Syracuse and Clemson just finished up in the Carrier Dome. Truth be told, it looked like the game was over within the first two minutes. After getting the kickoff in the first half, Clemson needed only two plays to go 75 yards for a touchdown, including a gorgeous 60 yard pass from Deshaun Watson to Charone Peak.
Then on SU’s first offensive snap, a bad exchange between Mahoney and Fredericks led to a fumble that was recovered by Clemson. They scored three plays later and the Syracuse football team was in a 14-0 hole less than two minutes in.
The tide would change quickly for the Orange, as on their next two defensive possessions they forced consecutive fumbles from Clemson and recovered both. They turned the first turnover into a touchdown on the very next play as Ervin Philips burst 28 yards right through the middle and was untouched.
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Two series later, Fredericks took a handoff for a huge gain down to the 12 yard line. The next play, Mahoney scored on the QB keeper to tie the game at 14.
The remainder of the first half went back and forth. Clemson scored two more quick touchdowns, then Syracuse responded with a field goal. Then, just before halftime, Clemson converted on a field goal of their own to take a 31-17 lead into the break.
The second half, which is normally the downfall of the Syracuse defense, was actually a tremendous effort by the whole team. The defense held Clemson to only 6 points and no touchdowns, while also picking up an interception.
The offense, mostly thanks to Zack Mahoney, actually oustcored the Tigers 10-6. They moved the ball effectively on the ground and occasionally through the air.
In the end, Clemson came away with the 37-27 victory, but I was incredibly impressed with the effort Syracuse put forth. They played hard for four quarters and made a heck of a lot of Clemson fans very nervous.
Even though they lost, there were a bunch of players for Syracuse who had outstanding performances.
Zack Mahoney had a very good game. He ran for 76 yards and a two touchdowns, and threw for 80 more. He also had a 58 yard pass called back on a penalty, and had a number of passes dropped. He looked confident, and made some outstanding decisions on the read option that opened up huge gains as well as the first Orange touchdown.
Nov 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange running back Jordan Fredericks (22) runs for good yardage during the first quarter of a game against the Clemson Tigers at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Ervin Phillips and Jordan Fredericks both had good games, although Fredericks left just before the half with an upper body injury. He did not return. They each scored a touchdown in the first half, and both looked very fast and shifty in the open field.
On defense, Kayton Samuels and Qaadir Sheppard both had solid games on the defensive line. They both made some good plays in stopping the run and containing Deshaun Watson in the pocket.
Ron Thompson also had himself a great game, recording five tackles (two for a loss) and three pass deflections. He also drew two holding penalties from Clemson and continually put edge pressure on Watson all game.
In the secondary, things looked incredibly bad to start the game as they were repeatedly torched deep. However, Cordell Hudson actually played a good game on the outside, breaking up a couple passes and repeatedly making excellent open field tackles.
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Riley Dixon had his normal efficient game, putting two punts inside the 20 and bombing a 64-yarder in the fourth quarter. He also converted on a fake punt pass after the Clemson defender basically tackled the receiver and drew a pass interference penalty. Even if he doesn’t have much of a shot at the Heisman, he’s making a strong case for the Ray Guy award given to the nation’s best punter.
Overall, it stinks that Syracuse lost again, but there were some positives to take away. Aside from the individual players, I have to give some credit to the coaching staff. Shafer and company called a very quality game of running and misdirection with the read option. They also sprinkled in just enough shots down the field to keep Clemson honest. Add in the fake punt and it was a well-called game all around.
Unfortunately the Syracuse football team now falls to 3-7 on the year. Next week they will hit the road to face off against 6-4 North Carolina State. Check back all week for complete coverage of the game. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest news and information about Syracuse sports.