Clemson and Syracuse are locked in a field-goal fest, as the Tigers have taken a 9-6 lead into halftime.

Despite a couple of early explosives, the Tigers have once again struggled to move the ball consistently inside the red zone. Rushing yards have also been hard to come by as Clemson has run for just 68 yards in the first half. However, 53 of those came on one run by Jarvis Green, who has not had a carry since the first offensive possession.

Tait Reynolds is 8-of-14 for 104 yards, and the freshman threw a bad interception with just under a minute left in the half.

The defense has allowed Syracuse 188 yards of total offense, with 59 of those coming on the ground. Steve Angeli is only 10-of-24 for 129 yards. Syracuse is 4-of-11 on third down.

Red Zone Woes

This offense is just downright bad inside the red zone. The Tigers were inside the Syracuse 20-yard line three times in the first half and had to settle for field goals all three times. It’s been a persistent issue all season long, as the Tigers are now just 11-of-30 on touchdowns in those opportunities.

The play calling isn’t helping a whole lot, as things are awfully conservative on third down. Clemson has converted just one third down in seven tries.

Reynolds Still Little Off On Deep Balls

Chad Morris has certainly tried to push the ball down the field some in the first half. Reynolds connected with Bryant Wesco for 53 yards in the second series. However, despite the catch, the ball was a little underthrown. Later in the half, Reynolds tried connecting with Wesco again on a deep throw down the middle of the field. If the ball is out in front of Wesco, it is an easy touchdown. Instead, it was once again underthrown. Wesco was able to draw a pass interference penalty. It’s an area that Reynolds needs to improve in.

Red Zone Issues Continue

Clemson has been abysmal when it comes to converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns. The Tigers were just 11-of-27 in such cases coming into the game. On each of the first two possessions, the offense got an explosive play and would set up shop inside the 20. Both times the offense would stall and have to settle for a Nolan Hauser field goal. The Tigers got another red zone opportunity in the second quarter and once again had to settle for a Hauser field goal.

Rare Special Teams Issues

After the defense got its first stop of the day on a three-and-out late in the first quarter, the Tigers made their first major mistake when Wesco could not reel in a line-drive punt. Syracuse would recover the fumble at its own 40-yard line. It was a rare mistake from the Tigers’ special teams unit that has been extremely efficient under first-year coordinator Rich Bissacia. Fortunately, the defense was able to hold and get the ball back to the offense.

Three plays later, the Tigers were punting it right back to the Orange, and Demetres Samuel Jr. was able to return it 18 yards, setting up the Syracuse offense around midfield. The Tigers were allowing 7.7 yards per punt return coming into the game. Once again, the defense would force a punt.

Hauser would finally miss a field goal early in the second quarter when Dabo Swinney chose to let him try a 57-yard attempt. The attempt came up just short. Hauser has hit from 59 this season, and this was his first miss from outside 50 yards this season. He did bounce back and hit a 37-yarder later in the half. Hauser is now 26-for-28 this season.

Right Side Still Weak Link

It’s been a common theme this season, but the right side of the Clemson offensive line has experienced a lot of trouble in the opening half. Collin Sadler has been beaten off the edge multiple times. Easton Ware, at right guard, has also had some struggles. The Orange have sacked Reynolds three times in the first half.

– Photo courtesy of Clemson Athletics