In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the college football world, the Syracuse Orange defeated the Clemson Tigers on their home turf, Memorial Stadium, also known as Death Valley. The Orange delivered a dominant performance, showcasing a powerful running game and a stifling defense that silenced the usually boisterous Clemson crowd.
Syracuse started strong, capitalizing on an early onside kick recovery by Greg Delaine. This unexpected momentum propelled them down the field for an opening-drive touchdown, setting the tone for the game. Quarterback Steve Angeli, leading the nation in passing yards, efficiently managed the offense, keeping the ball moving with quick passes and leveraging a no-huddle strategy that opened up the running lanes.
The Orange's rushing attack proved unstoppable, led by Yasin Willis' impressive 77-yard performance on nine carries. Will Nixon added another touchdown to extend Syracuse's lead, highlighting the Orange's effective time-of-possession strategy, dominating the first quarter with over 10 minutes of possession. Key offensive plays also included a 22-yard touchdown reception by Darrell Gill Jr. and a crucial 12-yard touchdown grab by Justus Ross-Simmons, who continues his streak of scoring at least one touchdown per game this season.
While Clemson fought back, scoring on a 38-yard touchdown pass to Bryant Wesco Jr., the Syracuse defense held strong. Despite a few missed opportunities, including a missed sack by Devin Grant, the Orange defense largely contained Clemson's high-powered offense, forcing multiple three-and-outs and preventing substantial scoring drives. The defensive line, masterfully schemed by Jeff Nixon, effectively neutralized Clemson's formidable front seven, a significant accomplishment considering the Tigers' reputation.
The game marked a significant victory for Syracuse, not only for the upset win but also for the resilience shown by the team. The Orange overcame a few injury scares, including a brief moment when Angeli grabbed his knee. The return of key players like Willis and Trevion Mack from injury also contributed to their success. This win builds on their recent improvements, showcasing a team that has addressed their slow-start issues. The game underscored the remarkable performances of Angeli's passing efficiency, Demetres Samuel Jr.'s nation-leading deflections, and Dan Villari's strong receiving numbers.
Ultimately, Syracuse's victory serves as a testament to their well-executed game plan, disciplined play, and ability to dominate in a hostile environment. This upset win is sure to send ripples through the college football rankings and significantly impact the playoff conversation.
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Originally published at: https://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2025/09/syracuse-football-at-clemson-live-score-updates.html
