Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli spearheaded a remarkable 34-21 upset victory over Clemson on Saturday, handing the Tigers their worst 4-game start since 2004 and intensifying pressure on head coach Dabo Swinney.
The game, played at Clemson’s home stadium, saw Syracuse jump out to an early lead and maintain control throughout. Angeli delivered an impressive performance, completing 18 of 31 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns before leaving late in the game with a leg injury. His primary targets, Justus Ross-Simmons and Johntay Cook II, were major contributors, with Ross-Simmons hauling in five catches including two touchdowns for 53 yards, and Cook amassing 113 yards on six receptions.
On the ground, Syracuse’s Yasim Willis dominated with 92 yards rushing on 17 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt. Will Nixon also added a rushing touchdown, helping head coach Fran Brown’s squad to a well-rounded offensive output.
Clemson’s quarterback Cade Klubnik threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Adam Randall recorded 130 rushing yards on 16 attempts. Despite these statistics, Clemson was unable to stem Syracuse’s balanced attack or capitalize consistently in key moments. Randall later acknowledged a critical second-quarter fumble that shifted momentum.
The loss drops Clemson’s season record to 1-3, marking the worst start for the program since the 2004 season, a significant decline for a team accustomed to contending for playoff berths and ACC championships. Analysts have voiced concerns about the Tigers’ current competitiveness, debating the robustness of the program’s elite status traditionally associated with Swinney’s tenure.
Dabo Swinney, Clemson’s long-time head coach, now faces intense scrutiny as the program navigates uncharted territory with this difficult start. The team’s performance has sparked discussions about potential adjustments and soul-searching necessary to regain their previous level of dominance in college football.
Syracuse’s victory is a testament to their resilience and talent under coach Fran Brown, showing a capacity to challenge favored programs and energize their ACC standing.