Syracuse34 @FINAL 21Clemson , Week 4, Sep 20, 2025

Coach Fran Brown's bold first-half gambles, including an onside kick and a fourth-down conversion, set the tone and built an early 10-0 lead, demonstrating a win-at-all-costs mentality that could carry over into future games.

Starter Steve Angeli left with a lower leg injury in the third quarter and is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks, forcing Syracuse to rely on backup Rickie Collins, who threw a touchdown pass in relief but now faces a bigger role.

Syracuse outgained Clemson 303-240 in the first half and rushed for 123 yards on 19 carries, controlling the line of scrimmage and setting up their offensive success, a key factor to replicate against Duke.

Clemson's quarterback accused Syracuse of faking injuries to disrupt momentum, which could draw scrutiny and affect the team's reputation, but the tactic was effective in slowing Clemson's drives.

Syracuse hosts Duke next Saturday, and with Angeli likely out, the team must adjust its game plan to support Collins while maintaining the aggressive play-calling and defensive intensity that led to the upset.

Clemson fell to 1-3 (0-2 ACC) for the first time since 2004, marking the worst start of Swinney's head coaching career. The Tigers began the season ranked No. 4 but have lost all national championship hopes after four weeks.

Despite Cade Klubnik throwing for 363 yards and 3 TDs, the offense lacked consistency. The defense hurt itself with three costly first-half penalties (two roughing the passer, one unnecessary roughness) totaling 45 yards and three first downs, preventing complementary football.

Coach Swinney described the loss as a 'very low day' and noted the team is 'beat up emotionally and physically.' He emphasized the need to reset goals and find a way to win, but the Tigers face a tough road ahead with a game at North Carolina on Oct. 4.