against the Syracuse Orange:
FINAL: Clemson 18, Syracuse 13
03:20 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Advertisement
That's the game for the Tigers. Solid win but still need to see more offense.
Huge first down from Reynolds
03:15 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
He gets it done with his feet! 10 yards and now Cuse has no timeouts.
Clemson allows a lighting quick touchdown
03:08 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Brutal defensive possession from Clemson right there. Looked like they were barley even trying. 18-13 now Clemson leads by 5. 3:12 left in the game.
Clemson punts
03:05 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
4:51 left. It's not over but Cuse will have to do a lot.
Just under 5 minutes left
03:02 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Advertisement
Clemson timeout. Tigers lead by 12 with the ball.
Interception!
02:56 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Jaheim Lawson tips the ball and Ashton Hampton picks it off. Huge!
Syracuse is driving
02:53 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
The Orange with a huge pass and catch that gets them 35 yards and just outside the red zone.
Clemson to punt
02:47 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Clemson settles with a punt.
Reynolds is getting it done with his feet today
02:44 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
A big 20 yard run from Tait Reynolds. Solid showing from the freshman so far.
END OF THIRD: Clemson 18, Syracuse 6
02:38 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Advertisement
Syracuse punts to end the third. Clemson is in control.
3rd down coming up for Syracuse
02:36 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Big third down here with just over a minute left in the 3rd quarter.
Clemson punts
02:33 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
The Tigers opt for a punt over a long field goal.
Wesco first down
02:28 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Nice third down conversion from Reynolds to Wesco right there.
Quick 3 and out for Syracuse
02:23 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Clemson's defense looks good this half. 6 minutes in the third as the Orange are set to punt.
Clemson scoop and score!
02:14 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Advertisement
Jaheim Lawson to the house after Kourtney Kelly strips the ball from Angeli! huge! Clemson leads 18-6. Sammy Brown gets a carry but doesn't convert the 2 point conversion.
Clemson 12, Syracuse 6
02:06 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Nolan. Hauser. 54 yard field goal as Clemson extends their lead.
Clemson converts on 4th and 1
02:03 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Reynolds takes it himself for the first down.
Clemson is driving
02:01 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
The Tigers are right near midfield. A nice drive so far.
Clemson gets a strong stop
01:58 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Advertisement
The Tigers start the second half the right way on defense. Clemson's offense will get their first possession of the half.
Time for the third quarter
01:54 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Syracuse will start with the ball as the third quarter is underway.
Nolan Hauser Clemson's best player?
01:48 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Hauser might be the Tigers' best player at this point. No saying where they'd be without him this season.
Clemson's offense needs to find ways to score touchdowns
01:39 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
The consistency of not being able to find the end zone is a little wild. One of the worst red zone offenses in the country.
Advertisement
END OF FIRST HALF: Clemson 9, Syracuse 6
01:33 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Really weird end to the half. Instead of clocking Angeli throws a weird slant.
Tait Reynolds interception
01:28 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Not really sure who he was looking for there. Syracuse will take over at their own 39.
Clemson gets the ball back with 1:09 left
01:26 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
The Tigers lead by 3 with 1 minute left in the first half. Let's see if they can find some points.
Clemson 9 Syracuse 6
01:19 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Nolan Hauser is true from 37. This Clemson offense is just genuinely awful near or in the red zone.
Advertisement
Wesco is having a day!
01:16 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Two huge catches from Wesco and the Tigers are in the red zone.
Clemson 6, Syracuse 6
01:11 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
After a tough miss from 32, the Syracuse kicker hits the 46 yarder. We are tied up.
Nolan Hauser misses the 57 yard field goal
01:03 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Was on the right path but too short. Unfortunate miss from the star kicker.
Tait Reynolds 18 yard first down
12:56 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Designed run for the freshman quarterback goes for 18 and a big first down.
Field goal no good!
12:50 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Advertisement
Neither team can do a thing in the red zone. The Orange actually miss a 32 yard field goal which is massive.
Syracuse is driving to end the first quarter
12:41 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
That's the first done. The Orange are driving again as Clemson leads 6-3.
Clemson will punt
12:38 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Pinned up near their end zone, the Tigers' offense can't get anything going. Syracuse gets the ball backs
Clemson gets the ball back
12:37 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
The Tigers make another stop and get the ball back.
Clemson forces 3 and out, Wesco muffs punt
12:32 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Advertisement
Perfect defensive possession from the Tigers but Bryant Wesco muffs the punt. Syracuse recovers at their own 40. Really bad one from Wesco.
Amare Adams sack
12:31 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Second of the day for the Tigers. 3rd and 18 now for Cuse.
Clemson 6, Syracuse 3
12:25 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
The Tigers settle for another red zone field goal. Nolan Hauser is the man though.
Reynolds with a beautiful ball to Wesco!
12:23 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
52 yards! What a beautiful ball from the true freshman.
Clemson 3, Syracuse 3
12:18 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Advertisement
Syracuse stalls in the red zone as well, leading to a field goal. 6:15 left in the first quarter.
Syracuse converts on third and 17
12:14 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
On a drag route of all things. Are we serious?
Huge sack from Lawson
12:14 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Desperately needed sack right there. Big third down coming up.
Syracuse is driving
12:11 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Three plays and the Orange are in Clemson territory.
Clemson 3, Syracuse 0
12:06 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Best kicker in college football Nolan Hauser nails the 55-yard field goal. Clemson's red zone offense has been awful.
Advertisement
Jarvis Green!
12:04 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
55-yard run on the first play of the game! What a run and some awesome blocking.
Clemson will start with the ball
12:02 PM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Here we go. Clemson offense gets the first shot.
Tait Reynolds on the road
11:55 AM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
The true freshman quarterback has started his career 2-0 on the road. Let's see if he can keep it up.
Almost game time
11:41 AM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
We're getting closer and closer. Hoping for some offensive fireworks from the Tigers, even with the injuries.
Advertisement
Tigers are ready
11:33 AM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Can Wesco and Moore get going?
11:26 AM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Clemson has two star wide receivers, even if the stats aren't showing it. They should have a ton of opportunities today with Tyler Brown and Gideon Davidson sidelined.
The guys getting ready
11:16 AM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
About an hour until kickoff
11:06 AM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
We're about an hour out. Hopefully Clemson shows up to play on the road today.
Dabo Swinney arriving for work
10:58 AM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Big test for Tait Reynolds
10:49 AM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Advertisement
Syracuse more often than not has found ways to be trouble for the Tigers. It should be a good test for the true freshman quarterback.
Game day injury report
10:42 AM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
Perfect football weather
10:26 AM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
It's looking like we're going to have some ideal football weather (even if it's dome). There are a lot of good games around college football today and a lot of these games will enjoy ideal conditions.
Clemson is the slight favorite
10:14 AM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
The Tigers head into this road matchup as just field goal favorites. Dabo Swinney needs this win.
Advertisement
How to watch Clemson vs Syracuse
10:04 AM ET, November 7 2026, Alexander Turri
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Recap: Clemson takes down Syracuse on road behind dominant defense
