Syracuse Football: Scoop and score was huge; turnovers are everything

So far this afternoon in Death Valley, the Syracuse football MOB defense has come through, big time, in the Orange’s Atlantic Coast Conference clash with No. 5 Clemson.

In the third quarter, for one, the Tigers’ offense had terrific field position after returning a ‘Cuse punt into Syracuse football territory. But the Orange defense forced a fumble, which was also the fourth takeaway owned by Syracuse football as the game continued on in the third quarter from Memorial Stadium.

The ‘Cuse (6-0), ranked No. 14 in the country and looking for a massive upset of Clemson on the Tigers’ own turf, boasted two pivotal turnovers in the first half to stifle the Clemson offense.

I have to say, if not for these turnovers, Syracuse football might not be leading the Tigers. At the time of this writing in the third quarter, the Orange held a 21-10 advantage over Clemson (7-0).

Even as I am penning this column, defensive back Jason Simmons Jr. intercepted the Tigers’ quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei.

In the first half, Syracuse football had two huge takeaways against Clemson.

So beyond Simmons’ pick and a Clemson fumble, during this contest’s first half, as the Tigers were driving in Orange territory and looking like they would punch the ball into the end zone, the ‘Cuse MOB defense came up huge. Really, really huge.

Defensive back Ja’Had Carter, first, had an interception of Uiagalelei. Then, in perhaps the biggest play of the day so far, star cornerback Duce Chestnut caused a fumble as Clemson was nearing the Syracuse football goal line.

Then, Carter scooped up the ball and took it 90 yards for a touchdown. That was basically a 14-point swing, and at that moment, the Orange went up 14-7 over the Tigers.

Syracuse football would take a 21-10 lead into the locker room at halftime. The ‘Cuse has a 4-0 edge so far in the turnover department, and if the Orange can keep that going, I think that Syracuse football has a truly legitimate chance to stun Clemson in Death Valley.