The Syracuse Orange know a lot about tough luck. Clemson football traveled to the Carrier Dome and escaped with a 17-14 victory against the hard-luck Orange on Friday night.
The Clemson defense was bend, don’t break all evening.
This was the third close game the Orange have played in the conference this season. Syracuse played one-possession games against Florida State and Wake Forest. This loss is their third consecutive three-point loss this season.
Though the defense gave up 356 points, the Orange could only muster 14 points. Syracuse running back Sean Tucker had another solid performance, running for 157 yards, his fifth 100-yard game this season.
Clemson’s defense did adjust to Tucker and the Syracuse running game in the second half, limiting the Orange offensively.
Offensively, Clemson flashed at times and sputtered in others. Offensive coordinator Tony Elliot simplified the game plan for quarterback D.J. Uiagelelei, throwing for just 5.3 yards per attempt.
The Orange, however, did have an opportunity to win the game late. After forcing the Tigers to punt late in the fourth quarter, Syracuse had a chance to either tie or win the game. Despite some penalties and a negative play, the Orange moved the ball into plus territory.
On their last fourth down, head coach Dino Babers decided to kick a field goal instead of going for the first down on fourth and short. Kicker Andre Szmyt missed the game-tying field goal.
Tough luck once again for the Orange.