Observations from Clemson’s strong half in Syracuse
By: Cameron Burnett September 30, 2023

SYRACUSE — The Clemson Tigers got off to a quick start in the JMA Wireless Dome. Takeaways, highlighted by Syracuse mistakes, gave an early lead to Dabo Swinney’s squad.

Eventually, the Orange woke up and responded with a touchdown to cut into the. A strong first quarter was forgotten by some shaky football, but Clemson delivered their best drive of the day before half for a 21-7 lead. Here’s all the observations at the break from Syracuse.

-Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader is heavily reliant on his legs, and paid for it on the first drive. After breaking two tackles, he was folded by Clemson defensive end Justin Mascoll for a fumble. The Tigers cashed in with a touchdown. Interesting to mention that quarterback Cade Klubnik started the drive with a pass that should’ve been intercepted, but he dodged a bullet there.

-On that first touchdown drive, Klubnik put teach tape on the score. He evaded a sack attempt and scrambled right while keeping his eyes downfield. Wide receiver Troy Stellato was streaking through the end zone and Klubnik delivered a laser on the run for the score. One of Klubnik’s best plays of the year without question.

-The pass rush was ferocious in the first half, immediately negating Shrader’s scrambling prowess with two sacks on the second drive. He and LeQuint Allen must’ve heard some footsteps, because it led to a fumbled pitch and defensive end Xavier Thomas showed off his speed on a 20-yard return. That set up Clemson at the 3-yard line and running back Will Shipley punched it in.

-Tackling was a mess for the Tigers in the first half. None more obvious than the 28-yard score from Shrader to tight end Dan Villari. He could’ve been brought down for a 15-yard gain, but three Clemson defenders didn’t even get close to making the play. That has to be cleaned up.

-Tyler Brown is officially the star of this offense. The numbers may not show it in full, but the Tigers look to find him the ball in many different ways. Whether it be crossers, short passes or jet sweeps, Brown’s the guy.

-With 3:25 left in the first half, Klubnik stayed poised. He extended the drive with his legs on a 14-yard run, then delivered a deep bomb to wide receiver Beaux Collins for a 47-yard score. That stabilized Clemson, and they needed it.