SYRACUSE — The first ACC win is officially on the board for the Clemson Tigers, and they weathered the storm against a previously undefeated Syracuse team on the road, en route to a 31-14 win.

Both sides of the ball showed up in the JMA Wireless Dome, and this Clemson team’s identity is beginning to become clear. With that in mind, here’s three takeaways from the Tigers’ successful trip up north.

Tyler Brown is the real deal

We’ve seen it for a few weeks now, but it’s time to make it official. Freshman wide receiver Tyler Brown is the best weapon this offense has in 2023. No one has been more reliable and shown up in the numbers more.

He’s up to 21 catches for 316 yards and two touchdowns on the year. Those are team leaders in catches and yards, which is absurd for a freshman. Things might change when Antonio Williams returns, but for now, Brown is the heart of the Tigers offense.

Riley finally lets loose

Rejoice, Clemson fans. The deep ball is here. With the running game struggling on the road, offensive coordinator Garrett Riley put the game in the hands of quarterback Cade Klubnik. It paid dividends, and it was most obvious on downfield efforts.

The phrase “dirt raid” was emphasized in the off-season, but Riley went to the air in Syracuse. Two 47-yard gains were the main highlights, secured by Brown and Beaux Collins on the outside. With the defense the Orange were running, the Tigers accepted the challenge and made many efforts downfield.

Box score numbers don’t fully magnify the success, with a multitude of pass interference calls adding to the offensive success. While the run game has been the identity, it may be time for a change with the success Klubnik had letting loose.

LB unit lives up to the hype

The pair of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter earned a lot of traction and rightfully so. Through four games, they played well but not up to their high standards.

That changed against Syracuse, both making a team-leading seven tackles while Trotter had an interception. He could’ve had two with one he nearly came down with early in the fourth quarter. It’s a foregone conclusion both will be coveted NFL prospects, and this performance earned them some money.

For Clemson, it’s a great sign to see the leaders of the defense showing up, especially against a mobile quarterback. Garrett Shrader was entirely negated, and the linebacker duo had a heavy hand in that effort.