In this episode of Saturday vs Sunday, we break down how Syracuse handed Clemson their second ACC loss and effectively ended the Tigers’ playoff hopes. Clemson now sits at 1–3, their worst start in nearly four decades, and the cracks are showing everywhere. Despite putting up over 500 yards of offense, it never felt like Clemson was in control. Penalties, sloppy play, and wasted possessions turned into Syracuse opportunities — and the Orange capitalized.
We talk about Fran Brown’s gutsy onside kick in the first quarter, a perfectly executed surprise that set the tone and energized Syracuse early. From there, the Orange matched Clemson punch for punch and forced multiple turnovers on downs in the second half. Even when the Tigers threatened to rally, Syracuse’s defense held firm. By the fourth quarter, it was clear the Orange were the tougher, more disciplined team.
On the Clemson side, the frustration boiled over — we even saw fans booing their own team in Death Valley. For a program that has two national titles under Dabo Swinney, that moment symbolized just how far expectations have fallen. Cade Klubnik and the offense still can’t finish drives, and the defense gave up nearly 300 yards passing to Syracuse, even after the starter went down.
We close the episode giving Syracuse full credit. Fran Brown has his team believing, and with Clemson fading, the Orange now have a path to real relevance in the ACC. Arrows up for Syracuse, arrows way down for Clemson.