Clemson keeps on winning

Clemson used a dominant defensive performance to secure an 18-13 victory over Syracuse on Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome, earning an important ACC road win.

The Tigers (6-3, 4-2 ACC) relied on their defense to make the difference in a hard-fought contest. Neither team found the end zone offensively during the first half, as Clemson carried a narrow 9-6 advantage into halftime. Kicker Nolan Hauser provided the scoring for the Tigers, connecting on three field goals.

Clemson extended its lead in the third quarter when Hauser drilled a 54-yard field goal to make it 12-6. The biggest play of the afternoon came shortly afterward. Defensive tackle Kourtney Kelly forced Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli to fumble, and Jahiem Lawson recovered the loose ball and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown. The defensive score gave Clemson an 18-6 advantage.

Syracuse (4-5, 2-5 ACC) refused to go away. Angeli connected with Daunte Bacheyie for a 33-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 18-13 with just over three minutes remaining.

The Orange had another opportunity to make things interesting, but Clemson's defense delivered when it mattered. Cornerback Ashton Hampton intercepted Angeli in the end zone earlier in the fourth quarter, stopping a promising Syracuse scoring opportunity.

Freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds helped Clemson close out the victory with several important rushing plays on the final possession.

Reynolds finished with 161 passing yards and 61 rushing yards, while Jarvis Green contributed 85 rushing yards. Bryant Wesco Jr. led Clemson with 100 receiving yards.

The victory gave Clemson consecutive wins and another important step toward finishing the ACC season strong