CLEMSON– Despite Adam Randall’s best efforts, it was his third-quarter fumble that sealed Clemson’s fate in an, historic, 34-21, loss to Syracuse on Saturday.

For the first time, Syracuse defeated the Tigers at Memorial Stadium, while sending Clemson to 1-3 to start a season for the first time since 2004.

Randall began the afternoon as the clear bright spot for Clemson’s offense.  By halftime, the senior had racked up rushing 96 yards, accounting for more than half of the Tigers’ total production. 

His second-quarter score, delivered on a pass from quarterback Cade Klubnik, marked the fourth straight game in which Randall found the end zone for six.

His versatility as both a runner and a receiver has been one of the Tigers’ few constants this season.

After a lengthy halftime delay, Clemson’s offense returned to the field facing a 10-point deficit. 

Randall powered the Tigers down the field on the opening drive of the third quarter, picking up three first downs, including a hard-fought 13-yard run. 

But the drive fell apart, and Clemson punted. Syracuse capitalized with a field goal to extend its lead to 27-14.

After the Tigers’ defense forced the Orange (3-1, 1-0 ACC) to punt, the ball was back with Clemson. With two minutes remaining in the third quarter, Clemson’s offense had a chance to swing the momentum. 

Once again, the ball was in Randall’s hands. The one who had kept this Tiger team alive all day.

But this time, on the Tigers’ 16-yard line, the senior fumbled. Syracuse recovered, and the energy inside Memorial Stadium shifted for good.

For a player defined by toughness, grit, and work ethic, the mistake was uncharacteristic. Randall has been the motor of Clemson’s offense all season, but on Saturday, his misstep set the tone of the rest of the game. 

Despite the fumble, Randall recorded a career high with 130 rushing yards, added a career-high seven receptions for 44 yards, also added 53 kickoff return yards for a career-high 227 all-purpose yards. He became the first Clemson player to record 200 all-purpose yards since Will Shipley’s 242 yards against Syracuse in 2022.