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Tait Reynolds can't get Clemson into end zone vs Syracuse but seals win with late runs
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- Tait Reynolds can't get Clemson into end zone vs Syracuse but seals win with late runs
SYRACUSE, NY – Clemson football defeated Syracuse 18-13 on Nov. 7. That's what will matter to Tigers coach Dabo Swinney at the end of the day.
The offense had little to do with the victory, though. The Tigers (6-3, 4-2 ACC) failed to score an offensive touchdown against the Orange (4-5, 2-5), and their only touchdown came when defensive end Jahiem Lawson scooped up a fumble and took it 22 yards.
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Freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds has said multiple times this season that Clemson 's offense will eventually pop, especially in the red zone. It didn't against Syracuse. Seven of the Tigers' drives crossed into opposing territory, and three reached the red zone, but the Tigers couldn't capitalize.
Reynolds went 17-of-28 for 161 passing yards and one interception, and also rushed for 61 yards.
"I think it all just comes back to the quarterback," Reynolds said. "I've got to command and lead out there and be better, right? So we'll go on tape and see what it is."
Reynolds said similar things after multiple games earlier this season and has gotten into a habit of blaming himself for Clemson's offensive issues. Reynolds said that's part of being the Tigers' starting quarterback.
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"Ultimately, I'll always take it," Reynolds said. "I'm the guy leading it out there, and we'll go back on the tape and look at it (and) get better."
Clemson was down four offensive starters: left guard Elyjah Thurmon (concussion), center Harris Sewell (ankle), running back Gideon Davidson (ankle) and wide receiver Tyler Brown (ankle).
Swinney praised Gavin Blanchard and Grant Wise, who started for Thurmon and Sewell, respectively. He said he was proud of both for how they "managed the game."
Tait Reynolds seals Clemson win with 2 late first-down runs
It wasn't all bad for Reynolds.
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Like the Florida State game, Reynolds had another key third-and-long conversion on a run late in the fourth quarter. It wasn't a 79-yard rushing touchdown, but Reynolds picked up 10 yards on third-and-8 to move the chains.
"We felt like a quarterback draw was the right call," Swinney said. "We went with a lead draw, and he did a really good job of setting the lanes. He was patient and let it develop, and then he just went and hit it. This kid is a big, strong runner, and he's just gotten confident. He's gotten more and more confident."
Reynolds followed up two plays later with a 13-yard run on second-and-8 to seal Clemson's victory.
"I thought the last call was a great call by (offensive coordinator Chad Morris)," Swinney said. "(Reynolds) just made a good read. We talk about how he missed some reads early in the season, but that's growth. That was a critical play by our quarterback."
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Nick Coppola covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA Today Network. Email him at ncoppola@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @Nick_Coppola__ and like his Facebook page at Nick Coppola, Clemson Sports .
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Tait Reynolds can't get Clemson into end zone vs Syracuse but seals win with late runs
