CLEMSON — Earlier in the week, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney insisted his team was going to turn things around. He said the Tigers were one or two plays away from being undefeated.

That was not the case on Saturday.

Syracuse made sure it was never close as the Orange stunned the Tigers with a commanding 34-21 victory at Memorial Stadium.

Quarterback Steve Angeli completed 18 of 31 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns in leading the Orange to their first victory in Death Valley in six tries.

Clemson was led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, who had his best game of the season for the most part. The senior threw three touchdown passes and for 363 yards on 37 of 60 passing. He also threw one interception. Both of his completions and attempts were career highs.

Adam Randall had a career day, rushing for 130 yards on 16 carries. He also caught a touchdown pass from Klubnik and caught six total passes for 29 yards. He returned two kicks for 53 yards. His 212 all-purpose yards were a career high as well.

Worst start in 21 years

After opening the season as a preseason No. 4 team, Clemson lost fell to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in the ACC. This marks the first time the Tigers have started a season 1-3 since 2004, and obviously it is its worst start in the Dabo Swinney era.

Worst start in ACC in 15 years

With the loss to the Orange, Clemson is 0-2 in the ACC, its worse start in conference play since 2010 when the Tigers lost to Miami and North Carolina to start ACC play.

No homefield advantage

Clemson has lost its last four home games to Power 4 opponents, dating back to last year’s loss to Louisville. The last time that happened was at the end of the 1994 season and into the 1995 campaign.

The Tigers lost to South Carolina at home to end the 1994 season and then lost to Florida State, Virginia and Georgia in Death Valley to start the 1995 season.

Another slow start

Fourth the fourth straight week, Clemson got off to a slow start. This time the Tigers fell behind 10-0, as the defense gave up an opening drive touchdown. The Orange then surprised Clemson with an onside kick, which they recovered at their own 46.

The onside kick led to a 23-yard Tripp Woody field goal. After the field goal, Syracuse had run 17 plays to Clemson’s 0.

Clemson has allowed every opponent to score before it scored.

Another weather delay

For the second straight home game, Clemson suffered through another long weather delay. In the Tigers’ win over Troy on Sept. 6, the Tigers and Trojans waited through a 90-minute weather delay in the first quarter.

On Saturday, the Tigers and Syracuse had to sit through a 95-minute delay due to heavy lightning in the Clemson area. The delay occurred just as the two teams were walking back on the field to start the second half.

Injuries

Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams, safety Khalil Barnes, left tackle Tristan Leigh and offensive guard Elyjah Thurmon all returned from injury.

Offensive guard Walker Parks was injured in the first quarter of the game, but he later returned to the game. Defensive end Will Heldt was banged up in the fourth quarter.

Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli left the game in the third quarter with an apparent foot injury.

Up Next

The Tigers get next week before heading to Chapel Hill, N.C., on Oct. 4 to play North Carolina.