CLEMSON – Veteran defensive end Jahiem Lawson got into the end zone for the first time in his five-year career as Clemson scored its first touchdown against Syracuse to take a 18-6 lead at the JMA Wireless Dome.

After failing to convert any touchdowns in the first half, the Tigers opened the third quarter with a defensive stop and a long field goal from kicker Nolan Hauser. With 7:13 left to play in the third quarter, the Orange began a drive on their own 35-yard line.

As quarterback Steve Angeli dropped back to attempt a pass, defensive tackle Kourtney Kelly forced a lateral pass that carried one yard backwards, despite having a forwards arm motion. As a result, Lawson was able to scoop the ball up as a fumble and run it in for a touchdown.

At first, the officials ruled it the play as a strip sack, but upon further review, it was confirmed as a lateral pass.

The play marked the first touchdown by a defensive lineman this season and the first defensive touchdown since safety Kylon Griffon scooped up a fumble for a scoop-and-score against Charleston Southern back on Oct. 17. Lawson’s older brother, Shaq, also scored for the Tigers in 2014, sacking a quarterback for a safety.